WHY DIRECTOR GINA ALAJAR REMAINS EXCITED TO ACT

Even if she has already carved out a name in directing, Gina Alajar remains enthusiastic about acting.

- By JERRY DONATO

That's why the award-winning veteran has essayed roles such as those of Lola Joy in "Start-Up PH" and matriarch Carmen in "Asawa Ng Asawa Ko."

The latter airs Mondays to Thursdays at 9:35 p.m. on GMA Prime, stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Rayver Cruz, and is helmed by Laurice Guillen.

"Na-excite pa akong umarte (I'm still excited to act)," said the actor-turned-director (and actor's director) in a recent chat with The STAR after the proper presscon for the "Golden Gala" of Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) on Nov. 11.

Gina graced the event as a member of the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (MOWELFUND) board of trustees, "especially now that I'm being directed by the one and only Laurice Guillen, kaya excited, kaya may excitement (that's why there's excitement)."

"Laurice is not just a director who would take you sitting down lang na kung ano lang ang ibigay mo sa kanya, tatanggapin niya (and that whatever you give, portrayal-wise, she will accept it)," added she. "Kung ano yung gusto niyang mangyari, yun ang kukunin niya sa'yo (whatever she envisions about your character, she expects you to deliver it) and with that, I'm excited because there's something I get to learn and I'm still challenged (at work)."