Dimples Romana savors ‘happy pressure’ in ‘High Street’ stint

Dimples Romana during the story conference for “High Street.” Image: X/@DreamscapePH

The role of Tori in “High Street” was not the first time for Dimples Romana to be the series antagonist. But what made this character different from Romana’s previous antagonist roles was how she made sure that it would make a mark on Gen-Z viewers.

While Romana wasn’t included in “Senior High,” the first part of the youth series, her character is connected to the drama’s original villain, William Acosta (Mon Confiado), as his half-sister. This, in return, gives her the drive to exact revenge on Sky Love Cruz (Andrea Brillantes) as well.

Despite this, the actress said one of her priorities with her character is how her Gen-Z daughter Callie would respond to it.

“I wanted it to be textured… pamilyado akong tao and very precious sa’kin ang time ko with my family. To choose to be outside of that has to be something of value to other people. May Gen-Z akong anak (I have a daughter who is Gen-Z) And when I do ‘High Street,’ I think of Callie,” she said during a press conference for the series.

Romana hoped that her stint as Tori would make Callie proud of her work as an actress, despite her dark nature.

“Would [Callie] appreciate this work? Magiging proud ba ang anak ko sa trabaho kong ‘to (Will my daughter be proud of my work)? My character has to mean something… You can’t compete with anyone but yourself,” she said.

When asked if she still felt the pressure to do her character justice, the actress said she doesn’t concern herself much with pressure whenever she takes on a role.

“We don’t operate on pressure anymore, more of happy pressure. We like the inspiration and the drive. If there’s pressure, it’s more within ourselves,” she said.

Earlier this month, Brillantes said having the opportunity to slap Romana was an “honor,” as she used to be on the receiving end of the older actress’ painful slaps in “Kadenang Ginto.”

“High Street” follows five years after “Senior High,” telling the story of Sky Love Cruz (Brillantes) moving forward with her career as an investigative journalist. She crosses paths with Tori (Romana) who turns out to be a half-sister of the now-dead William Acosta (Confiado), but with darker intentions.

The series also stars Juan Karlos Labajo, Xyriel Manabat, Elijah Canlas, Zaijian Jaranila, Miggy Jimenez, Tommy Alejandrino, Angel Aquino, Romnick Sarmenta, and Gela Atayde.