TV5 princess Eula Caballero feels blessed. Only 17 years old, the young actress was already given the chance to work with top-caliber actresses Nora Aunor and Maricel Soriano as well as seasoned actors like Christopher De Leon, Eddie Garcia, Gabby Concepcion, Jericho Rosales and Dennis Trillo.
Now in her first lead role, Eula pits talents with no less than multi-awarded actress Lorna Tolentino in TV5’s new supernatural mystery drama series, “Third Eye”, which premieres on Sunday, July 29.
“They’re all very supportive naman,” she said of Nora, Maricel and Lorna. “Kabang-kaba nga ako nung first scene namin ni LT kasi bato siya ng bato ng linya. Buti na lang inalalayan naman niya ako.”
The very first “Star Factor” grand winner said she’s very grateful to TV5 not just for giving her very good projects but also for the chance to work with some of the country’s finest thespians.
“Sobra sobra na ang binibigay sa kin ng TV5, I don’t want to disappoint the network so I’m giving nothing but my best performances,” she declared. “I wouldn’t say that I’m a perfectionist but I just want to give justice to all the roles and projects that are given to me.”
Aftercutting her teeth on the TV5 telerseryes “Sa Ngalan Ng Ina,” “The Sisters” and “Nandito Ako” as well as the 2011 Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” that earned her a couple of nominations from the Star Awards for New Movie Actress of the Year and Golden Screen Awards for Breakthrough Performance by an Actress, Eula gets to try her hand in the suspense and horror genre in “Third Eye.”
For her role as Cassandra, a young girl who discovered she has the so-called “third eye” while investigating the mysterious disappearance of her boyfriend, Eula said she watched a lot of horror movies to prepare herself for the role. She said she was also a fan of “Midnight DJ,” the acclaimed weekly horror series that starred Oyo Boy Sotto.
“Actually, sa totoong buhay, matatakutin talaga ako,” she confessed. “Kahit simpleng kaluskos or imagination ko lang, natatakot na agad ako.”
Aside from being blessed with working with legendary co-stars, Eula added that she’s also fortunate to work with outstanding directors such as Mark Reyes, Joyce Bernal, Mac Alejandre and the late, great Mario O’ Hara.
“I was such a baby girl kay Direk Mario,” she said in recalling her fondest memories of her “Sa Ngalan Ng Ina” director. “He would really touch your life kasi sobrang lambing niya even though he’s quiet on the set.”
Eula recalls that Mario never scolded her during the times when she could not do a scene right during the first few takes.
“Pinagsasabihan niya ako ng, ‘O, anak, maraming artista na ang nagdaan sa ganitong klaseng eksena, kung sila nga nakakaya nila eh,’ ganun siya mag-motivate. Napakamaalaga nya, spoiled kaming lahat nun sa kanya.”
In “Third Eye,” an hour-long series where her character encounters creatures inspired by the rich stories of Philippine folklore, mythology and pop culture, Eula gets to work with four directors namely Topel Lee, Robert Quebral, Rahyan Carlos and Benedict Mique.
“My experience with Topel Lee is very good. He’s very meticulous and takes time to preview a scene before deciding on using it,” she noted.
Rounding up the stellar cast of “Third Eye” are Daniel Matsunaga, Victor Silayan, Clint Gabo, Jenny Miller and as Cassandra’s groovy grandfather, Eddie Garcia.
“Like I said, I feel very blessed to be given the chance to work with these talented people,” Eula reiterated.
“That’s why I’m doing my best to live up to everyone’s expectations including and especially my own. More than pleasing others, I want to please myself so I know it’s in my best interest to continue improving my craft.”
