Rappler profile: Cherie Gil

MANILA, Philippines – Few celebrities in Philippine cinema can match the range and versatility of Sonata lead actress and Rappler columnist Cherie Gil. 

G Tongi tells us more.

I’m here at the home of actor turned producer Cherie Gil. She opens up not only her home but her journey as an artist.
Born from a family of actors, Evangeline Rose De Mesa Eigenmann or Cherie Gil carved her path as a compelling actress of our generation.
She is also the producer of the film Sonata directed by her favorite tandem Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes.

CHERIE GIL
ACTRESS / PRODUCER, SONATA
I’m so excited because I’m more inspired than ever. We got an A rating from the CEB and what a feeling! Yes, now I just wanna make more, more films that inspire, that are beautiful.

Gil’s Role in Sonata as Regina Cadena hits close to home.
Sonata’s writer, Wango Gallaga and Gil collaborated closely on the films’ script, drawing from her real life experiences.
Gil had throat surgery in 2012.

CHERIE GIL
ACTRESS / PRODUCER, SONATA
So I played the role of an opera singer who lost her voice. The doctors messed up her throat and all she had to do was come back home. As Wanggo says, the tagline “if all is lost in the world and there’s nowhere to go, one just has to find her way back home.

Gil also returns to ABS CBN for Muling Buksan Ang Puso as Marietta Beltran.
It is not the stereotype “Contrabida” or antagonist role she often portrays.

CHERIE GIL
ACTRESS / PRODUCER, SONATA
It’s an unusual part, something I’ve never done before and having said that I’m enjoying it very much. Again, Muling Buksan ang Puso, kaya lang I cry a lot. Why do poor people cry so much?

Gil reveals acting in a “teleserye” is an outlet for her real life emotions.
Her children live in New York and she admits the distance is hard on her.

CHERIE GIL
ACTRESS / PRODUCER, SONATA
It’s not like I have to long and constantly miss them. I do but we’re in touch thanks to the technology. So I dedicate this role to my children when they see my tears it’s all about them but that’s the truth and it’s real.

In her 35 years in the entertainment industry, she continues to evolve by challenging her range as an artist.

CHERIE GIL
ACTRESS / PRODUCER, SONATA
They asked me, “Do you want to direct?” I said, “Never. It’s a headache.” Now I’m beginning to have this pang of wanting to direct and learning to direct.

She talks about the secret to her longevity in show business.

CHERIE GIL
ACTRESS / PRODUCER, SONATA
Loving what you do. The secret to having a fruitful career in the entertainment world is just simply loving what you do and to be constantly hungry for stories to tell, for parts to play and forjust feeling alive. I feel alive when I do it. Without it, there’s no way I can thrive I think. – Rappler.com