Chynna reinvented

Article posted July 03, 2008

Chynna Ortaleza attributes her scarlet-streaked hair and newfound spunk to her upcoming character in “Codename: Asero,” Fran. This is a girl who takes her job seriously, changing her look for every show she does and taking feisty roles fearlessly. Text by Jillian Q. Gatcheco. Photos by Jason S. Lim and Mitch S. Mauricio.

Lovin’ being bad

“I love it ‘cos I’m the villain!” she imparts mischievously when asked to describe Fran. “I’m a villain to Heart [Evangelista’s] character in the story, and I feel very honored that they actually got me for this, because most of the characters that I’ve played before are grey—kung baga there’s a good side to them.”

But Fran is very manipulative and scheming, and Chynna adds that she likes the vibe of the character. “That’s why I 'transformed' myself into her!”

Judging from all the stylish outfits she donned during the Asero pictorial, we had to ask if her character is a fashionista.

“Well, basically I really love dressing up, so if I have villain roles, I take [them] as opportunities to really transform myself and wear all the nice clothes that I can wear! And Fran naman is upper-middle class, so you know, she can dress up.”

Chynna explains that they also wanted to differentiate her role from Heart’s character, who is more dressed down. “Heart here is different from the other roles she’s played in [her former Network], kasi nga dressed down [siya]—completely different from the roles she used to play. [So] we wanted someone opposite—[ that’s why] I really had to change my [style and] hair.”

Did she have to train in martial arts or anything of that sort for her role?

“No martial arts for me—I don’t think I have the body for that! I’m really bad with action!” she fesses up. “I’m more on drama, acting—being bad!”

Chynna says that she’s pretty sure Asero will be a big hit because of the great cast. “I’ve worked with most of them, and I’m really excited ‘cos all of us really think about our roles [and] we deliver.” Joining Chynna in Asero are Richard Gutierrez, Heart Evangelista, Rhian Ramos, Ehra Madrigal, Michael V., Janno Gibbs, and Richard Gomez, among others.

“Plus the fact that [the] show has Heart [in it], so it’s interesting," she adds. "These people want to see her again after a long time, and [of course], [it] was shot in Dubai. It’s also nice because it’s not fantasy—it’s action-slash-mystery.”


Pursuing fashion

When Chynna is not doing showbiz work, she manages her online accessory business, Stellar, full-time. In fact, she had to stop going to U.P. Open University for a while because of schedule constraints. “I stopped right now because I have a business I’m really manning constantly. I’m thinking of getting into another school, maybe a fashion design school [later on], so maybe after Asero. I’m really hoping that I can make that dream come true. Sabi ko nga, I like fashion, I like designing things, [so why not?]”

Is she going abroad for fashion school?

“Here na lang muna kasi I have work,” she answers. “I don’t want naman to leave GMA, kasi kung baga I love this Network too much. Sabi ko nga, I’m gonna try and study in SOFA (School of Fashion and Arts) Manila, or maybe this place in Ortigas [called] Fashion Institute of the Philippines.”

Don’t miss Chynna as Fran during Codename: Asero’s pilot episode on July 14!