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Veteran actresses Carla Martinez and Maila Gumila compare showbiz then and now

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Liezel dela Cruz

The local entertainment scene has had major changes, although some aspects of it have stayed the same. Veteran actresses Carla Martinez and Maila Gumila take a closer look at showbiz in the past and present via Kapamilya Chat’s “Spill the Tea-ta” Challenge.Nostalgia was in the air as the guest stars rehashed their experiences while they were just starting out in the ‘biz. Carla began her career as a concert and theater artist until she crossed over to television. Maila, on the other hand, started as a child star at the age of five, playing Pilar Pilapil’s daughter in the ABS-CBN drama anthology “Alaala.”<div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="2747755"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div>Comparing the then and now, they must say today’s generation of artists is luckier because of the comfort brought by advanced technology. During their prime, even sending the script to the artists was a challenge, unlike today when it can be easily sent through e-mails.Before, they didn’t have the luxury of air-conditioned tents. “Noong araw, kung saan ang location ninyo, ‘yun na ‘yun, maghanap ka na lang ng… o sa kotse ka na lang. If it’s a house, then you’re given a room and that’s your standby area. Mahirap ‘pag nasa mga shanties, walang standby area,” Maila added that they didn’t have a proper area to put their things on.“The kids now have no idea. We didn’t even have banyo that we can use. You have to look for your own banyo. Iba noon talaga. Mahirap noong araw,” she further shared. “Kaya spoiled sila ngayon. I think they have no reason to not be able to perform their best. Kasi ang dami naming hirap noon, and yet we performed our best. So, the kids now or this generation have lesser reasons to not be able to perform.”Carla butted in, “Hindi ba mas mahirap sa kanila ngayon kasi ang dami nilang lagare?” She meant juggling several projects and commitments at a time. However, Maila imparted that “lagare,” or segue as they also call it, is not a new thing. She experienced it as a child and teen actress since they could cross over to different channels. She remembers it was the time of Martial Law. She and her batchmates in the industry, including Roderick Paulate, would head straight to school after they finished filming.Asked if they’ve witnessed on-set catfights, the thespians admitted that conflicts are inevitable at work. “May mga artistang nagtataray,” as Maila puts it. But they just ignore such incidents, “Palalampasin mo na lang.”“In short, hindi namin pinapatulan,” said Carla, adding that she would mediate if there’s an opportunity for her to; otherwise, she’d just let it be. ”Kasi mahirap talaga to be working in an atmosphere that there’s tension.”They went on to share that they’ve never been shouted at by their director. “May mga nasisigawan pero hindi ako,” Maila laughed. What she remembers from being a child actress is that her directors would teach and instruct, but not shout at her. Relating to what Maila said, Carla, an acting coach, mentioned that she tells younger stars to always come on set prepared in order to avoid being scolded. She always reminds her students to do their part well as a form of respect for those working behind the scenes. Maila would also know the production team’s hard work as she took a film course. This reminds them that FM Reyes, their director in “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/nagaapoynadamdamin">Nag-Aapoy Na Damdamin</a>,” also studied film and is thus aware of everyone’s job description. That’s why he’s extra patient with his team.Maila further explained that in a film or teleserye set, the leaders must make sure that everyone, even the bit players, is happy because their real emotions will reflect on their performance. “If they’re unhappy, it will show… At mas masaya naman magtrabaho kung lahat masaya ‘di ba?”Asked if they’ve ever scolded a co-star, Carla asserted that they simply give advice and not reprimand.Maila sees acting as her passion. “Ito na ‘yung kinalakihan ko, eh. But I think the longevity is because I still want to do it. If you don’t want to do it anymore, wala na.” As for Carla, the reason she’s still in the industry is because she has a big heart for her chosen craft, “You have to love your work. You have to love what you are doing.” Part of that is appreciating your journey, including your pain, which you can use to fuel emotions in front of the camera.“You’re only as good as your last performance. So, no matter what you do, do your best” – this is what building credibility is all about. It’s also important to be grateful to everyone you work with. “Talents are a dime a dozen, especially in the Philippines, but what’s important is your attitude,” Carla further imparted. Add all these and you get the secrets to longevity.Marvel at these veteran stars’ brilliance in “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/nagaapoynadamdamin">Nag-Aapoy Na Damdamin</a>,” starring Jane Oineza, JC De Vera, Ria Atayde, and Tony Labrusca. It airs Monday to Friday, at 3:45 pm, on <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/kapamilya-channel-livestream-12685">Kapamilya Channel</a>, <a href="https://kapamilyaonlinelive.com/">Kapamilya Online Live</a>, TV5, and A2Z.

“Nag-Aapoy Na Damdamin” actresses Carla Martinez and Maila Gumila share a meaty discussion about the entertainment industry.