Shaina, who hates singing, stars in Lav Diaz screen musical

I feel more comfortable doing complicated dance moves than making sure I hit the right notes Shaina Magdayao Actress

I’ve never prayed so hard in my life as I did while doing this,” said actress Shaina Magdayao when asked to recall her experience working on the latest Lav Diaz film, “Ang Panahon ng Halimaw” (The Season of the Devil).

The movie, which was described to Shaina by producer Bianca Balbuena as “an antimusical musical, a rock opera,” was shot entirely in Malaysia. Shaina plays a singer.

“I hate singing. I honestly don’t feel as confident as when I’m dancing. I feel more comfortable doing complicated dance moves and death-defying flips rather than making sure I hit the right notes when singing,” the 27-year-old actress confessed.

This came as a revelation since Shaina is the youngest sister of singer-actress Vina Morales. Their dad, Ike Magdayao, a former band vocalist, taught Shaina how to sing when she was 4 years old.

“When we were shooting, I didn’t have time for voice lessons because I was still working on (the ABS-CBN drama) ‘The Better Half.’ I tape for the series three times a week and during weekends, I fly to Malaysia for this. I prayed hard that I’d meet Direk Lav’s expectations,” Shaina recalled.

The actress added: “I only realized how effective an actress I was when I faced the camera [as a singer]. Even though I was feeling so nervous, I was able to pull it off. I kept thinking, Direk Lav wouldn’t cast me for the film if he didn’t see my potential.”

She said the entire cast would be singing throughout the movie. “It’s very interesting. I think it’s the first Filipino film of its kind,” she beamed. “Before this, all I’ve wanted was to work with Lav Diaz—and it’s finally happened!”

She recently announced on Instagram that she’d be part of yet another Diaz creation—“Ang Saka ni Henrico” (Henrico’s Farm), starring Charo Santos.

The actress hasn’t informed her dad of her role in “Ang Panahon ng Halimaw.” “I’m sure he will be so happy the moment he hears me sing. He’s really the singer in the family, and he knows how I hate singing,” Shaina pointed out. “But, for the moviegoers, I’m sure it will be awesome.”

Meanwhile, Shaina said the Magdayao family also has another reason to celebrate this month—it’s the 19th anniversary of Ystilo Salon, which now has 25 branches nationwide.