In an interview before the recent press screening of the film “Salvage,” Jessy Mendiola shared what sets it apart from her previous film projects.
“It’s the fulfilment of [playing] a different kind of role. Kumbaga, lagi kong sinasabi, I wanna do something different. It is definitely different. And when you watch me there, you’ll see and you’ll feel that I’ve never done it before,” she said.
She never dreamed of portraying a news segment producer, but doing so turned out to be one of her most meaningful performances.
“Hindi ako nagpa-cute dito. Hindi ako nakipaghalikan, hindi ako nagpakita ng balat. Hindi ako nag-teknikal ng kung anumang line. It’s raw, and it’s different. And yes, it’s probably a bit better than most of my roles.”
It also taught her a valuable lesson. “I appreciate the media now, the press. Kasi hindi biro yung trabaho. You go on location without knowing what will surprise you but still you stick to your work. I think that’s one of the greatest things to admire.”
“Salvage” tells the story of a news team that plunges into the depths of the jungle to uncover the mystery of unexplained deaths linked to aswang sightings in Mindanao. The suspense thriller, directed by Sherad Anthony Sanchez, also stars JC de Vera, Karl Medina, Joel Saracho and Barbie Capacio.
Jessy has been in the industry for a decade and is looking to up the ante as an actress. “Salvage” inevitably became the perfect project to kick off her intended transition.
“Yung energy daw na nabigay ko sa film na ‘to iba, kesa dun sa nabibigay ko sa mga previous works ko,” she shared.
The 24-year-old actress added, “I’m searching for change. Siyempre if you wanna change, you’d like to take your time. Di naman puwede na if you want to grow with your career, nagmamadali ka. So dun ako. Mas growth ang hinahanap ko. I think it’s about time to accept different roles.”
Jessy is quick to clarify that her preference for better quality projects and more challenging roles doesn’t mean that she is seeking superstardom. She does, however, intend to stay in the industry for as long as she can.
“I’m not asking for superstar status. I just want work. And whatever comes my way, like kunwari, whatever shows my craft. Like ano yung makita nila na ‘o kaya pala niya yun.’ Kasi like ako, what I’m hoping for is longevity,” she said.
Jessy is still very much open to starring in other kinds of projects, but she hopes that succeeding roles will challenge her mettle as an actress. “It’s okay to do drama again, but more of a different level of drama. Hindi yung usual na ginagawa ko. Yun naman ang sagot ng mga artista di ba? I just wanna do something different. Me, I’m just waiting for that…difference,” she said.
She expounded further, saying, “Kapag maganda yung material, kapag maganda yung role, kapag suwak na kaya kong gawin at alam kong kaya kong gawin, okay siya. Hindi ako naghahanap ng dream role. I wanna do as much as I can, with any role.”
“I wanna do everything. Definitely not only pa-sexy; I’ve been doing it for 10 years. So maybe a change with that.”
“Salvage” is one of 12 films that will be shown in cinemas nationwide as part of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino from August 16 to 22.
