Why newbie singer had to turn down role in Vilma-Boyet reunion film

Lizzie Aguinaldo —STAR MUSIC  

Being part of a movie starring Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon would have been a career-booster for a show biz newcomer like Lizzie Aguinaldo. That’s why she couldn’t help but feel that she missed out on a big opportunity after turning down a role to focus on her studies.

“Nakakapanghinayang because it would have been a big deal for me. I’m just starting out and being offered a project like that was really humbling. It’s just sad that I wouldn’t fit with my schedule in school. Even if I’m already pursuing a career in music, I still have to prioritize my studies,” she said in an interview for her sophomore single, “Lato-lato” (Star Music).

But if it was any consolation, she said, she was able to meet Vilma and Christopher at a media event for their reunion film, “When I Met You in Tokyo.” “I was just so starstruck because they’re veteran stars and are well-respected in the industry. But they were super nice to me,” related Lizzie, who’s currently in Grade 9.

Instead of focusing on the what-ifs, however, Lizzie decided that she was going to stay positive and believe that other doors will open for her, sooner or later. “Of course, I still want to be able to try acting. I want to have new, different experiences. I want to be a flexible and versatile artist—the kind who can do anything,” she said.

For now, expanding her catalog as a singer is the main goal. After her debut single, the romantic ballad “Baka Pwede Na,” Lizzie opted for a more upbeat and danceable follow-up. Like the repeated sounds and clacking of the popular lato-lato toy, the track is about a confused girl who keeps going back to the person who causes her nothing but pain.

‘Change of style’

“I wanted a change of style… something more fun. I’m comfortable doing ballads and upbeat songs. I would also love to try out other genres, like rock,” Lizzie said about the song, which was composed by filmmaker-songwriter Joven Tan.

“I have been writing my own songs, too. And it’s nice that people are getting curious about my music since releasing my first single.”

Some of Lizzie’s favorite artists and influences include Taylor Swift, Moira dela Torre and Sarah Geronimo. She also dreams of collaborating with SB19 and her show biz crush, Kyle Echarri.

“What SB19 is doing is so impressive. They get to go around the world and spread their music. They’re incredible performers … And I feel they just have this aura and presence when they go up onstage. Stell is my bias. But I feel like Justin is a bias wrecker,” she related. “Kyle, on other hand, has a special charm. Bigla akong kinilig.”

Lizzie has been making the rounds of television variety shows, including “ASAP,” to get a better feel of being on a live stage. “I used to have stage fright. But the more I perform, the more I get used to the situation. Performing in such television shows was just a dream. Now, it’s coming true little by little,” she said.