Why Liezel considers playing ‘contravidas’ a blessing
Liezel Lopez
Five years after she first tried her luck in show biz, things are finally coming together for Liezel Lopez.
Although she was never without projects after her stint in “StarStruck” Season 6, it wasn’t until this year that the Kapuso talent started landing more prominent roles. She was one of the main villains in the recently concluded afternoon soap “Babawiin Ko ang Lahat” and is set to play the Boazanian noble Zandra in “Voltes V Legacy,” GMA 7’s live-action take on the iconic Japanese anime of the same title.
“I’m very happy and I feel blessed that I was given the chance to grow. I started out in ‘StarStruck,’ hoping to be an actress. But now, I have earned the network’s trust to do bigger projects. I learned a lot through the years, through the different shows that I did. The network also had us undergo workshops,” she told the Inquirer in a recent virtual conference. Plans on her career
Her recent projects had her playing contravidas. And she doesn’t mind if that’s how her home network plans to plot her career. “I have done different roles before and was given chances to explore. But I’m happy they’re building me up as a ‘contravida.’ I’m a big fan of Cherie Gil, who’s one of my idols,” she said.
“And as they say, ‘Walang bida kung walang kontrabida,’” she pointed out. “I will be happy to support the lead and help others shine … ”
The 23-year-old talent, who’s also a cast member of the longest-running gag show “Bubble Gang,” considers “Babawiin” as her first biggest break. But besides being given a meatier role, what she enjoyed most was working with experienced stars like Carmina Villaroel and John Estrada.
“It feels good working with veterans. They were caring and funny. They would joke around with us before takes and trusted us when we did our scenes together. We were like family,” recalled Liezel, who also got to experience being in a taping bubble. “It’s my first time working under these new working conditions.”
Blessing
Despite the pandemic, Liezel had no qualms taping. In these times, she stressed, being able to work at all is already a blessing. “I want to work. There are people who don’t get to work, so I don’t want to waste my opportunities,” she said. “I’m happy when I have projects.”
“I just have to be extra careful. I regularly take vitamins and observe the safety protocols,” she added. “I also trust my network when it comes to the work setup. They’re always safe and sanitized. And the vaccination is starting.”
Meanwhile, asked if she has ever considered joining beauty pageants, Liezel quipped: “I fell short in the height department!”
“I have tried that before, actually. I once joined a barangay pageant when I was young and finished second runner-up. But now, I feel like acting is a better fit for me,” said Lizel, who’s 5-foot-3. “But helping others through charities is something I would love to do … Maybe if they relax their height requirements in the future!
