In 2022, actress Elora Españo celebrated her nomination as Best Actress for the movie “Love and Pain in Between Refrains” at the 45th Gawad Urian.

With her dedication to her craft, Españo has earned the title as one of the underrated actresses in the country, with projects like “Born Beautiful,” “Iska,” “Beauty Queens,” and “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank 3.”

In an interview, Españo discussed her process as an actress and her love for acting.

She told ABS-CBN News: “Kapag wala akong trabaho, nagte-train pa rin ako. I took up class kay Ms. Angeli Bayani and up until now. Ang sarap matuto nang matuto. Ganun ang proseso para kapag dating sa set, nandun na lang ako para enjoy-in ‘yung moment na kasama ang co-actors.”

Españo believes in the power of being present on set. “In terms of preparations, it’s really reading the script and listening to your director and being present. Importante ‘yung pagiging present sa pag-arte kasi kapag hindi ka present, para kang lutang.”

She added that acting really excites her, and that’s something that she wants to share with younger artists. With the guidance of her manager Ferdy Lapuz, she feels blessed and seen, revealing she returned to theater. 

“Bumabalik na rin ako sa theater, which is my first love. Sobrang saya. I finished recently the Virgin Labfest. Andun ulit ‘yung rehearsals. ‘Yung camaraderie sa theater. Nakaka-enjoy talaga,” she said.

On working with Coco Martin 

Elora’s last TV appearance was “Ang Probinsyano,” where she got the chance to work with Julia Montes and Coco Martin.

She talked about the experience, while praising Martin: “Pinakahuli ko was ‘Probinsyano.’ Someone contacted lang my manager. Napasama ako. Enjoy working with Coco. Iba siya as a director eh. Para siyang si direk Brillante Mendoza na walang script. Kailangan na maging attentive ka sa sasabihin niya and ‘yung ikukwento niya. Medyo improv ang style of directing. He knows what he’s doing.”

On Sinag Maynila entry 'Her Locket'

The versatile actress also discussed her new movie “Her Locket,” directed by J.E. Tiglao and produced by Rebecca Chuaunsu Film Production and Rebelde Films. 

Asked what lessons she got from doing the movie, which revolves around a Chinese woman suffering from dementia, she told ABS-CBN News, “Mas na-appreciate ko ‘yung sensitivities ng Filipino-Chinese community. Na-appreciate ko rin ‘yung yes sometimes we say that tradition can hinder us from getting what we want but at the same time ang ganda rin ng tradition kasi na naki-keep mo ‘yung culture. It’s balancing those nuances na na-appreciate ko. You can also build a family even though you’re not blood related. ‘Yun ang na-appreciate ko sa pelikula.”

She added, “Pursue what you want but at the same time you should do it with integrity. As much as possible follow your dreams but with integrity. Iwasan nating makatapak ng tao.”

“Her Locket” is an official entry to Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2024. It will open on September 4 at Gateway Cineplex in Quezon City.

It also stars Benedict Cua, Boo Gabunada, Sophie Ng, Francis Mata, Zoey Villamangca, Atty. Kesterson Kua, Jian Rapolles, Angela Villarin, and the executive producer herself Rebecca Chuaunsu.  

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