Kyline Alcantara (right) and Snooky Serna
Through her upcoming film, “Black Lipstick,” lead actress Kyline Alcantara hopes to underscore the importance of self-love and acceptance among young people amid pressures from social media.
“I used to cry and feel bad about myself when I get bashed and come across hurtful comments about me on the internet. How could they say those things when they don’t know me or know what I have been through,” Kyline told the Inquirer at a recent press conference for the movie, which opens in cinemas on Oct. 9.
In “Black Lipstick”—a reimagining of the 1986 blockbuster hit “Blusang Itim” that starred Snooky Serna—Kyline plays Ikay, a girl who becomes the butt of jokes and a “living meme” in her university, because of her vitiligo, a disorder that causes white patches on her skin.
But upon discovering the magical black lipstick, which makes her skin look normal upon application, Ikay decides to lead a double life and assumes the identity of a social media influencer named Jessie.
Also in the cast are Snooky herself, who plays Ikay’s mother; and Manolo Pedrosa and Migo Adecer as the love interests.
“The story also touches on cyberbullying. My character doesn’t love herself and doesn’t have confidence, because her condition makes her feel insecure,” she explained.
At some point in her life, Kyline admitted that she was just like her character. “I used to have lots of insecurities. And I often compared myself to other artists. I didn’t know my worth,” the 17-year-old GMA 7 talent said.
But eventually, she realized that she had become so caught up with her perceived faults or shortcomings that she lost sight of the blessings coming her way.
“As I gained more experience here in the biz, I learned that comparing myself to others isn’t right, because all of us are unique. Little by little, l learned to love myself more, which in turn helped me build confidence,” said Kyline, who has starred in such series as “Kambal, Karibal” and “Inagaw na Bituin.”
“I also realized that I have accomplished a lot of things at my age. So I’m just living in the moment and savoring everything I have now,” she said, adding that having a solid support system is indispensable. “I try not to mind the bashers anymore… I know myself, and my friends and family love me for who I am.”
Kyline has done a number of television shows and indie projects in the past, but this is the first time she’s topbilling a mainstream film.
“This is a step-up for me, definitely, a level up. And I hope I can continue to land more jobs and build on what I have done so far,” she said.
But as excited as she is, she would be lying, Kyline quipped, if she said she’s not feeling like a nervous wreck at the moment.
“I’m anxious at how viewers will receive it,” Kyline pointed out. “But I will be grateful regardless of what happens.”
Luckily, her Tita Snooky is there to offer her guidance. “Not only do I feel honored that I had this chance to work with her, I’m also thankful for all the good words. She inspires me,” Kyline said.