She’s the person everyone loves to hate. In her villain roles, she makes the lives of lead characters a living hell. Meet Chynna Ortaleza, everyone’s favourite kontrabida (villain).
How do you react when people call you Divine (your character’s name in Luna Blanca), instead of Chynna?
I’m pleased. That means I’m playing my role really well. My character’s name is Divine and yet she is so evil — it’s a deep character that gives me a lot of leeway to play with. It’s not just a bad girl thing — she’s got her own dilemma that gives her some sort of crisis, which in turn drives her to do bad things to other people.
How do you prepare for a role like Divine’s?
Immersion, which can be stressful; because I would like to think I am so different in real life (laughs). I have one major peg, then vary it a bit with sub-pegs — that gives my portrayal some depth as well. So people see something new in the character every so often, while being consistent about the characterisation.
Looks like you’ve really made a science of villain roles. Don’t you wish you had good roles for a change?
I have had my share of goody goody roles during my teens. I’d like to think villain roles are just a phase for me, a good training ground which will help me tackle other characters in the future, whether good or bad. GMA has been good to me and I know that they have something special in store at some point. Everyone gets a chance here, so I look forward to getting a plum, lead role soon.
In fact, I’m in a new movie, an indie film titled Migrante, where I play a totally different role. I am a nurse working in Israel; and I play like a good Samaritan in the movie. So, something new for a change.
Of all the villain roles you’ve played, which one is the most challenging so far?
The one before this, in Legacy. It was short, but I remember reading rave reviews about it. It was very challenging because you’re up against good actors, so I had to give my best. I levelled up, in a manner of speaking so that was a good experience. This one in Luna Blanca is also challenging because, I’m a scheming woman out to get the love of a man who is in love with someone else; what makes it more challenging is that I get to be an evil “witch” to lovely adorable girls...I love kids in real life so sometimes it breaks my heart to have be mean to children on the set.
