Shaina Magdayao’s ‘most courageous move’ to mark 25th year in the biz

Shaina Magdayao

Just when you thought you’ve done everything you could as an actor, the industry surprises you and offers you something that you just can’t say ‘no’ to.”

Thus said actress Shaina Magdayao, who admitted to having once considered leaving show biz for good, but ended up renewing her contract with home network ABS-CBN recently. The 32-year-old will be celebrating her 25 years in the biz as a Kapamilya.

“I literally grew up in this industry. I was raised by the network. Our bosses here became my second nanay and tatay,” said Shaina. “I had a very unique childhood because I started working at an early age (at 6 years old). The directors, staff and crew I’ve worked with became my playmates, my older siblings, my Kapamilyas. That’s why when I was looking for my purpose in life, it’s no surprise that I also found it here.”

Serving through show biz

She further said: “Tita Cory [Vidanes, ABS-CBN chief operating officer] was one of the very few people who talked to me to say, ‘Shaing (her nickname), ’yong calling of service mo, you can still serve through your work here.’ She convinced me that I will never be able to run away from show business; that this is really the world I belong to. For that, I’m truly grateful. This is it! There’s no turning back.”

She admitted to having prayed hard prior to renewing her contract. “We can’t deny the fact that the world now is full of uncertainties, especially because we’re in the middle of a pandemic. It’s hard to entrust to one company your life and career in the next few years, but I’m here. I truly believe now is the perfect time to sign a contract. I think this is my most courageous move in professing my loyalty and gratitude to the network and to the people who have always believed in and supported me. I won’t be where I am now if not for them.”

Shaina Magdayao

What else is in store for Shaina? “More than anything it’s the collaboration with other Kapamilya talents that I’m excited about,” the actress replied. “I still hope to get to work with our greats. I will always be grateful to the men and women I’ve collaborated with because they bring out a different Shaina in each project. I’m sure that there will be more collaborations with good actors and directors in the next two years.”

Advice to younger acts

Shaina said her stint in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” was what’s keeping her busy since the start of the pandemic and consequently, the network shutdown in May 2020.

“I’m thrilled to be celebrating my 25th year. I recognize that I had a unique childhood. I grew up in front of a supportive audience. My experiences while working as an actress helped shape me as a person. I learned a lot from this industry in terms of dealing with people,” she pointed out.

When it came to giving out pointers to younger acts, Shaina said: “We’re all talented—that’s why we’re part of this industry. We each have unique gifts. However, speaking from experience, what will keep you in this industry is not your talent. It’s pakikisama or what you’re like when you’re working with others. People will definitely prefer to work with someone who is a professional and someone who loves his job.” INQ