Boots Anson Roa
After being in show biz for almost 50 years, veteran actress Boots Anson Roa has noted that characters these days—particularly those for women—are generally more “textured” than the ones she played early in her career.
“My experiences help me interpret my roles better. And my observation is that life was simpler 30, 40, 50 years ago. Now there are more complexities, brought about by different factors, like social media,” she said at a press conference for the ongoing GMA 7 soap, “Hanggang sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko.”
“So, in keeping up with the times, female characters are more textured, more complex,” added Boots, who cited her character in the series, Adora, and her relationship with her caretaker as an example.
“The relationship is more than that of an employer and her employee. And that does exist now. Back then, kapag yaya ka, yaya ka. It was more black and white,” she stressed. “Now, you have to read your script more to inhabit your character better … in order to contextualize.”
Boots’ “Hanggang” costar Francine Prieto, meanwhile, echoed the seasoned actress’ sentiments, adding that woman empowerment is now more pronounced.
“These days, female characters are no longer just martyrs to be pitied. Many of our characters here don’t have partners; they’re independent women who can stand on their own feet,” she said.
“And I believe that what’s happening in real life, too—what women fight for—is being reflected in the stories being presented onscreen.” —ALLAN POLICARPIO