Therese Malvar dreams of topbilling her own TV series

Therese Malvar

At 15, Therese Malvar has already made significant inroads in her career, especially in the world of independent cinema where her performances have earned her recognition here and abroad.

But how does the young actress feel about the idea of being in a love team for mainstream fare, or topbilling her own drama series?

“I would be happy if I get the chance to be a leading lady—that is a dream for me, too,” she told the Inquirer at a recent press conference for the GMA 7 soap opera “Oh, My Mama!,” in which she is part of the supporting cast.

“If they believe that I can lead a television series, then I would be thankful for their trust and promise them to do my best,” said Therese, who signed an
exclusive contract with the Kapuso network earlier this year.

When asked which male celebrity she would like to be paired with—should she be given a choice—she squealed, “Oh my God! I am fine with whoever they feel is the right fit for me.” She could not think of anyone in particular, Therese insisted, but did reveal that she is a huge fan of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza’s “AlDub” pairing.

As an artist, one of her goals is to work in different environments and take on roles she has not done before. It could be an indie or a mainstream project; it could be serious or lighthearted—she does not discriminate. She is, in fact, wary of being labeled an “indie actress.” She is simply an actress, period.

“It is my passion to act, so it would be nice if I could do as much as I can here in show biz,” Therese related, adding that doing mainstream shows would expose her to a bigger audience, and in turn, pique the people’s interest in her previous works.

“I wish that someday the masses would watch me… I want to make them proud. I hope to be known not for my name, but for what I do,” said the precocious teen star, whose haul of acting awards is steadily growing.

In 2013, Therese beat no less than the Superstar Nora Aunor for best actress at the CineFilipino Film Festival, for her performance in her first film, Sigrid Andrea Bernardo’s “Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita.” Ralston Jover’s “Hamog,” on the other hand, has thus far earned for Therese two trophies: best actress at the 2015 Cinema One Originals; and the Silver St. George Award for best actress at this year’s Moscow International Film Festival.

“I always give my 1,000 percent!” quipped Therese, who originally wanted to become a nun or a lawyer when she was younger.

The accolades, she admitted, do put pressure on her to deliver—people expect her to be good. But awards are not the reason she perseveres in her craft, she stressed.

And sometimes, a simple acknowledgment from her peers can be just as thrilling and fulfilling, she said. At a story conference for Dan Villegas’ coming horror-drama “Ilawod,” Therese got all giddy when she found out that one of her co-stars, Iza Calzado, already knew about her.

“One time Barbie Forteza asked me to have a selfie with her,” she related. “Kinilig ako.”