Veteran actresses Pilar Pilapil and Gelli de Belen spoke candidly about working with younger actors during a press conference for the psychological thriller Mantsa, held on January 20 in Quezon City.
Drawing from decades of experience in the entertainment industry, the actresses reflected on common on-set issues and shared advice for the next generation of performers, emphasizing openness, respect, and continuous learning.
Pilapil observed that some younger actors tend to feel intimidated or uneasy when working with seasoned performers. She said she noticed that younger colleagues often appear worried or reserved around veterans, but stressed that senior actors are far from perfect and are still learning themselves. According to Pilapil, learning does not stop with age, and even experienced actors continue to grow in their craft.
“From what I noticed with the young actors, you seem to be worried or probably have some reservations about working with people like us who have been in the industry for a long time. I have to tell you we are not perfect. We are still learning also. Even at this age, we still continue to learn,” Pilar said.
She encouraged younger actors to relax and feel more comfortable around veteran performers, assuring them that senior actors are not difficult to work with. However, she admitted that one behavior she finds unacceptable is the use of cellphones during rehearsals.
“So I just want to… impart this to you, I just want to tell you that you don’t have to be so uptight about us because first of all I have never, we have never quarreled with anyone on the set. The only time that maybe I will say something to director [Louie Ignacio] is if you are rehearsing and you’re using your cellphone at the same time,” Pilapil shared.
“So, ‘yon lang naman talaga ang ayaw namin kasi syempre nagme-memorize kami ng mga lines, and if you are not focused on the lines, and you’re focused more on your cellphones, then walang mangyayari. So, hindi man kami nangaaway, we always report that to the director. And it is the director who makes all the rules. And he’s the one who is going to implement whatever needs to be implemented,” she continued.
De Belen echoed Pilapil’s sentiments and highlighted the importance of discipline and professionalism. She advised younger actors to stay focused on their responsibilities, avoid wasting other people’s time, and always arrive on set punctually. She emphasized that being present on set should go beyond physical presence, urging actors to be mentally and emotionally engaged, attentive, and open to direction.
“Siguro focus lang more on what you’re supposed to do. Do not waste other people’s time. Come on time. Just be there… sa set not just in physical, ha. Yung the whole pagkatao mo, just be there. Focus, concentrate, listen and just be open,” Gelli shared.
She also agreed with Pilapil that experience does not equate to knowing everything. De Belen said that despite their long careers, veteran actors continue to face new challenges as they take on different roles, genres, and characters. She stressed that learning remains a shared journey for both seasoned and young actors, and collaboration is key to a successful production.
“Tama na si Tita Pilar, we are all learning. Hindi naman kami, just because matagal na kami, hindi naman ibig sabihin alam na alam na namin ang lahat. We do different roles, different genres, different characters and it’s all also new to us like it is new to you. So magtutulungan lang tayo,” she added.
De Belen added that as long as everyone listens, follows the director, and works together, there should be no reason for fear or intimidation. She reassured younger cast members that everyone involved in Mantsa is experiencing the project for the first time and will naturally go through an adjustment period. She expressed confidence that director Louie Ignacio would guide the cast through the process.
“It’s all if you’re all there. If you’re all listening, we are all following Direk, I think walang problema. It doesn’t have to be so scary or you don’t have to be intimidated by us. Lahat tayo first time dito sa pelikulang ito. Lahat tayo maninibago lalo na sa umpisa pero we will get the hang of it. I’m sure Direk Louie will lead us.”
Pilapil and de Belen star in Mantsa alongside emerging artists Bo Bautista, Shira Tweg, Khai Flores, Rain Barreto, Than Perez, Ghia Garcia, Mill Marzo, and RJ Ariar.
The film is directed by Louie Ignacio and executive produced by Bambbi Fuentes under Dragon Entertainment Productions. The cast also includes Snooky Serna, Lloyd Samartino, LA Santos, Dino Guevarra, and Miles Poblete. Coming soon in cinemas.
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