Image: Regal Entertainment Inc. and GMA Network
The entertainment industry has seen its fair share of actors who do not shy away from letting their innermost feelings be known when needed. In fact, for me, it is a very admirable trait and indeed commendable because it speaks of their character, upbringing, and who they are as people.
Only recently a few days ago, I had the distinct privilege of being able to interview four brave actors that opened up, discussed, and brought to light a few matters that they really needed to get off their chest. By all accounts, after my exclusive interview with Inah de Belen, Jake Vargas, Blue Cailles and Jules Indiola, I felt there was a positive difference made there.
For me, this exclusive interview was for them, as it should be. When I say for them, I mean it comes so rarely that if you were in the actors’ place you can feel this is the moment, this is the right time to bring this matter up. That today may not come again tomorrow, and that chance to bring to light something that has been bothering them for a very long time can finally see the light of day, and be done with.
Should we all be reminded that regardless of our profession and line of work, we are all human? We all feel, we all get hurt, and we all want to be treated fairly. So let’s hear from Inah De Belen, Jake Vargas, Blue Cailles and Jules Indiola how they brush off such negativities, proving to one and all their professionalism and being super troupers in the showbiz industry.
Below is my exclusive interview with the four said actors who have a lot of heart and passion for this industry of our for their newest episode of “Regal Studio Presents” entitled “Flowers For Sylvie” which will be shown today at 4:35 p.m. at GMA Network.
Inah, your parents, Janice De Belen and John Estrada, are well-known and established actors. What advice were you given by them when you entered showbiz years ago?
Inah de Belen: When I entered showbiz eight years ago, around 2014 to 2015, the advice they gave me was more on regarding interviews like this one; being authentic to yourself which I think is the most important. To be yourself, to be honest with yourself, and also to be humble. You cannot be a swellhead. You have to be kind to everybody from the staff, to the cast, including to those who carry the portalets. Be kind to those preparing the food; those who fix the cables; the drivers of the service. You have to be kind to everybody because that will go a long way.
Jake, I have seen you grow up in the TV series “Pepito Manaloto” from a young teenager to an adult and now with “Pepito Manaloto: Tuloy Ang Kuwento.” Who guided you in your younger years? Do you now make your own decisions regarding your career? Can you give us a brief background on that?
Jake Vargas: When I entered showbiz, it was Kuya Germs (German Moreno) who took me under his wings and took care of me. I was sixteen then. From there, my career grew. I started with the show “Walang Tulugan.” I continued to have many projects after that. I am very grateful to GMA because they did not forget us and did not give us any space not to have many projects. And now in this episode with Regal Studio Presents, it is the first time I am working with them. And so I am also very grateful to Regal. To our fans who continue to support us up to now, who do not tire of supporting us, we are very thankful to them. If it were not for them, we would not be here, where we are now. So we really thank them.
Blue and Jules, what is the most fun, exciting and rewarding about being in showbiz, thus far?
Blue Cailles: For me, it is gaining the experience of working with those who have been long in the industry. From them, I learn how showbiz goes, and how things go on the set. As a newbie, that is a big help to me, that I am able to talk to them and gain confidence from them. So it was such a joyful experience that I was able to work with them in the series “Mano Po.” That left a great impact on me. I also value the advice of the directors. I am really a deep person and I enjoy serious conversations. That’s the fun part for me.
Jules Indiola: For me, it has been a roller-coaster ride. I began in showbiz in 2018. I started as a talent in GMA. Stepping stones until I have reached this point. As a beginner, it was a lot of pressure to work with established actors. So I would apply what I would learn from them. I remember also what I have learned in our workshops and I try to execute my acting as best as I can. I also enjoy working with the established actors in the industry because it’s such an honor for me to be with them. So thank you so much, Regal, for this opportunity. It is very fulfilling to be able to work with stars like Jake Vargas and Inah de Belen. And also you, sir Joseph R. Atilano of INQUIRER.net, it is also very fulfilling for me to be interviewed. I know I can give more to showbiz.
Inah, if you were a flower, and not necessarily a rose, what flower would you be? What are your characteristics that represent that flower of your choice?
Inah de Belen: I appreciate the sunflower. It is true, isn’t it, that when you see a sunflower, you feel as if your day is very positive already. I am an empath also. When I have a friend or somebody I love who is feeling gloomy that day or out-of-sorts, I will do anything to make them feel better. Not necessarily one hundred percent happy, but they will no longer feel heavy-laden at the end of the day when they go to sleep. If I were a flower, I would definitely be a sunflower.
For the thorns, I mean, the three men here. In your own imagination, what kind of flower would Ms. Inah be for you? Why do you feel she symbolizes that flower of your choice?
Jake Vargas: Sampaguita. Because Inah is always very fragrant. Very Filipina. Because that’s what we Filipinos are accustomed to. When we give sampaguita, it means fragrant and beautiful. Also, a red rose. Because when I give flowers, I always choose red roses because they are so beautiful. And any recipient will be very happy to receive red roses.
Blue Cailles: I stick to the sunflower. Inah is a sunflower. Because when you see her in person, she’s so pretty. She’s so bright and jolly. She’s like a sunflower in the morning. When you see Inah, you stop and say to yourself, “She’s so beautiful!”.
Jules Indiola: I will stick to the sunflower. Because the first time that I saw her, I was mesmerized by her beauty, her face. She’s like sunshine. That’s how I see the sunflower. Her beauty is mesmerizing.
What is your guiding principle in life that keeps you grounded, motivated and inspired to be a better person each day? What is that saying, motto, or reminder you keep in your head and heart, whether it be a simple “Every day is a new day.” Or something more profound like “To God, be the glory.” No judgment, no worries, because all of us hang on to a principle in life. So what saying inspires you to keep going day-by-day, day-to-day?
Inah de Belen: Growing up, my mom and my dad raised me we well enough, to be kind. Being kind is really hard in this industry of ours where bashers and critics abound. But upon reflection, being kind will get you further than striking back at bashers and critics. Because it will show what kind of a person you are and how you were raised by your parents. These are the things you learn growing up and these are some things you can teach to those around you, and your own children in the future. Kindness goes a long way. And it is true, you kill people with kindness.
Jake Vargas: In truth, it is gratifying to be humble. That’s how people will love you. It is true what Inah said. It is better not to strike back at bashers. That’s how you become stronger inside and develop your character. When they say unsavory things about you, ignore them. Don’t even talk to them. They will grow tired of it eventually. But it’s not good to be too nice, either. So, just balance everything.
Inah de Belen: Knowing Jake as a person, in the six years I have known him and have been together, I have not seen any shade of arrogance in him. It is also because of how he was raised. And with him, when it comes to bullies or the internet, or some who do him wrong, he does not talk bad about any person. When bashers hit, it reveals and says more about them, rather than about Jake. Especially, how he deals with people like those, is what I have also learned from Jake.
Blue Cailles: I have experienced all the hardships in life in my childhood. That’s how I remain mindful to be humble unto myself despite some measure of success I have attained. And even if there are those who try to pull me back or down, I ignore them. I don’t listen to them. Because I know in my heart that I have to focus on the opportunities God gives me now. That knowledge is what keeps me going. I also keep in mind my family. So, that is why I am hungry to be a better person every day.
Jules Indiola: I always think I must live life to the fullest. As long as you are humble. As long as you are enjoying it. As long as you are not stepping on anyone. It is because opportunities come once in a lifetime, and come knocking at your door. Grab them. Sacrifices come with them. Higher risks. Higher returns. Don’t worry about what others think of you. You may be the only one having those thoughts. Just focus on your goals. Enjoy life to the fullest. Time is gold.
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