Up close: Aiza Seguerra

“I CAN tell her (Liza Diño, right) my deepest, darkest secrets and not be afraid of being judged,” says Aiza. ARNOLD ALMACEN

Since my “dalaGAY” (gay son), IC, and Aiza Seguerra were child stars during the same era some “Coochie-coochie-coos” ago, I’ve always had a soft spot for Aiza.

Her mom (Tita Caring) and I have this running joke that they should marry and give us cute grandchildren. I enjoyed bonding with Aiza during our rehearsals for “Vagina Monologues.” I remember how jittery she was before the show but when it was her turn to speak, she wowed us all with her amazing delivery of such a graphic monologue. It made me admire her more. Her nervousness before going onstage  showed that she was not full of herself. Neither was she lulled into a false sense of complacency so she kept striving to outdo herself with each performance.

Let’s get up close and personal with the  MMFF’s (Metro Manila Film Festival 2013) Best Supporting Actress. If Ryzza Mae Dizon is “Aling Maliit,” Aiza could very well be “Aling Malaki.”

What was the best thing that happened to you in 2013?

A lot of great things happened last year—recognitions, projects, etc. Pero meeting Liza (Diño) was the highlight of that year and finally having a “family” was the best thing that happened to me.

What are your major plans this 2014?

Continue working. Work harder. I am more inspired, especially now.

What makes your relationship with Liza work?

We love each other immensely, passionately and we let each other know what we feel. We trust each other completely. We encourage one another to be the best version of ourselves. We share the same passion and we are each other’s number one fan. We have a lot of things in common but we embrace our differences, too. I could go on and on.

On your IG (Instagram), you posted a video of her belated Christmas gift to you. Tell us about that special moment?

May usapan kasi kami for Christmas na we should always have two gifts for each other—isang nasa wish list, isang surprise. I asked for an airbrush compressor since I wanted to start painting my toys. I’m into plastic model kits. For a surprise, she gave me a new messenger bag, a travel suitcase and a box full of model kits—from spaceships to Batmobile and Star Wars!

How do you both handle misunderstandings/jealousy attacks?

We always try to get to the bottom of things. We’re not afraid to say sorry, walang pride-pride na pinapairal … so we can go back to being happy again. That’s how much we respect each other/our relationship.

What’s your message to detractors of “My Little Bossings,” who insist that even if the film is a top-grosser, it lacks artistic merits?

I understand where they are coming from. Ang akin lang, huwag sana ma-overlook ’yung fact na pinagtrabahuhan namin ’yung pelikula just because of some scenes. It’s not easy to work with kids. So yes, there are things about the movie that people didn’t like and that’s all right but not acknowledging the hard work that people had put into it isn’t right.

As a former child superstar, what do you think is the charisma of Ryzza Mae and of Bimby (Yap)?

Ryzza’s wit is her goldmine. Si Bimby has this sosyal but endearing demeanor.

What’s your advice to Ryzza Mae and Bimby?

Enjoy their work but continue to learn about their craft. Get better every day.

In what ways do you see your younger self in Ryzza Mae?

Siguro ’yung sense of humor niya, very TVJ (Tito, Vic and Joey). Hindi pang bata. I was like that.

What’s more fulfilling for you—singing or acting?

Singing pa rin. It gives me that instant gratification. I live in the moment.

What’s your song for yourself these days?

Nothing specific. Parang lahat ng love songs na naririnig ko, nakaka- relate ako.

What’s your advice to Charice and her mom so they can finally see eye to eye?

To keep within the family na lang whatever it is they are going through. No more interviews. Public opinion can make it even harder.

Which LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) rights would you like to advocate?

The right to live like any heterosexual person na hindi na kailangan magkaroon ng classification na LGBT… [kundi] bilang taong may karapatan sa lahat ng bagay.

Is it easier to write a song when you’re sad or happy? Why?

AIZA, Metro Manila Film Festival 2013 Best Supporting Actress, with Liza arnold almacen

Sad. I don’t know. When I’m happy I tend to be speechless.

How do you make up for your lost childhood?

I never lost it. In fact, I’m still enjoying it.

Just for fun, do you have guy crushes?

Johnny Depp.

Who are your female, male, gay and lesbain role models? And in what ways have they influenced or inspired you?

Those people who continue to live the lives they chose despite living in prejudice and hate. Brave people inspire me.

What’s the best part and toughest part of being Aiza Seguerra?

Well, I have the best family, friends, job. The toughest. Hmmmm. Can’t think of anything.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who loved and lived.