Priscilla Fontana: Passion for her First Indie Film

Beyond her pretty face and undeniable charm, 22-year-old promising actress-model Priscilla Fontana             (real name Kimberlea Arreola) is passionate for her craft. Her colourful career started to blossomed in beauty pageants, fashion shows, magazine photoshoots, photography modelling and TV acting stints. She’s already been part of several prominent TV commercials such as Nestea, BDO, XO Candy, Sun Cellular, Tanduay Boracay Rhum, Rejoice Shampoo, and Cream Silk as support role for TV host Venus Raj. She has modelled and worked with some of the biggest names in the photography circle, participated in prominent fashion shows and runway modelling events in Manila. Good exposure led her to take part as support roles in top-rating TV shows. To name a few, she appeared in GMA 7 shows such as Amaya, Show Me Da Money, I Heart U Pare, Pahiram ng Isang Ina, Endless Love, Illumina; and in ABS-CBN 2 soap operas like Imortal, Rosalka, Magkano ang iyong Dangal and Tanging Yaman. She’s currently employed at Strong City Games and Leisure Inc. as VIP International Online Gaming Model. But her biggest break so far came unexpectedly when Palanca multi-awarded Ilonggo writer and director Peter Solis Nery offered her the lead role of “Dulce Amor” in his first full-length movie “Gugma sa Panahon sang Bakunawa” (Love in the time of the Bacunaua). The film is the official entry to the Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival by the Film Development Council of the Philippines. Nery considered Priscilla as the perfect actress for the role of “Dulce Amor” because she used to be one of the director’s students during his brief acting workshop in Manila a few years ago. And with her extensive exposure in the entertainment industry, she enhanced her potential in acting. Priscilla is half Ilongga and the movie script is written in Ilonggo dialect reason why she never hesitated to give all her best to accept the role. In the movie, her character “Dulce Amor” is a challenging role because she needs portray a crazy girl looking for the mysterious father of her son whom she met in an island known for its popular “Bacunawa Festival.” But she will be torn apart to choose between two men who will make her fall in love.

The movie is slated to be shown in selected cinemas in Iloilo City next month. Excited to promote the movie, this rising actress who loves to chase her dreams bravely expressed her sentiments and thoughts in an exclusive interview.

What do you think are your traits that make you a real Ilongga by heart?

I’m actually sweet and fun-loving in person. For me, that makes me a true Ilongga.

 How Ilonggo director Peter Nery did convinced you to play the lead role of Dulce Amor?

Actually, it was my manager who convinced me to accept the lead role. I was challenged because I really want to be an actress since I was a little girl. The role required different kinds of emotion to unveil in order to justify the character.

What makes your role special and at the same time challenging?

My role as ”Dulce Amor” is challenging because I’m a girl who was torn apart to love two men in this movie. I became crazy looking for the mysterious father of my son and met another guy will love me unconditionally. I was rejected and sent away by my parents. It’s all about heavy drama and tragic love story.

How does your character relate to your personal perception about life and destiny?

I believe life is a matter of choice and we make our own destiny at the end of the day.

What makes this film culturally significant to the lives of Ilonggos today?

My mom told me that the “Bacunaua” is just a stuff legend and a popular folklore in the Visayas. Culturally, this movie will somehow define the legend through this movie and will capture the interest of Ilonggos since it is told in Ilonggo dialect.

What is the hardest part of shooting this movie?

The hardest part in making this movie is the love scene since this my first on-screen kiss with my co-star Jet Alcantara. I also can’t forget the scene where I was slapped by my father and my knees were wounded doing the drama scene.

If both Matt and Emilio from the movie were real persons, who would you choose to love and why?

For me, I have to be realistic because I want to love a man who is sincere, honest, God-fearing and someone who will love me unconditionally.

 How does it feel to finally finish your first movie and more importantly an Ilonggo film?

It was a huge accomplishment and a great honor to work for this movie because it reflected our culture and pride as Ilonggos. I’m proud to work for a dynamic Ilonggo director like Peter Nery, a supportive cast and crew who turned out to be an extended family for me.

As an experienced fashion model and TV actress, did it helped you portray your role effectively?

Yes, it was an advantage for my part because I already have ideas on how to effectively act well in front of the camera and deal with the pressure behind the set since we shoot this film for only 6 days. My experience doing this movie gave me a chance to improve myself as an actress.

Can you share with us your future plans as an artist?

 I want to do more challenging projects not only locally but internationally that will make my fellow Ilonggos and Filipinos proud of me as an actress and artist at the same time.

What makes a successful artist like you?

As an actress, I always study my script, internalize my character and try to be open-minded with the suggestions of my mentors and directors. Of course we need to pray and prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally before doing a project.