How HIV play feeds Cherry Pie’s soul

Cherry Pie Picache

Considering the stature of Cherry Pie Picache in the biz, she could just sit on her laurels. There’s nothing more that she needs to prove. But Pie is not the type who would be lulled into a sense of complacency. The seasoned actress keeps evolving.

Despite her frenzied schedule in doing movies and “teleseryes,” she made time to go back to her first love, theater, in Peta’s “Under My Skin” (UMS), which runs until March 22 at the Peta Theater Center (call 88919999).

The play focuses on stories of Filipinos living with HIV woven together by an epidemiologist (essayed by Cherry Pie) who ultimately hopes for a change in public perception, and a society afflicted not with ignorance and prejudice, but with compassion and understanding.

Presenting yet another “slice” of Pie, who just keeps getting meatier, here’s my chat with the actress:

What made you accept the offer to do “UMS”?

I’ve been wanting to do a play with Peta for the longest time. I grew up watching its plays and have known the group since I was in elementary. So when director Melvin Lee, who’s also a good friend, asked me if I wanted to and learned that it was an advocacy play, I said yes. Then, I prayed that it would all work out with my schedule.

Fortunately, it did, and I thank my Dreamscape family for its support and understanding, since I’m doing a show for them.

I’m at a point now where I want to make use of wherever I am to at least inspire, share and advocate issues that need our help and attention. Like, for this play, the alarming increase in HIV cases when it should be going down. It spreads awareness and understanding of HIV.

What are some misconceptions about HIV and AIDS that “UMS” tackles?

That it’s no longer a death sentence, as what a lot of people think. We have to end the stigma. An open mind is nee­ded, especially for patients who feel uncomfortable talking about it. It is a must that today’s young people understand it. We need to be more compassionate, because support is very important. We have to disseminate information without judgment.

You said that “a teleserye pays your bills, but theater feeds your soul.” Does it mean that theater is more fulfilling than TV shows and the movies?

My craft feeds my heart and soul. I thank God every day that I’m given the opportunity to express it in different platforms. And I give my 100 percent in all of them. You get a different kind of fulfillment for each one. To be blessed with that, aren’t we actors the luckiest or what?

Theater is an actor’s medium and since I don’t do it often, I make the most of it as much as I can whenever I’m given the chance. The discipline applies to all, it’s just a little different for theater since it’s live and there is no take two once you’re onstage. You can’t wing it … mastery is a must—from your lines to your blockings.

As a multiawarded actress, what kind of Filipino movie do you think could qualify for the Oscars?

I’ve always believed that Filipinos are at par with the world in terms of talent and skill. There is hope, and I think it’s really just a matter of time. Let’s continue to celebrate as they are now recognizing us, not only in cinema but with sports, as well. This should inspire us and the government to work harder hand in hand.

What are the lessons you learned in 2019?

God is the source of all. Less is more. Best things in life are free. More on gratefulness, kindness, compassion, taking action, generosity and love. Let’s spread love. To quote Mahatma Gandhi, “The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane.”