Ryza Cenon opens up about third eye, going bald for horror film ‘Lilim’

Ryza Cenon during the premiere night of “Lilim.” Image: Facebook/Viva Artists Agency

Ryza Cenon is aware of the horrors of having a third eye since it allows her to feel the presence of unknown spirits. Despite this, she chooses to live in harmony with them, even reaching the point where she apologizes for being a “disturbance.”

Cenon spoke about having a third eye during the media conference of “Lilim,” when she and her fellow castmates were asked if they ever experienced any supernatural encounters.

“Ako, may third eye ako. So nakakakita or nakakaramdam sa mga locations namin, may times na dinededma ko na lang po or kinakausap ko sila. Nagsosorry ako, [nagsasabi ako ng] pasensya na nabubulabog namin kayo or nagtatatabi-tabi po ako,” she said. “For me, kasi, it’s normal na may nararamdaman or nakikita ako na something.”

(I have a third eye. I see or feel them wherever I am. Sometimes I don’t pay attention to them, sometimes, I talk to them. I say sorry. I apologize for disturbing them. I inform them about my presence. It’s normal for me to feel or see something.)

Embracing the horror genre

In “Lilim,” Cenon takes on the role of a nun in a mysterious orphanage. Her initial kindhearted demeanor turns out to be a front of her true self, an overly devoted member of a cult-like group that worships a satanic spirit that feeds on human flesh.

The Mikhail-Red-helmed film also stars Heaven Peralejo, Eula Valdez, Mon Confiado, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Phoebe Walker, Nicole Omillo, Gold Aceron, and Skywalker David.

According to Cenon, deciding to go bald for the film was a huge help in portraying her character. The actress is used to her shaved head and would sometimes feel wary if given a wig.

“The character is more of mata-mata lang. Wala po masyadong lines. As for my hair, mas comfortable na ako bilang kalbo. Hindi na ako sanay nang may hair. Every time maglalagay ako ng wig, hindi ako sanay. Parang hindi ako ‘yun. Naninibago po ako,” she said.

(The character relies on acting through the eyes. I didn’t have much lines. As for my hair, I’m more comfortable with being bald. I’m not used to having hair. Every time I would wear a wig, I was not used to it. It’s not me. It feels new to me.)

Ryza Cenon debuts shave head | Image: Instagram/@vivaartistsagency via @iamryzacenon

Choosing to go bald was nonetheless Cenon’s decision. She initially had to wear prosthetics but eventually decided against it, shaving off her hair.

“Noong una, d’un sa look test pa lang, napansin ko na mahihirapan ako sa prosthetic so ginawan ko ng paraan [and] kaya ako nagpakalbo, para hindi malimitahan ang mga galaw ko, acting, and ‘yung pagtimpla ko ng the way ko i-deliver ko sa lines,” Cenon recalled.

“May certain na gusto si Direk na kailangan na hindi mataas or hindi mababa. Kailangan kong timplahin,” she further added.

(At first, I noticed during the look test that I had a hard time wearing prosthetics. I had to take matters into my own hands. This is why I went bald so I wouldn’t feel limited with my movements, acting, and delivery of my lines. The director has a certain preference when it comes to intonating my lines. It shouldn’t be too high or too low. This is why I need to be mindful of it.)

“Lilim,” which hit Philippine theaters on March 12, premiered at the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in the Netherlands last January.