(From left) Daniela Stranner and Liza Soberano. Images: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net, Instagram/@lizasoberano
The excitement in “Senior High” breakout star Daniela Stranner was apparent as she spoke about her admiration for Liza Soberano, saying she grew up watching the hit drama “Forevermore” with the latter’s longtime boyfriend Enrique Gil.
Stranner made an impression on viewers after starring as Z in the recently-concluded series “Senior High” as the Queen Bee of the fictional Northford High. Z holds a dark past after she was discovered to have a link with the death of Luna Amore Cruz (Andrea Brillantes).
In an intimate press conference, the Filipina-German actress looked back on her earlier days in showbiz where she found herself watching the 2014 series until she developed an admiration for Soberano. Stranner said she was offered a two-year artist contract after passing her first audition.
“Pumasok ako sa showbiz, wala pa akong alam sa Filipino stuff. But pinapanood ko at the time was ‘Forevermore’ kay Ate Liza and Kuya Enrique (I entered showbiz not knowing anything about the Philippines. But I remembered watching ‘Forevermore’ starring Ate Liza and Kuya Enrique),” she recalled.
“[Ate Liza] is the one I idolized ever since up until now. Natutuwa ako kung nasa’n siya ngayon (I’m happy seeing her now) and how she’s following her dreams,” she further added.
Stranner also shared that she admired Soberano more when the latter remained unapologetic in forging a path in Hollywood, saying her “mindset” inspired her to keep going in her showbiz career as well.
“I’ve always looked up to Liza [and her mindset when she] started in Hollywood. Super natutuwa po ako where she is now, kung nasa’n siya ngayon. Ang dami kong nababasang [backlash] pero look at her, hindi siya nagpapapigil,” she said.
“She is not listening to other people. She is continuing what she wants to do. Gan’un po kasi akong type na tao. I don’t listen to other people. If people bring me down, it is fine,” she continued.
(I’ve always looked up to Liza and her mindset when she forged her career in Hollywood. I’m so happy with where she is at right now. I previously read backlash when she was starting but look at her, she didn’t stop. She is not listening to other people. She is continuing what she wants to do. I’m that type of person. I don’t listen to other people. If people bring me down, it is fine.)
Like Soberano, Stranner pointed out that she wants to carve her own path in the industry as well.
“I do look up to Ate Liza but when it comes to acting, I like to do my own thing. I like to study and build my character. I don’t [want or] try to copy or remember how anyone acts. I want to build my own [path],” she said.
The rising star is set to appear in the upcoming drama “Pamilya Sagrado” which stars Piolo Pascual, Kyle Echarri, Grae Fernandez, Aiko Melendez, Tirso Cruz III, John Arcilla, Shaina Magdayao, Mylene Dizon, and Rosanna Roces.