MANILA, Philippines, October 23 ------ Beauty Gonzalez is becoming known as the new “horror queen,” thanks to her successive horror projects. One of her films, In My Mother’s Skin, is currently one of the most-watched content on Prime Video Philippines. Her upcoming movie alongside Derek Ramsay, (K)Ampon, has secured a spot as an official entry in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival. She’s also in the midst of shooting a Ten17P film directed by Carlo Ledesma, titled The Outside, a psychological horror film.
When asked about being hailed as the next horror queen, the 32-year-old Dumaguete-raised actress responded with refreshing candor, saying, “Sinasabi nga nila horror queen na daw ko, hay, Ginoo ko! I mean I could never beat Kris (Aquino), no. Iba talaga yung panahon nila dati. The way that the movies make money before is really different from the movies right now.” She acknowledged the legendary status of those who came before her but is content with her own place in the genre. If people say she’s next, “I’m happy to have the title naman.” One thing is clear: Beauty feels fortunate to explore this side of her acting career, as many actors don’t get the chance. Some are hesitant, while others are restricted by contracts. She also recognizes that horror roles are more challenging than drama and can be physically and mentally taxing. “Mas madali pang umiyak, mag-drama rather than, you know, magpatakot and … it’s very strenuous acting.” But she also finds it fun. “I’m just happy and blessed that I get to explore all sides of acting.”
Beauty emphasized her fascination with the psychological aspect of the horror genre, saying, “I enjoy trying to delve into the character’s past, problems, and creating a backstory. It’s like conducting an experiment or an investigation. It’s a lot more complex than drama, where you know where to go emotionally. In horror, you have to add various elements to create fear. There are many ways to scare people. And that’s what makes it exciting — the psychological part.” She also recognizes that horror roles are more challenging than drama and can be physically and mentally taxing. “Mas madali pang umiyak, mag-drama rather than, you know, magpatakot and … it’s very strenuous acting.” But she also finds it fun. “I’m just happy and blessed that I get to explore all sides of acting.” Beauty emphasized her fascination with the psychological aspect of the horror genre, saying, “I enjoy trying to delve into the character’s past, problems, and creating a backstory. It’s like conducting an experiment or an investigation. It’s a lot more complex than drama, where you know where to go emotionally. In horror, you have to add various elements to create fear. There are many ways to scare people. And that’s what makes it exciting — the psychological part.”
As for her next big-screen outing, (K)Ampon, she said, “We’re done actually. We finished it on time, and we got approved for the MMFF agad. I was so shocked. I was so happy. The script is really beautiful. It was a four-year script and it went to many artistas and then finally it landed to me. I’m thankful to Atty. Joji (Alonso, producer) for trusting me with this project and also to my manager (Aguila Management) for always believing in me.” Besides horror, Beauty’s versatility shines in her acting projects this year. She expressed her excitement for her year-end projects such as the GMA teleserye Stolen Life, which serves as her reunion project with her Kadenang Ginto director Jerry Sineneng. “Kakaiba talaga,” she said. “I’m a b***h there. I’m a very, very bad, bad Beauty.” She’s also set to reprise her role as Sen. Bong Revilla’s leading lady in the action-comedy series Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis. “It’s nice to speak Bisaya on TV once in a while.”
Asked how she adapts her acting style to fit different genres, she explained, “I consciously study my character, explore, and dig deep to understand both the good and bad sides of the character.” She’s also open to seeking help when needed, even calling her husband, art curator-businessman Norman Crisologo, when she’s “confused.” Her husband’s opinion also matters when she selects roles, saying, “We read scripts together, weigh the pros and cons, and discuss how each role may affect me. He provides an outsider’s perspective on the potential outcomes. But ultimately, he lets me follow my heart and instincts. That’s what I appreciate about him.” Beauty’s career philosophy, nowadays, is simple: “What’s meant for you will come to you, and good things happen to good people. I choose those who choose me.” If “blessed” seems to be Beauty’s favorite word, she has every reason to use it. It’s been a remarkable year for her. “I’m just so overwhelmed with all this happening to me. I’m building a new house. And I have endorsements also… My dreams are coming true ba and it’s nice ‘cause all the hard work that I’ve been doing for the past few years, especially, is finally, slowly happening with the support of my loving husband,” said Beauty, who was accompanied by Norman and their daughter Olivia on location in Negros while she wrapped up her shoot.
Source: philstar.com