Maine Mendoza
Because she’s her “own worst critic,” Maine Mendoza still gets shy and awkward when her costars shower her with praise about her growth as a performer.
“I still don’t know how to react because we’re our own worst critic, and we sometimes feel that what we’re giving is not enough in the things we do,” Maine said in reaction to her “Daddy’s Gurl” costar Vic Sotto describing her as a “natural talent” who has “evolved into a better actress and host.”
In fact, she still gets nervous when doing scenes with Vic, even if the latter works from home and shoots through online means. “I don’t think that will ever go away and it’s not his fault I find him intimidating,” she said. “He just has that kind of charm … you become unsure of how to act with him.”
Improvement
“But I’m happy that there are people there who appreciate what I do,” the 26-year-old star said in a recent Zoom conference for the said weekly sitcom, which is now in its third year.
Whatever improvement the viewers see in her, she credits to her longtime colleagues. “Whatever I’m able to deliver now or the growth people see, I have Bossing and my ‘Eat Bulaga!’ Dabarkads to thank for that. They’re the reason why I’m here. They all bring out the best in me,” she said.
In “Daddy’s Gurl,” which airs Saturday evenings, Maine plays the city girl and “pa-sosyal unica hija,” Stacy. When her mother dies, her father Barak (Vic) in the province moves in with her in a plush condo unit. And now, they must deal with each other’s contrasting lifestyles.
She attributed the show’s continued success to the rapport of the cast members. “We all get along off-cam so people see that on television, too. Our relationship with each other comes natural and it looks natural,” Maine said, adding that playing Stacy has been a learning experience as well.
“Prioritize your family. Always think of the consequences of your decisions and ask your family for guidance. Don’t just make big and risky decisions on impulse. That’s what Stacy is like and sometimes she ends up in bad situations,” related Maine, who feels blessed that her real father trusts her.
“Even if he’s quiet, I know he’s keeping a watchful eye. He trusts us to handle our own lives or make the right decisions. But if they notice that something’s wrong, he’s there,” she said.
One thing to look forward to in the upcoming episodes, director Chris Martinez said, is that Stacy will finally meet her first love interest. “We’re working on it. We held auditions and we have already chosen someone. Magkaka-boyfriend na si Stacy. That’s coming up,” she said, adding that the actor who got the role is a relative newbie.
Despite the pandemic, Maine stayed booked and busy. Aside from “Eat Bulaga!” and “Daddy’s Gurl,” she also hosts the TV5 talent search “POPinoy,” the Cignal TV travel show “Maine Goals.” And on top of those are various endorsements and show biz commitments.
It can be taxing, Maine admitted. But she chooses to be thankful instead. “Sometimes it’s tiring. But you have to value the jobs you get instead of thinking about how mentally or physically draining they are. I try to make the most out of the opportunities I get,” she said.
With the help of her handlers, Maine said she still manages to maintain work-life balance despite her busy schedule. “Kinakaya pa naman. It’s all about time management and mind-set. I don’t want to get burned out. But at the end of the day, I’m grateful for the blessings in the middle of a pandemic,” she added. INQ