- 2 years ago
Expanding her world of singing by going into acting, Zephanie is readier than ever to conquer our hearts.
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00:00 [MUSIC]
00:05 Stephanie!
00:06 [LAUGHS]
00:08 I don't normally start my podcast with questions like this,
00:13 but this is what I'm most excited about.
00:17 This is what I want to know.
00:19 Because I saw you at the Vogue Gala.
00:21 And you were with your date, Michael Sager.
00:27 I'm not dating him!
00:30 That's the question, right?
00:34 But yeah, I mean, you look good together.
00:38 I mean, I don't know, as friends?
00:42 How would you describe Michael?
00:45 That's a really good first question.
00:49 Well, actually, Michael is actually a really good friend.
00:57 And, um, what else?
01:01 We're really just friends.
01:03 And I can say that I'm really happy that he's a part of my life.
01:11 Or that I met him and I'm able to work with him.
01:14 And in those events where I'm with him.
01:18 And I also want to say that I'm really proud of him.
01:23 Because I saw how he started.
01:27 I was there.
01:28 And now I see how he really strives for his dreams and goals.
01:35 In his career and in his life in general.
01:37 So I'm just really proud.
01:39 And I'm so grateful to be a part of it.
01:43 And, there!
01:44 [LAUGHS]
01:46 I just picked you right away, right?
01:49 Because, you know, I think the first time I met you was
01:55 the summer taping of Sparkle.
01:59 The one in Laguna.
02:01 Yeah, the summer jingle.
02:04 When Sparkada launched the first Sparkle Artist Center.
02:10 Yeah, almost.
02:11 Maybe almost two years.
02:13 I remember, I can't say that Stephanie moved to GMA.
02:17 And it's been that long since I saw you with Michael Sager.
02:22 [LAUGHS]
02:24 Hi!
02:25 You know, he really doesn't want to be far from me.
02:27 Just kidding.
02:28 [LAUGHS]
02:29 But we're really close.
02:31 Because we started our journey here at GMA together.
02:36 And maybe we found the comfort from each other.
02:43 When we just started, we didn't know each other that well.
02:47 But now, we found each other.
02:49 You have a lot of friends at GMA.
02:51 Yes.
02:53 I know you wanted to move on from the Michael Sager questions.
02:57 But as a workmate, how do you describe him?
03:00 For Sparkle, that's where I really experienced Michael in his work.
03:05 He's really easy to work with.
03:07 When he's on set, when he's taking it seriously,
03:12 I can see his determination, his craft, his passion.
03:17 When there are scenes that need emotions, he'll give it.
03:24 And he's very professional when it comes to work.
03:27 He doesn't get late.
03:29 That's important.
03:30 He's good.
03:31 Yes.
03:32 He's good with people.
03:35 And when it comes to us, since we're partners at Sparkle,
03:42 when it comes to scenes, it's my first time in this acting field.
03:48 And he really gives me guidance.
03:54 He helps me.
03:56 And Michael is fun to work with.
03:59 He's also annoying sometimes when you want him to be quiet.
04:05 He's annoying sometimes.
04:06 You know, that's what's annoying.
04:09 I'm saying it quote and unquote.
04:11 We have friends like that, especially when they're comfortable with you.
04:16 You can be quiet for a while.
04:20 It's fun like that.
04:22 But so far, we've never fought because he's annoying.
04:28 Most of the time, he's easy to get along with.
04:33 He knows when to be serious and when to be annoying.
04:38 We have our co-stars at Sparkle and at AOS.
04:46 You're so annoying at Sparkle when you're together, right?
04:50 Yes.
04:51 You're so annoying.
04:52 I miss you.
04:53 Yes, because when I see you, you're so playful.
05:00 You really feel the friendship and being comfortable with each other.
05:05 Let's talk about Sparkle University.
05:09 Of course, this is your acting debut.
05:13 How are you taking it?
05:16 Because you're used to singing.
05:19 I'm sure you can sing even if you're sleeping.
05:24 But this is different.
05:27 Yes, it's different.
05:30 It's so new.
05:32 Though before, I've experienced some projects that were extra.
05:40 I was young.
05:42 There's no role.
05:44 But this time, I was blessed to experience a character.
05:54 And you're Stephanie.
05:57 It's so pressuring because you have a lot of fans.
06:02 And when you're an artist, let's see what Stephanie can do as an actress.
06:08 It's true because when they saw my clip from one of our workshops before,
06:16 they saw my acting and they got excited.
06:19 And I felt like people are kind of expecting that there's an actress in me.
06:29 But for me, I know that I still need more practice, more workshops,
06:36 and guidance from people who know more about this craft.
06:42 But based on my experience with Sparkle U,
06:46 with the help of my co-stars and our director, Direct Barry,
06:52 the process became easier.
06:56 Even though I'm new to the world of acting,
07:00 I can say that I'm proud of myself that I was able to do it.
07:05 Even though I cried, I was pressured and I made mistakes.
07:10 I felt like I caused a delay.
07:14 Tell me about it, Steph.
07:16 Were you pressured and cried?
07:18 Because...
07:21 Was your tears included in the scene or you were frustrated?
07:25 I cried because I felt so embarrassed.
07:29 Because at that time, we were waiting for our scene.
07:34 And the first line was mine.
07:38 I was with Shane and Abdul.
07:41 Almost everyone was there.
07:43 There were also talents and many people were watching.
07:48 And as far as I can remember,
07:52 our sequence was delayed for that day.
07:56 So I was pressured to get the scene in one or two takes.
08:02 I had a lot of lines.
08:04 My character was the one who led the scene.
08:08 I made a lot of mistakes.
08:11 I couldn't get the right approach for that scene.
08:16 And when I made a mistake again,
08:20 I cried.
08:22 I panicked.
08:23 But thank God, my co-stars were there.
08:27 Shane, Abdul, even Michael.
08:29 Even if he wasn't there, they were there.
08:32 They gave me tissues and told me not to be pressured.
08:36 You're lucky.
08:38 We have friends who are like a joke when you cry.
08:46 It's good to have friends like that.
08:49 Supportive, group hugs.
08:51 That's okay, Steph.
08:53 You can do it.
08:54 But I think that's why I cried more.
08:57 When I'm being comforted, I cry more.
09:00 I feel like, "Thank you, guys. You're legit to me."
09:04 But the pressure was too much.
09:06 The next time, they were already making fun of me.
09:09 I was like, "I'm the one who cries."
09:12 She's going to cry again.
09:14 But that day, I used that frustration in other scenes.
09:21 It stuck with me.
09:23 I was embarrassed. I made a mistake.
09:25 I was like, "Why do I have to cry?"
09:27 But I used it.
09:29 In fairness, I had an advantage and a disadvantage.
09:32 I was emotional that day.
09:34 What do you think you love more?
09:39 Are you leaning towards acting now?
09:41 Or your first love is singing?
09:44 It's true that my first love is singing.
09:46 But since I experienced being on set
09:50 and being with my co-stars,
09:55 especially during break times,
09:57 and when it's really on take,
10:00 I realized that acting is fun.
10:06 I never imagined myself acting before.
10:10 I was so embarrassed before.
10:12 I was afraid to act.
10:15 But somehow, it opened a door for me.
10:20 I can see myself auditioning and doing workshops
10:26 so that I can have more talent if I have it.
10:31 So you're in love now?
10:34 I'm in love.
10:36 Wow!
10:37 She's in love.
10:39 With acting, not with Michael.
10:41 Yes, with acting.
10:45 We're already in love.
10:48 I wish I could have been there.
10:51 Who do you want to follow?
10:57 Who are your idols?
11:00 Sarah Geronimo.
11:02 But I also see Ate Julian.
11:06 She's a singer and an actress.
11:10 She's in musicals and movies.
11:14 I see that I want to achieve that.
11:23 I want to experience acting and big screens.
11:29 And musicals.
11:31 That's it.
11:32 You know, I'm telling you this right now.
11:36 It's not far.
11:38 I've seen you perform and you're really different.
11:43 I told you, "You're so different when you're on stage."
11:47 I'm telling you, "You're so different when you're on stage."
11:51 You're a small person but you're so different when you're on stage.
11:56 Thank you.
11:58 This is a new challenge for you.
12:01 As an actress, are you ready to handle pressure?
12:07 To handle criticism?
12:09 Yes, I'm ready to handle any kind of criticism.
12:16 I'm ready to handle future projects.
12:19 Not just acting.
12:21 But this is something new in my career.
12:25 I'm nervous and worried.
12:29 I'm afraid that people might not like my work.
12:38 But I don't want to be negative.
12:40 I'm open to criticism.
12:43 I always tell myself that there's always room for improvement.
12:48 Even if you can't do it now, if you really want it, you'll work for it.
12:52 You'll work on it.
12:54 I'll take any criticism that's objective to help me improve.
13:04 More than that, I'll give importance to the opinions of important people in my life.
13:13 People who know me and my journey.
13:17 Because for me, that's what matters.
13:20 For those who are in social media and those who support me,
13:26 good or bad, I'll take what can help me.
13:33 Are you like that?
13:36 Are you your own critic?
13:40 Even if you're good to others, you still see yourself as...
13:46 Wait.
13:47 Even if you're not good, your performance is good.
13:52 But you still see yourself as...
13:54 My eyebrows are not even.
13:56 You know that?
13:58 I'm so perfect.
14:01 I'm asking that because I can very well relate.
14:05 I cannot handle people's criticism.
14:12 Why are you criticizing me?
14:14 I've seen a lot of mistakes.
14:16 But I've seen a lot of ups and downs.
14:18 Are you like that?
14:21 I can relate to that.
14:23 Every after performance, I always ask my team,
14:29 "Are you okay?"
14:31 They're like, "Yes, I'm okay."
14:32 But I'm not easily satisfied with what I do.
14:39 Or impressed with yourself.
14:40 Yes, I'm impressed.
14:41 Sometimes, it's funny when people say negative things.
14:46 I believe it.
14:47 I'm convinced that it's wrong.
14:50 But when they say good compliments,
14:53 I don't believe it.
14:55 I know that I could've done better.
14:59 But they tell me not to be too...
15:01 Correct.
15:02 ...friendly with myself.
15:04 You know, my friend texts me sometimes.
15:08 "Your story was good."
15:11 I feel like I could've done better.
15:14 I think it's fair to say that I'm experiencing it right now.
15:18 I tell myself that I should've said something.
15:25 I need to brush off.
15:27 It's already happened.
15:30 So, move on.
15:31 How do you inspire yourself before a performance?
15:36 For example, you're on stage or on stage.
15:41 What do you think to get you in the zone?
15:44 The process I went through is long.
15:47 I need to be good at mind conditioning before I go on the stage.
15:53 The first thing I do is I really pray.
15:56 I pray for guidance,
15:59 presence of mind,
16:02 and passion in my heart to stay alive while I'm really performing.
16:08 I pray for that.
16:09 Sometimes, I get so nervous.
16:13 I feel like I'm losing myself.
16:15 I feel like I need to be happy.
16:19 You get nervous?
16:20 Yes.
16:21 Really?
16:22 I don't lose myself.
16:24 Really?
16:25 Because every time I see your flawless performance,
16:30 you're so good at it.
16:34 You're so good.
16:36 But do you still get nervous?
16:39 I get nervous at any moment.
16:43 Even when I'm just talking, I get nervous.
16:46 I feel like it's already part of my system.
16:51 It's already there.
16:53 They say that when you get nervous,
16:56 that's when you know you want to do better.
16:59 Yes.
17:00 I believe that.
17:02 Sometimes, when you're complacent,
17:05 you forget that this is who you are.
17:11 This is how you should be.
17:15 I turn that nervousness into motivation.
17:18 I can do this.
17:20 Going back to the question earlier,
17:24 I think that I don't pay attention to people's reactions.
17:34 There are times when there's a good crowd.
17:38 Or when the crowd is not responsive.
17:40 Or you don't get the expected cheer.
17:43 But it's okay.
17:45 I tell myself that what's important is
17:48 that I can do my performance,
17:51 share my talent,
17:54 and inspire them.
17:56 That's how I do my performance.
17:59 It depends on the song I sing.
18:01 I'm able to deliver the message.
18:03 I remember that I'm here for a reason.
18:09 At that specific moment,
18:11 I'm here for a purpose.
18:13 Whatever it is,
18:15 I'll do it.
18:16 I'll do my job.
18:17 I'll do my performance.
18:20 I'll do it from the heart.
18:22 I'll share this with you.
18:26 Whenever I do something,
18:28 like a live report,
18:31 or even when I'm just writing a simple script,
18:36 I pause for a few seconds.
18:39 I just talk to God and say,
18:42 "I am an instrument.
18:45 I am a vessel."
18:46 Whatever it is that you want people to hear,
18:49 whatever it is that you want people to see,
18:52 give it to me now so I can be your instrument.
18:56 And that's it.
18:57 That's how simple my prayer is.
19:00 That's true.
19:01 But Zephanie, you've already done a world tour.
19:04 You've already done a US tour.
19:06 That's amazing.
19:07 Yes.
19:08 How is that?
19:10 This year has been amazing.
19:14 God's blessings are amazing.
19:16 I feel so blessed.
19:18 And I'm so, so grateful that I was one of the artists
19:24 who went to the US for the all-star concert of Cornerstone.
19:32 And one of the best things about that US tour
19:39 is that we were able to perform in three cities
19:42 for the countrymen.
19:44 And there were times when we met in person.
19:50 And another thing is that we toured the US.
19:55 Those three cities.
19:56 Was this your first time?
19:57 Yes, it was my first time in the US.
19:59 Really?
20:00 Yes.
20:01 I still feel the excitement from you until now.
20:04 Yes.
20:05 And the greatest thing that I can say
20:12 that I've been able to endure until now
20:14 is being able to be with my Cornerstone family.
20:17 Because it was the first time that we went abroad.
20:20 Because usually, it's just a few of us.
20:23 And we were able to bond.
20:25 It was a different feeling that you both have a passion for life.
20:31 You both have a path, a journey.
20:34 And then you also share the same bond
20:37 that you want to experience this.
20:40 And especially for me and Vision,
20:42 because it was our first time there.
20:44 We were just kids there.
20:46 So they were the ones I was with almost every day
20:51 until we separated.
20:52 So we went to Hawaii and they stayed in the US.
20:57 So I miss them.
20:59 I really want to go back.
21:01 What is the best part of your trip?
21:04 Aside from the fact that you said
21:06 that you bonded with your friends from Cornerstone.
21:10 The best part is I was able to sing
21:17 in front of everyone who attended
21:24 and really made an effort to go.
21:26 The Filipinos that we miss so much.
21:29 Yes.
21:30 I never could have imagined that I would be able to do that
21:34 at this age and at this year.
21:38 I would be able to sing on a stage in the US.
21:42 So it was really nice to feel that you can share your talent.
21:47 And to share the stage with my co-artists.
21:53 They are the ones I look up to
21:57 when it comes to singing and performing.
22:02 What is the best souvenir you brought home?
22:08 I really like makeup.
22:11 So you really went there?
22:14 Not really.
22:16 But I bought one for my mom.
22:19 I asked her if she could let me buy it.
22:21 I said that I would only buy this one.
22:23 I wouldn't spend money on it.
22:25 I wasn't with my mom or anyone from my family
22:29 during our US tour.
22:31 Another thing that really made it memorable
22:35 is the fact that I went there on my own.
22:38 So it was your independence.
22:40 Yes.
22:41 I asked her if I could buy these shoes.
22:44 So I bought a pair of...
22:47 I don't want to say it.
22:49 It's so nice to shop in the US.
22:53 If you compare the prices,
22:56 it's a big saving.
23:00 Yes.
23:01 I don't buy expensive things.
23:05 But I thought that it's a good opportunity.
23:08 My mom said that I deserve it.
23:11 You should reward yourself.
23:13 It's hard to go to the US and still sing there.
23:18 So I bought these shoes.
23:23 So it's just one pair or 20 pairs?
23:28 It's just one pair of sneakers.
23:32 You're a saving kid.
23:34 Sometimes, I get too much.
23:38 But I have to work hard.
23:41 I want to hear the point of view of Gen Z.
23:47 Is it okay to reward yourself?
23:52 Or is it okay to save money?
23:58 It's okay to reward yourself.
24:02 Especially if you know that you're working for something that you want.
24:11 But it's not always.
24:13 If you feel that you have something,
24:16 you have to buy everything that you want.
24:19 I buy what I want when I know that I need it.
24:23 But when I want it, I think about it.
24:26 When it comes to saving,
24:28 I'm happy that my parents taught me to save.
24:38 I've been saving since I was a kid.
24:42 I save for what I want.
24:44 I buy things for myself.
24:47 I save from my savings.
24:49 Now that I'm getting older, I have the idea that I need to save for my future.
24:56 I learned how to manage my finances.
25:01 It's time for me to learn how to manage my finances.
25:06 I'm happy that there are people who can guide me and help me.
25:11 It's not an easy journey.
25:13 Some people want to live alone.
25:16 But it's not just about being alone.
25:19 It's about how you take care of yourself and be responsible for your decisions in life.
25:26 It's true that at some point,
25:28 whether you like it or not,
25:30 you have to face adulting.
25:32 So, you're learning it now.
25:36 It's slow and very challenging.
25:40 Before, you're just thinking about what you're going to eat or do for work.
25:46 But now, you're taking care of your expenses,
25:50 like paperwork, taxes, and everything.
25:55 I'm now there and I'm telling my mom,
25:58 "Mom, I need to learn this."
26:00 "So, explain to me how this works."
26:03 Yes, you're joining in.
26:05 I'm joining in.
26:06 But my mom is still there.
26:09 She's not giving me everything yet.
26:11 Maybe she's seeing the adjustments.
26:14 But I can feel that she's not willing to teach me those things.
26:19 Because she knows that someday, you need to learn everything about it.
26:25 And you're able to do it because not all Gen Z's goals are like that.
26:30 Right?
26:32 I mean, I know a lot of Gen Z's who will delay their goals.
26:37 Maybe that's where my personality comes in.
26:40 I want to experience those things.
26:43 You're going to ask yourself.
26:46 I also want to try to be myself.
26:49 And I know that I can do it.
26:52 Even if it's hard, I can do it.
26:54 Give me some tips.
26:56 I'm sure a lot of Gen Z's are listening now.
27:00 Teach me how.
27:03 I'm sure you're not fully doing adulting yet.
27:08 But I'm sure you're doing it little by little now.
27:11 For me personally, being independent for me is not being alone.
27:17 And not being on your own.
27:21 For me, the key to a good outcome of independence
27:28 is to still consider the opinion of important people like your family
27:34 and the people you grew up with.
27:37 Because you are who you are because of them.
27:40 So I feel like the key to a wise decision making
27:47 is to ask the people you value the most.
27:51 If you're making the right decision, asking for help is not a weakness.
27:57 For me, the outcome of your decisions in life will be better
28:05 if you still have guidance.
28:08 Even your friends who you think are mature in thinking,
28:11 you can listen to them.
28:13 Because you said it so well,
28:17 adulting or independence is not actually being alone.
28:24 Executing it, you have to do it alone.
28:30 But you got a lot of inputs from people who lived or experienced those things.
28:39 That's really wise of you.
28:42 You're happy because now when you say, "I want to be independent,"
28:47 they want to listen to nothing.
28:49 For some people, it works.
28:52 But for me, I value my family and the people in my life.
29:01 What they're saying is important.
29:04 Even now, when I make a decision, I feel like I'm having a hard time on my own.
29:09 Is it right?
29:10 Because I'm very cautious.
29:13 I don't want to make mistakes as much as I can.
29:16 Because the consequences are hard to deal with.
29:19 If you're also going to decide on your own,
29:22 make sure that you can also be responsible for the aftermath or the results of your decisions.
29:30 Because that's really part of being an adult.
29:34 Whatever happens, answer for yourself.
29:39 You know, Sef, if I may share this.
29:43 Of course, I've been through adulting for a long time.
29:48 And it's true.
29:51 One of my regrets, if you can call it a regret,
29:55 is that I didn't listen to the people I should have gotten better information or advice
30:08 so that my decision would be better.
30:11 But of course, you cannot regret that.
30:13 You have to move forward.
30:15 As long as you're not a criminal or you're not going to get hurt,
30:20 don't be afraid of making mistakes.
30:22 Yes.
30:24 And we're really going to be different in our personality or in our situations or outcomes in life.
30:33 As long as you know what you're doing, you'll be careful.
30:37 There's really nothing wrong with making mistakes.
30:40 Because sometimes, that's where we learn the most.
30:43 But at this stage in your life right now, are you happy?
30:49 Or are you afraid as a Gen Z?
30:52 More than anything, I'm really excited about the shift that I'm experiencing in my life.
31:01 I don't feel like I'm the kid who's always giving and taking from you.
31:09 I'm already there and I need to learn to stand on my own.
31:13 So I'm excited for myself.
31:16 What kind of person will I be after these experiences?
31:23 And maybe even if it's scary, you really need to go through this path.
31:34 This is what will shape you and what you will be as a person.
31:39 Have you ever gone grocery shopping alone?
31:42 Of course!
31:44 That's what they say, that's the start.
31:47 Like, when you go grocery shopping,
31:49 because a person goes through a hundred of decision making when they go grocery shopping.
31:57 And when you're alone, it's like, "Ah, I'm so independent."
32:02 Actually, I've felt that.
32:06 Maybe since I turned 18, I've felt that my mom's rules are getting more and more loose.
32:20 Because of course, as women, we're almost in the family.
32:24 They're really strict, but not so strict that it's like, it's like a rule.
32:30 The discipline is there and they're careful.
32:33 So when my mom saw that I was able to take a break,
32:38 she slowly allowed me to do things on my own.
32:42 Sometimes, I'll just go to work or I'll just do things on my own.
32:48 And I enjoy it.
32:50 But there's also the feeling that it's tiring when you're alone.
32:55 I'm so excited for you as a performer.
33:00 And this is just in your scenario,
33:02 that your being a Gen Z and how you deal with adulting 101 is really fun.
33:09 I hope you stay that way and your happiness continues.
33:16 I hope so.
33:19 And I'm so happy that I'm at this point in my life, even in my career.
33:27 I'm grateful to everyone who comes and blesses me.
33:32 As much as I can, I cherish them.
33:35 I know that they're a big part of my life in the near future.
33:41 You know, Sef, I normally end my podcast by turning the tables around.
33:48 You're the one who asks me any questions that come to your mind.
33:53 Don't make me sing, okay?
33:55 This is the first question that came to my mind.
33:59 Uncle Nelson, how's your heart?
34:04 You know, I don't know why,
34:08 from all the interviews I've done on this podcast,
34:13 I've always been asked that question.
34:17 How's your heart?
34:18 It's always...
34:20 I always say that my heart is happy.
34:23 And my heart is grateful for everything that's in me now.
34:31 Because I just turned 53.
34:36 And it's not...
34:41 You're not a kid anymore.
34:43 You have a lot of frustrations every time you grow older.
34:48 But I realize that my frustrations are decreasing as I grow older.
34:56 And maybe, like what I said earlier,
35:02 always start with a grateful heart.
35:05 Because everything else follows after that.
35:08 And do not stop yourself from falling in love with anyone and everything that you think can add to you.
35:18 That's beautiful.
35:23 So, always think,
35:25 "Can this add to me as a person, as a human being?"
35:29 "Will this make me happy?"
35:32 Without any ifs and buts.
35:34 Because there's no real happiness.
35:37 I'll remember that.
35:38 You know, you're still young.
35:41 Continue with what you're doing.
35:44 Fall in love.
35:45 Make mistakes.
35:47 You deserve it.
35:48 Just like the shoes you bought.
35:51 Wow, I'm about to cry from what you're saying.
35:55 But it's true, right?
35:58 It's true.
35:59 It's beautiful.
36:00 A reminder.
36:01 Stephanie, thank you very much for your time.
36:04 And it was a pleasure talking to you.
36:08 You shared a lot with yourself.
36:10 And I'm sure you'll appreciate that.
36:12 Not just me, but your fans.
36:15 Thank you for this opportunity for me.
36:20 And I hope everyone enjoyed it.
36:23 I really enjoyed it.
36:25 Thank you.
36:26 [Music]
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