The daughter’s time to shine

MARA Lopez in “Debosyon,” where she plays an enigmatic maiden who lives in the forest.

“I’m not my mom. She’s a completely different person. But we don’t compete,” said Mara Lopez, who’s invariably tagged “daughter of actress and former beauty queen Maria Isabel Lopez.”

Mara said, “I don’t mind; I really am her daughter. But it’s also good that I’m starting to have my own identity. She once told me that she heard someone say, ‘Isn’t that Mara’s mom?’ Mom promised to always be there to support and guide me.”

Born Maria Isabella Lopez Yokohama, Mara, 22, first appeared on television via the GMA 7 drama anthology “Magpakailanman” in 2003. She then played minor roles in several drama programs on ABS-CBN. In 2011, Mara joined the Kapuso reality show “Survivor Philippines.”

Last year, she starred in the Ato Bautista sex drama “Palitan,” which won for her a best actress award from the annual Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival. Next came one of two lead roles in Alvin Yapan drama “Debosyon,” an entry in the New Breed category of the just-concluded 9th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

How is your mom reacting to your success?

She is very proud and supportive. For the first time in three years, she does not have a Cinemalaya entry. She said, “Anak, it’s your time to shine.” She was more excited about it than I was. I’m so proud of “Debosyon.” It’s a masterpiece.

What can you say about your character in “Debosyon”?

My character, Saling, lives in the forest. She is sort of a deity and the keeper of a very dark secret. I play opposite Paulo Avelino, who plays Mando. He gets lost in the forest. I find him, and our love story begins.

How much did you enjoy working on the film?

We shot the film for five days in Bicol. It was my first time there—I was mesmerized by the majestic Mayon Volcano the first time I saw it. The shoot was relaxing, even though we were in the jungle. Luckily, it didn’t rain.

How did you prepare for the role?

I had to learn how to let go of Mara and be Saling for a while. She is very quiet because she lives a secluded life. We’re the same in that sense because there are times when I like being alone. As for my character’s look, we took advantage of my real long hair. I wore very light makeup here, but since she is like a goddess, dapat maganda pa rin ako. Saling is the representation of a magayon (beautiful) woman so she has to look… majestic. That’s something I had to learn. Direk Alvin advised me to be conscious of my posture.

How was Paulo as a costar?

It was a lot of fun working with Paulo. I learned a lot from him. Since this movie is in Bicolano, we helped each other read lines for every scene. During breaks, we would talk in Bicolano with our language coach.

Paulo made me feel comfortable, especially when shooting our intimate scenes. Since we play lovers here, there were scenes that required us to be physically close to each other.

Can you describe Yapan as a director?

He’s a strong-willed person. He will not be easily swayed into accepting something that contradicts his position. He is awesome. Actually, the whole production team of “Debosyon” is amazing. I felt at home with them right away. I became such good friends with them, that I started seeing some of them after the shoot.

You seem to be enjoying acting a lot.

I’ve learned a lot about filmmaking from directors Ato and Alvin. It was “Palitan” that ignited my passion for acting. Direk Ato taught me a lot of things that I was able to apply to this film—like how to live my character and to forget about being Mara. These two directors both helped improve my craft. Now I know that this is what I really like to do.

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