Having been in the industry for many decades, fledging actors can look up to none other than Cherie Gil, everyone’s favorite sassy, wine-hurling kontrabida, for her exemplary body of work. Putting aside her incontestable acting prowess, however, what makes the 55-year-old star stand out from the generations after generations of new celebrities is her no-nonsense work etiquette.
For Cherie, art – that is, acting – is a collaboration, and everyone, including actors, has to play their part, regardless whether or not the spotlight is being casted upon them. Unfortunately, even these basic rules are not taught in acting workshops any longer today, and the veteran star, being the generous person that she is, thought it necessary to school her fellow actors on the proper work decorum that she herself has learned throughout the years.
“Never ever kiss me in greeting, out of so called ‘politeness’ and ‘courtesy’, if I don’t know who the hell you are! Introduce yourself first.” shared Cherie in a Facebook post, before proceeding to admit that she doesn’t approve of being called ‘tita’ on set. “And, please, don’t call me ‘tita’ unless we are blood related (or super, super close family/friends).”
The Bituin Walang Ningning actress also had a few notes on actors who boss around and are downright disrespectful to their fellow stars. “Never echo the directors’ instructions to your co-actor in the scene. Never teach your co-actor or tell her/him how she/he should do the scene or her/his part unless you need something from the actor which would help you in your own process. But, ask kindly and humbly.
“Never look at your cellphone or retouch while blocking/reading a scene. (I promise I’ll either slap you or walk out on you.) Never ever let any actor wait for you when called to the set, especially senior actors,” wrote Cherie.
The award-winning celebrity then called out to her fellow actors to remind them that coordination is important in their job. “There is always room to learn from and grow with one another. So, please throw your effing ugly ego out the window. There are various kinds of ego, by the way. Learn the difference. Keep the good kind which is necessary for creativity and your own preservation of self worth,” said Cherie, before signing off with a thank you.
The post has since gone viral online and was soon picked up by her contemporary, singer-actress Lea Salonga.