Push Admin

Francine Diaz opens up about challenges before fame

Article (news)

Mary Ann Bardinas

Just like their characters Chiara and Doña Cielo, actresses Francine Diaz and Tessie Tomas also seldom have the chance to talk nor bond with each other on the set of <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/dirtylinen">Dirty Linen</a>. And in this vlog of the veteran actress-host, they finally got to have a one-on-one conversation, wherein the teen star recounted her struggles as a budding artista and now that she’s in the industry.Since they didn’t have the chance to share a scene then, the Tessie related that she just realized then that they actually had already worked together in a project before, which was the 2018 series <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/thebloodsisters">The Blood Sisters</a>, when Francine was only 14.Aside from being one of her early projects as a young actress, what made that stint really remarkable for Francine was her first-ever experience to shoot an explosion episode, wherein she got to go through application of prosthetics and blood required for that scene. Since those kinds of scenes can be utterly challenging, the young actress revealed that she calms her nerves by breathing and telling herself: “kung mas lalo akong kakabahan, hindi ko magagawa ‘to nang maayos.” Thus, she always tries her best to follow the instructions of her directors, in order for her to also not be the cause of delay and hold up the cast and crew at the shoot.Her being responsible at a really young age truly impressed Tessie, as well as when she imparted that she’s the only one who taught herself the proper breathing technique, which also serves as a meditation method.Avid supporters of Francine surely know that she and her family had a difficult life prior to her fame. She recounted one of her most unforgettable moment as a budding artist, which she considers as one of the “highlights” of her journey in the entertainment scene. She implied that it was that moment when she was only 11 and 12 years old that made her believe in miracles and that she is really destined to be in this industry. Riding on her dad’s motorbike from their home in Bacoor, Cavite to Quezon City with her and her mom as pillions (or back riders) and all her taping stuff also aboard, they were able to brave the long travel, as well as the traffic and torrential rains and arrived safely at the designated meeting place near ABS-CBN and beat the 3AM call-time.Aside from the exhausting commute to and from Manila, another struggle that their family had to go through was their lack of funds. Thus, her parents were compelled to borrow money from their neighbors in the middle of the night in order for them to get to Manila for her auditions. In order for their budget to be sufficient for the day, she had to endure her hunger and audition first before they could eat to make sure that they still had enough money for them to be able to go home. That hunger took a toll in her performance in one of her auditions, wherein she was told by the director: “Alam mo, kapag nag-aartista, dapat hindi tatanga-tanga.”She may be hailed as one of the brightest stars of her generation, but Francine imparted that actually doesn’t see herself as a big star. For her, she’s still that simple and normal girl who goes to school and does auditions here and there. She also doesn’t treat herself as superior to anyone because she really can’t see the point why one should be arrogant about her stardom.Tessie then veered their conversation to her initial biggest break, which was <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/kadenangginto">Kadenang Ginto</a>, wherein Francine talked about her most challenging scene she ever did there as the now-iconic Cassy Mondragon. According to her, it was her physical confrontation scenes opposite Andrea Brillantes since she never pulled the hair nor slapped someone both in real life and on-cam. But thanks to her co-star and their stunt director for guiding her in executing that scene as they’re able to still make it realistic and well-done.With regards to working with seasoned actresses Dimples Romana and Beauty Gonzalez, the 19-year-old actress considers herself lucky that as a first-timer, she was in the main cast in a huge teleserye that time. She said: “Ang swerte ko lang po na ang katrabaho ko no’n sina Ate Dimples, Tito Albert Martinez, at Ate Beauty kasi guina-guide din nila ako. So, kapag alam na nilang nahihirapan na ako sa isang eksena, inaalalayan po nila ako, kahit ‘yong mga directors po namin.”They then talked about her education, which she currently studies at Southville International Schools and Colleges. According to the young actress, she’s utterly grateful to them for giving her a special arrangement that allowed her to still work and for prioritizing her mental health.When asked for her advice to those who aspire to be an artista like her, Francine said: “Hindi siya madali at hindi magiging madali. Before, during, o after man, hindi talaga madali. Saka kailangan ‘yong perseverance bilang tao na rin at don’t give up. Kailangan hindi mo personalin lahat ng komento sa’yo, and never stop learning kasi ‘yon ang magiging kakampi mo sa buong journey mo sa pag-arte.”Tessie capped off the vlog by stating how much she admires the self-confidence that Francine exudes, especially when she surrounded with showbiz stalwarts. Thus, she advised her to keep that close to her heart always because that’s our foundation on whatever we want to do. She also wished for Chin to go really, really far in the industry.Catch Francine and Tessie on <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/dirtylinen">Dirty Linen</a>, weeknights after <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/theironheart">The Iron Heart</a>, on <a href="https://kapamilyachannel.com">Kapamilya Channel</a>, <a href="https://kapamilyaonlinelive.com">Kapamilya Online Live</a>, A2Z, and TV5.

Francine Diaz opens up about struggles before fame and now that she’s among the brightest stars of her generation in interview with “Dirty Linen” co-star Tessie Tomas.