Bea Binene
When her contract with GMA 7 ended sometime last year, Bea Binene had to work freelance for a while. There was a feeling of uncertainty. But thankfully, she said, she eventually found a new home in Viva Entertainment.
“I’m very grateful because they were there for me… During the time Viva was working on my contract, I went freelance because I didn’t have one anymore with GMA. Luckily, work opportunities were still there,” she told the Inquirer at a recent story conference for the upcoming 10-part series adaptation of author Gwy Saludes’ popular Wattpad novel “The Rain in España.”
“There’s nothing certain about the future,” added Bea, who was formally welcomed by Viva Artists Agency (VAA) to its roster last September. “But I feel very blessed. I didn’t have to worry because VAA made sure to welcome me with open arms. And just a couple of weeks after I signed with them… game na agad. There’s a new project for me already. Good things are happening. I’m ready to work.”
Wider opportunities
With no exclusivity with any network, the 25-year-old actress—who was last seen in the primetime series “Beautiful Justice”—hopes to do projects with companies or celebrities she has yet to work with. “Wherever there’s work or a good offer, of course, I will be thankful. Because I’m an independent company, I think there will be a wider [range of] opportunities,” she said.
In her previous meetings with her new bosses, Bea talked about the kind of direction she plans to take in her show biz career. “I told them about the projects I prefer doing. They discussed roles that we think will suit me. I told them about my limitations. I love how they value what you want to do, as well as your boundaries. They’re very open with that,” she said.
While acting is her main priority, Bea hopes to do more hosting jobs.
“It’s one of the things I love to do,” said Bea, who used to cohost the weekly news magazine show “Good News Kasama si Vicky Morales.” “I have been doing public affairs-related programs for a while now. I would love to have my own travel show… This is something I’m passionate about because the training and knowledge you get… are valuable.”
Productive
During the lockdown, Bea busied herself taking online classes and certificate programs. “In the beginning, I spent my free time catching up on Korean dramas. But later on I realized that I had to do something productive. So I took three executive courses: one from Harvard Business School Online, one from the Kellogg School of Management and another from London Business School,” she related. She also took up language lessons in Korean and Mandarin. “No joke! I really wanted to keep myself busy. And it was the right time to do all those things because I had the time. I believe these lessons will be helpful in the long run,” she said.
Directed by Theodore Boborol, “Rain in España” follows the romance between Kalix (Marco Gallo), a young man from a family of doctors who decides to carve a different career path. He takes up legal management at University of Santo Tomas, where he meets the architecture student Luna (Heaven Peralejo). Bea plays one of Luna’s friends, Via.
“This project is an ensemble piece, so we really have to help and lift each other up to make the show good. As someone who has done youth-oriented shows in the past (‘Tween Hearts’), I have learned that you have to make the audience feel your bond and closeness with your coactors,” she said.
While she’s one of the more experienced actors in the cast, Bea knows that she can’t be complacent.
“Your dedication should be there. There’s always room for improvement,” said the actress, who admitted that her new work environment is something she will have to adjust to. “Back in GMA, I knew everyone, even the camera men. Now, I’m working with a new production staff, new actors. But the things I learned at GMA I will continue to apply here.” INQ