Dolly de Leon. Image: Raynier Pelagio Badua via Instagram/@dollyedeleon
A global breakthrough is synonymous with Dolly de Leon, as her award-winning performance in “Triangle of Sadness” propelled her into the “booked and busy” stage of her career.
“This is what I’ve been waiting for — to be booked and busy. Habang may lakas pa tayo, sabak na. We don’t know how long this ride is going to last so might as well make the most of it,” de Leon told reporters during the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ (FDCP) Parangal ng Sining last April 23.
More doors have been opened for Dolly since starring as “captain” Abigail since then, and she is excited to “expand her work” in the entertainment industry.
“I find it very flattering that the ripple doesn’t end. But I also like to move on and move forward and do new things and expand our work,” she said. “But yeah, I’m flattered. I’m happy that people are still watching it. So in a way, it’s still good that they are still thinking of it.”
Among the actress’ upcoming projects include “A Very Good Girl” with Kathryn Bernardo, an Antoinette Jadaone-helmed project “Simula sa Gitna” with Maris Racal and Khalil Ramos, another series in Germany, and a slew of film appearances in Hollywood. Despite her busy schedule, Dolly shares that “taking a break” is crucial in managing her work-life balance.
“I take time to take a break,” she stressed with a smile. “Binibigyan ko sarili ko ng break, I take time off, that’s how I cope. Kasi kung tuloy-tuloy tayo, hindi talaga tayo magla-last. I really have to find a work-life balance.”
On meeting Kathryn Bernardo
Dolly and Kathryn recently made headlines after meeting up with filmmaker Petersen Vargas over drinks earlier this weekend, which showed a glimpse of the film’s storyline that revolves around “sass and class.”
“Big deal sa akin na makakatrabaho ko si Kathryn Bernardo,” she said, when asked about meeting with the “Hello, Love, Goodbye” star for the first time. “For me, I believe that for you to work effectively with people, we need to build a relationship with them. I was excited to finally meet her. And she did not disappoint. She was lovely, beautiful inside and out, and also intelligent. Masarap siyang kausap and marami rin siyang input. And she’s also funny,” she added.
While filming for the dark comedy film is set to kick off this May, the actress had nothing but good things to say about Kathryn’s personality behind the cameras. “Sobrang cool niya,” she said, as she disclosed some details about their meet-up. “Kasi I first imagined na medyo shy or uptight [siya], and she seemed like a very conservative girl. Pero hindi. Cool siya. She’s cool, and I’m excited to work with her.”
Vargas also caught the attention of fans on social media, after sharing a video of the “2 Good 2 Be True” star and Dolly while shaking their hands. When asked about what the video is about, the latter said the gesture resembles a “pact” that they would “support each other” throughout its production.
Image: Instagram/@bernardokath
“We made a pact that we would help each other throughout the filming process. We would support each other, and even if we’re going through some personal things while filming, we’ll be there for each other no matter what. Nag-shake kami to seal the agreement that we’ll be there for each other,” the “Triangle of Sadness” star revealed.
“A Very Good Girl” will reportedly tell the story of self-made businesswomen who are determined to “eat the rich,” and for Dolly, working on a film that centers around empowered females makes her feel good.
“Ang sarap,” she said. “Kasi you know naman with us women, we’ve been struggling through the years in this man’s world. So, it’s about time that we grab the reins of power because we have that in us.”
“It’s a good story, it’s a good director, it’s a great actress, and it’s Star Cinema which is a big company which is really changing their goals now in terms of filmmaking and they’re becoming more out of the box,” she further added.
Beyond ‘Triangle of Sadness’
Prior to filming “A Very Good Girl,” Dolly revealed that she finished shooting scenes with Maris Racal, Khalil Ramos, Joel Saracho, and Adrian Lindayag for an upcoming project helmed by filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone.
The award-winning actress is also set to leave the country in August and would return in March of the following year. While her lips remained sealed about her upcoming projects, she disclosed that she would be heading to Germany to film a series with eight episodes.
The stars have aligned for the actress yet she remains a woman who is full of life, with so much passion about her craft. She even can’t help but gush about being seatmates with Vilma Santos during the FDCP’s awards night.
“Nakakaiyak, literally,” she said, as she turned into an excited fangirl. “Nakatabi ko si Ate V, and matagal na akong fan niya noong bata pa ako. It was such an honor to be there.”
LOOK: Award-winning actresses Dolly de Leon and Vilma Santos hug and join hands with one another after posing with their Parangal ng Sining trophies. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/0iQjl1Ixbf
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) April 23, 2023
Dolly then turned passionate when she was asked about her recent Annual Achievement Award from the FDCP, which is a peek into the multiple sides of the award-winning actress once the cameras are off.
“It’s really important that the FDCP is recognizing the efforts of the film industry because we need that para ma-boost ‘yung cinema and industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino. It’s a struggle now because of COVID-19. So sana, because of this, people are more inspired to go out and watch more films,” she added.
When prodded about doing a film with the Star for all Seasons in the future, her voice raised up in excitement as she said, “Naku naman!” which made reporters giggle in response.
“Sinabi nga rin niya sa akin na nami-miss daw niyang umarte, so she recently did a film. I hope it happens,” she added. EDV