Spotlight on Hailey Mendes
Hailey Mendes. Photo from her manager, Jasmin Angeles.
Let’s get to know one of the newest and youngest rising stars on GMA Network. She has a most alluring beauty one can’t seem to stop wanting to look at her again and again and again. She is even blessed with an angelic aura. And yet looking at her pictures, one can readily surmise she is fun and funny to be with. What a magical mix can one be blessed with! I speak of no other than this stupendous beauty, Hailey Mendes.
Want to get to know her more? Well, read on. Here’s my exclusive interview with Hailey Mendes.
When did you realize that you wanted to become an actress? Was this a dream of yours that you were determined to chase and turn into reality?
Hailey Mendes: I was still a young girl when I began admiring and looking up to artists. They were my inspiration when I would dance and act in our school events and celebrations. I was very active and shared my own creative input in our extracurricular activities. At the time, I was not really hoping to be an artist given that I had a simple life, but I was certainly dreaming of it. And this opportunity has come and I am taking it even if it means it’s an entirely different fight in the city. It’s okay that I create a lot of noise on social media because I post a lot of my pictures even those of my baby years.
Upon finally entering showbiz, what was your immediate reaction? Did the feelings you had prior to entering showbiz change in any way? Care to elaborate?
Hailey Mendes: One of my posts on Facebook went viral because I resembled Liza Soberano from some angles. One of my supporters introduced my current manager Mama Jasmin. When she first called me, I couldn’t quite believe it because it coincided with the time I was really slated to go to Manila to have my mother checked up at a hospital. And to top that, I had also just graduated from elementary school.
The timing was perfect! Mommy Jasmin Angeles helped me get started and suggested that I continue with my schooling for high school in Manila so that I could do auditions. My first audition was for the GMA Artist Center VTR Artista Search. I got called back three times and I was finally given a chance and a five-year contract. The experience was so overwhelming and exciting for me; from a provincial life, my dream has become a reality. I feel so grateful.
Many actresses have certain acting styles or strengths as an actress; as somebody who is relatively new to acting on television, what can you say are your acting style and strengths?
Hailey Mendes: My own acting style is that of simple relaxation. One of the exercises I have picked up and learned in my acting workshop days is RSPI. It essentially means that I must activate and give my all in all my senses. The top priority is to act naturally. That is the right way of acting. I have learned also that I must love my work and be true to myself, as well. And even though acting can be exhausting, I should feel happy and cherish my blessings.
If you had complete control over your destiny in showbiz, what is one significant role that you want to have right now?
Hailey Mendes: I have long wanted action or a reality film that depicts what’s happening in the real world nowadays. I came out in a movie called Magikland wherein I played the role of Princess Diya. I loved doing that role because I had to learn basic martial arts and I am proud to say I was able to do my stunts as well quite easily.
What has been the funniest thing that has happened to you since you entered showbiz?
Hailey Mendes: Because I originated from the Visayas, I tend to pronounce letter I, as letter E. That usually happens when I am nervous about delivering my lines.
What has been your most memorable experience thus far since becoming an actress?
Hailey Mendes: Thus far, my most memorable experience was having had the opportunity to work with the late Cherie Gil in Dear Uge, which was a television series. I treasure that.
For your fans, is there something about you that they do not know, or that is little known about you, that you feel comfortable sharing with them?
Hailey Mendes: I guess it is what they see in the character Carrie, who is kinda boyish and wacky. I am bit like that too in real life.
When people hear the name Hailey Mendes, what words would you want to be associated with your name?
Hailey Mendes: Courageous. Humble. Loving.
Is there one quality about you that separates you from every other new actress or your fellow peers in acting that more people should know about?
Hailey Mendes: I am used to being around different kinds of people. As I have said, I am uncomplicated and wacky. GMA encourages me to be myself and to be confident to be myself.
If people want to hire you for an acting role in television or movies, who can they contact?
Hailey Mendes: They can contact either my manager Mommy Jasmin Angeles, or my GMA handler Jess Senido.
Are there any upcoming projects and regular appearances that you wish to promote?
Hailey Mendes: I am currently appearing in Underage, Monday to Friday on GMA Network.
