Proudly Filipino teener shines in New York

MALVAR made sure to wear a terno at the NYAFF awards ceremony. FACEBOOK PHOTO

As the song goes, “If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere.”

On her way to New York, young Filipino actress Therese Malvar received news that she had won a top acting plum for Ralston Jover’s “Hamog” at the 38th Moscow International Film Festival, an A-list event held in Russia recently.

Therese was en route to the United States to receive the Screen International’s Rising Star award at the 15th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) on July 1.

When it rains, it pours for the twice-blessed teener.

She described her first trip to the United States as a “dream come true.” Prior to this grand adventure, she told the Inquirer that she would like to sample the city’s restaurants and savor the sights as well.

Mission accomplished. During her whirlwind, four-day stay in the Big Apple, she searched for and found the best pizza (at Artichoke Bastille’s). “It tasted like mushroom soup and the cheese melts in your mouth. So delicious!”

She got to visit places she only saw in the movies and TV shows. “We went to Times Square, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, the World Trade Center, the Empire State Building. We took a stroll down Little Italy with my mom’s former classmates. We rode the subway, too!”

SOUVENIR snapshot with fellow NYAFF honoree John Lloyd Cruz is a dream come true for the 15-year-old actress. FACEBOOK PHOTO

She and mom Cherry also caught a Broadway show, “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”

She also got to fulfill another dream when she scored a souvenir snapshot with John Lloyd Cruz, who likewise attended the NYAFF to receive the Star Asia award. “John Lloyd was friendly. He, Sid (Lucero) and Annicka (Dolonius) were fun to hang out with.”

As for her own moment of glory, the 15-year-old was still floating on cloud nine days after her homecoming, recalling the awards ceremony held before a screening of “Hamog.”

“It was surreal,” she recounted. “I still can’t process that I got to receive such a wonderful recognition.” And it came in the same week as the landmark best actress win in Moscow, she added.

The back-to-back victory, she said, “made me believe in myself more, but at the same time, I am deeply humbled… Nakakaiyak. It made me shed tears of joy.”

Not a few New Yorkers complimented the pink modern terno she wore at the awarding.

“Liza Padilla of Elize Bride made it,” she explained. “I suggested a baro’t saya with a twist…because I wanted everyone to know that I am a Filipino and I am proud to be one. Wearing a traditional dress is my way of bringing my countrymen to the stage as I accepted the trophy. I hope I made everyone back home proud, too.”

The actual screening was memorable, as well, she related. “It was a fun festival! I love the team behind the NYAFF. I felt relaxed during the question-and-answer portion. I enjoyed myself.”

THERESE got to visit Times Square. FACEBOOK PHOTO

The GMA 7 talent noticed that the audience was keenly interested in the film. “I adore them. They were responsive and they freely expressed their opinions. I felt that they really connected with the film.”

The viewers’ questions mainly revolved around her tragic character’s uncertain future, she volunteered. “They would always ask about the film’s ending. What would my character Jinky do next? They also asked me about my roles in other movies. How come my roles were so serious…?”

Although the award ceremony was unforgettable, she pointed out that the trip was made more special because she got to visit relatives who are now based in that part of the world.

“I will forever cherish every moment of the festival,” she said. “But my fondest memory is finally meeting my paternal grandmother, Ma Brends, in person. My parents would often tell stories of how my grandma took care of me when I was a year old. We also met up with my Tito Joey and his family.”

New York was a sentimental journey for this kid. “In one word, it was perfect! It was more than what we had imagined and I’d love to visit again soon.”