Chariz Solomon tries hand at scriptwriting

Chariz Solomon

Chariz Solomon has always enjoyed writing. She composed songs and wrote scripts for plays and concerts back in high school. At one point, she even considered taking up journalism or mass communications and pursue a career in either of those fields.

She eventually ended up in show biz, where she became known more as an actress and television host. But little did she know that joining the cast of the long-running GMA 7 gag show “Bubble Gang” would rekindle her love of writing.

“I’m not that good yet, I have always felt that I have a passion for the craft. But I’m learning and I think I’m starting to get there,” she told the Inquirer in a recent interview.

Being surrounded by some of the industry’s most esteemed comedy writers, like Michael V and Cesar Cosme, it’s hard not to get inspired, Chariz said. And soon, she realized that her work shouldn’t be limited only to what goes on in front of the cameras.

“Whenever I’m given scripts, I make sure to study them carefully; I imagine writing them myself … Before long, I was talking to Direk Cesar and pitching my ideas to him. He said, ‘OK ‘yan. Now, make five more,’” recalled Chariz, who busied herself coming up with story ideas in between tapings.

“I’m always thinking about possible material. I think about what I like or what makes me laugh at the moment,” she added. “I love that I’m being productive.”

Now, Chariz is part of the show’s creative team. And in a way, brainstorming with other writers makes her feel like she’s having her “on-the-job training.”

“They encourage us to participate in the sessions. And feel na feel ko ’yun,” related Chariz, who took up tourism at the University of Santo Tomas.

One of her proudest moments was seeing her first-ever sketch, “Diary of Marjorie,” finally come to life.

“It ran for seven episodes and starred Valeen Montenegro and Lovely Abella. It was nice taking charge, for a change. I was very hands-on, down to the props and costumes. I was nervous and felt like a stage mom,” she quipped.

“But of course, not everything I wrote were good enough. Presenting your ideas to the team felt like defending a thesis,” added the 30-year-old Kapuso talent.

While working behind the scenes was something she didn’t believe she could do, she now sees it as a viable career path. And it’s all thanks to Michael V, who taught her the basics, and other writers behind “Bubble Gang.”

“Kuya Bitoy helped me ‘grow balls’. He made me realize that I can do this. They all believed in me. They’re the reasons I’m here,” she said. “It’s my honor working with these people and learning from them. I’m grateful for their patience and taking their time to teach me. It’s a scholarship of sorts!”

Chariz’s long-term goal and biggest dream is to write her own sitcom.

“That’s the plan. Right now, I just hope to continue writing. And if new opportunities and my schedule permits it, I will do it,” said Chariz, who’s also part of the coming local adaptation of the South Korean drama, “Descendants of the Sun.”

“This is also in preparation for my future,” she stressed. “I want to establish myself not only as an actor, but also as a writer.” INQ