Cheyenne Suarez

 Neomi Gonzales crosses over from stage to screen in 'Isang Himala'

Article (news)

Jude Cartalaba

<div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDzR1_GSB1m/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=675&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1547441.5%2C%22ls%22%3A1546609.7999999523%2C%22le%22%3A1547408.0999999046%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>MANILA -- For a thespian like Neomi Gonzales, acting onstage and crossing over to television and now the big screen could be challenging and fulfilling altogether. But for her it&#x27;s all about expanding her craft.She began in theater when she was still finishing her degree in Music at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. Her first-ever theater production was “The King and I,” which was mounted at the Meralco Theater.But when she crossed over to film with the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Isang Himala,” there were things she discovered.&quot;I learned how to exhibit more control by showing emotions onscreen. It&#x27;s much more subtle and quiet. Your audience is looking at you through the lens, and that&#x27;s how far you throw your energy and truth. Making effective choices while adjusting to the technicalities of filmmaking is something I like to learn and experience more,” she said.2024 has been one busy year for Gonzales. She appeared in three stage productions —  PETA&#x27;s “One More Chance” as Tita Edith and Rose, Teatro Kapamilya&#x27;s “Tabing Ilog” as Azon, and Repertory Philippines’ “Going Home to Christmas” as Josie.Asked how she was able to manage to cross from one production to another, she candidly replied, &quot;As a freelance artist-teacher and a homeschool mom, I really don&#x27;t know how I wing these things. I&#x27;m grateful to have a supportive husband and a smart, independent teenager. When things get crazy, they are my rock, my solid support.&quot;But the biggest break for her is to be part of “Isang Himala” directed by Pepe Diokno. <div>Big break</div>In the movie, Gonzales reprises her role as Chayong, which she played in The Sandbox Collective and 9 Works Theatrical production.She described Chayong as a strong believer and a faithful follower of Elsa (the lead character portrayed by Aicelle Santos).&quot;In the film, Direk Pepe gave more layers to Chayong. Her arc was much clearer,” she said. &quot;Her thoughts are more voiced out. She makes decisions rooted in her faith and love of God and for the people who matter to her.&quot;Along from “Rak of Aegis,” Gonzales considers “Himala” as closest to her heart.&quot;Just a little back story: I was included in the cast for “Rak” in my &#x27;30s to play Mercy as Aileen&#x27;s mom (which was played by Aicelle). I had to learn to age onstage to be believable as her mom,” she recalled.Two years later, she was part of “Himala” opposite Santos again. “This time I had to play younger since Chayong and Elsa are in their 20s,” she said.  <div>Seeing the best of both worlds</div>With the movie, Gonzales had the privilege to experience the best of both worlds.&quot;In the theater version, you go through the characters&#x27;s journey, highs and lows while performing in the show,” she said.&quot;In the film, you have to reach emotional peaks on cues, hold and repeat every take as they change camera angles. You have to sing live every take kahit madaling-araw na. It&#x27;s a different discipline from theater. You come to the set physically and emotionally prepared. For long hours of shoot and still be in tip-top condition.&quot;She also gave credit to both directors Ed Lacson Jr. and Pepe Diokno.&quot;I love them both. Ed Lacson brought ‘Himala’ to a different level with his immersive approach. He welcomed the audience to Cupang, and made them feel like they were with us as the story unfolded. He had a clear vision and he was specific in his directions not to perform for the audience, but just be there and tell the truth of the character,” she said. &quot;It&#x27;s almost the same as acting onscreen.&quot;With Direk Pepe, he was collaborative. He asked each of us about our characters’ backstories and built on them to make them more nuanced. He gave so much respect to the work that we&#x27;ve done with our characters from the (stage) musical. I really enjoyed his process and conditions. I developed high respect for film actors.&quot;Before she did “Isang Himala,” she already appeared in two short films — “The Manila Lover” by Barbosa Films; and “Kung and Ulan ay Gawa sa Tsokolate” by Indioboy Production, which won Best Short Film in Cine Filipino.On TV, Gonzales was part of ABS-CBN’s &quot;The Greatest Love&quot; (2016), &quot;On the Wings of Love&quot; (2016), &quot;Ang Probinsyano&quot; (2018), and &quot;Pamilya Ko&quot; (2018); and GMA’s &quot;First Lady&quot; (2022) and &quot;Magandang Dilag&quot; (2023).Today, she embraces all the opportunities that could come her way after “Isang Himala.”&quot;It was a very challenging yet very fulfilling project I&#x27;ve done by far, there is so much to learn and I&#x27;m ready to do more,” she said

For a thespian like Neomi Gonzales, acting onstage and crossing over to television and now the big screen is all about expanding her craft.

For a thespian like Neomi Gonzales, acting onstage and crossing over to television and now the big screen is all about expanding her craft.