SANYA LOPEZ
In Her Prime
Photos by Raymond Ignacio and Mike Paunlagui
Shot on location at Citadines Roces Quezon City
After being in showbiz for more than a decade, Sanya Lopez reflects on the beginnings of her career, the challenges that almost made her question her worth, and the changes that she welcomed into her life. From being a dreamer to a star, Sanya Lopez will always be the girl that you will root for.
“Yes” is a word that is used to agree with a point. A word that can be used to affirm or emphasize something. This word can be used in a lot of ways, and for Sanya Lopez, the word “yes” is so powerful that it has changed everything in her life for the better.
In a special interview with GMANetwork.com, Sanya Lopez recounted her entry into the entertainment industry, which started with a “yes” when she was asked whether she wanted to be a celebrity. Sanya was discovered by the late star builder and talent manager German Moreno, known to many as Kuya Germs.
Kuya Germs noticed the young Sanya in the now-defunct late-night show Walang Tulugan and saw so much potential in her. This unexpected meeting led Sanya, or Shaira Lenn Osuna Roberto in real life, to carving her own path in the business.
“Nag-start siya dahil si Kuya [Jak Roberto] ko mahilig talaga sa pagmo-modeling, sa pag-a-artista, until one time binisita ko lang siya. Hindi ko nga akalain kung bakit ako naging artista pero since binisita ko nga ’yung Kuya ko sa Walang Tulugan, doon na nag-start ang lahat hanggang sa makilala ako ni Kuya Germs,” she recalled.
Even as a little girl, Sanya was already fascinated with the idea of being an artista. However, she was too timid to pursue her aspirations and was happy to keep her talent from anybody beyond the people closest to her.
“Every time na nanonood ako ng TV gusto ko ’yung feeling na, ‘Uy gusto kong maging artista, parang ang sarap maging artista.’ Parang gusto ko ’yung feeling na feeling ko ang ganda-ganda ko (laughs).’ Normal ba ‘yun? Parang ganun siya pero ako kasi mahiyain, parang sa sarili ko lang ’yun. Every time na kumakanta ako parang sa family ko lang. Hindi ko pinapakita sa iba. Ganun lang, hindi siya ’yung parang gustong-gusto kong mag-artista. Well, minsan ’yung mga hindi natin ine-expect, ’yun ’yung mga dumarating sa atin e,” she shared.
ine-expect, ’yun ’yung mga dumarating sa atin e.”
Sanya’s acting career began with supporting roles in GMA shows such as Dormitoryo (2013), Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko (2013), Magdalena (2012-2013), and The Half Sisters (2015). Her breakthrough came when she was cast as Danaya in the 2016 remake of the iconic Kapuso fantasy series Encantadia. Following this, Sanya continued to land significant roles. She starred in the afternoon drama series Haplos (2017), playing the lead role of Angela, and became one of the leading ladies of Dingdong Dantes and Dennis Trillo in the series Cain at Abel in 2018.
Sanya’s biggest break came when she was given her first title role as Yaya Melody in the highest-rated TV series of 2021, First Yaya, where she co-starred with renowned actor Gabby Concepcion. Her charming portrayal of a simple, family-loving, and eager yaya won over viewers and critics alike. The primetime series became a massive hit, marking her successful transition from supporting actress to leading lady. Due to its success, a sequel to the First Yaya, titled First Lady, was released in 2022.
In 2023, Sanya showcased again her versatility as an actress when she played the role of Hara Urduja in the epic fantasy series Mga Lihim ni Urduja. This series reunited her with her fellow Sang’gre actresses, Kylie Padilla and Gabbi Garcia.
Alongside her acting career, Sanya has also dabbled in hosting. By joining the cast of the musical variety show All-Out Sundays, she brought out her versatility and charm in front of live audiences. “Siyempre sobrang happy ako kasi noong dumating na sa akin ’yung first major role ko, gusto ko nang mag-artista e. Kumbaga ito pala ’yung feeling ng artista. Ito pala ’yung gusto ko, ’yung pag-arte, ’yung pagho-host, ’yung pag-kanta. So ’yun pala ’yung mga bagay na dito ko lang din na-discover no’ng pumasok ako sa showbiz,” Sanya said smiling as she recalled all the learnings she got when she entered show business.
This 2024, Sanya is set to make a big return to primetime in a family drama titled Pulang Araw wherein she will portray the role of Teresita ‘Morena’ Borromeo, a beautiful Filipina who will rise to fame as a Vaudeville performer in the Philippines but will be forced to serve as a comfort woman during the Japanese occupation of the country.
Joining Sanya in the said series are her fellow Kapuso stars Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, and Alden Richards, together with Dennis Trillo in a very special role.
Biggest “What if…”
Even though it seems that she has everything for herself at the moment, Sanya continues to wonder what their lives would have been like if she did not become a celebrity. Before she became an actress, Sanya had aspirations of working in the medical field or the culinary arts.
“Noong bata pa kasi ako ang hilig ko talaga, maging nurse talaga ’yan talaga. Dapat Nursing ’yung kukunin kong [course] either Nursing or HRM pa before, kasi noong time na ’yun hindi namin kaya, hindi namin afford. Kahit na pangarap natin ’yung culinary arts, chef, gusto kong maging chef, ’yun sana. Pero kung pinalad naman tayo, wala namang imposible, baka ganun, chef (laughs).”
Sanya kept her faith and her focus. She said, “Actually lahat kasi ng nangyayari sa akin hindi ko in-expect, hindi ko rin na-imagine na mangyayari sa akin ’to. May mga moment kasi na parang naiisip ko, ‘Ano kaya ’yung life ko if…’kasi totoo ’yun mahirap ’yung life namin before na hindi mo alam kung ano talaga ’yung mangyayari sa’yo. Ganun talaga siya ’yung parang kailangan kong mag-doble kayod para lang maabot ’yung gusto kong course for example. Sobrang hirap no’n para sa akin. So ’yun, hindi ko nga alam kung makakapagtapos ako that time e, ’yun ’yung totoo.”
na mangyayari sa akin ’to.”
Who is Sanya Lopez today?
After portraying several unique characters in TV series and movies, Sanya Lopez has established her own name in the industry. But how does she see herself today?
“Ngayon kasi, still, si Sanya Lopez pa rin kung sino si Sanya Lopez no’ng una n’yo siyang nakilala, still siya pa rin siya,” she answered.
As she went through her journey as an actress, Sanya maintained her humility and was grateful for the lessons she gained from each of the characters she played. “Siguro may mga bagay lang na natututo tayo sa mga bagay na ginagawa natin, for example ’yan nga no’ng ginampanan ko sina Danaya, Yaya Melody, alam mo ’yung parang sila ’yung nagturo sa akin kung paano aralin ’yung bawat character na hindi pala puwede sa atin ’yung nagse-stay ka sa drama lang? Meron kasi akong gano’n na before na puro drama, drama, drama. Dito mo madi-discover na puwede ka pala sa comedy drama, puwede ka palang maging hero, puwede ka pa lang maging kalaban minsan. So ’yun na-tsa-challenge ka every role,” she said.
While she is finally living the dream of being an artista, Sanya admitted that she is still confronted with challenges, pointing out that it’s not every day that she feels okay about herself.
“Every time yata na may binibigay sa aking role challenge ’yun sa akin and everyday challenge ’yun para sa akin na gigising ka sa umaga, may mga moment na hindi ka okay e, may mga moment na siyempre tao ka lang din na alam mo ’yung minsan naaapektuhan ka rin, nalulungkot ka rin, may mga moment din na sobrang saya ka,” Sanya shared.
One of the challenges she noted was controlling her emotions, since she works in an industry where things can get a little bit overwhelming at times.
“So hindi ka puwedeng magpadala doon sa nararamdaman mo, nandoon ako lagi sa pinaka-challenge na kailangan mong kontrolin ’yung emotions mo kasi hindi siya puwedeng…kunwari masama ang loob mo kailangan mo siyang kontrolin kasi baka may iba kang masabi e, na hindi lahat ng tao maiintindihan ’yun. Same with masayang-masaya ka at sa sobrang saya mo nabitawan mo ’to. ’Yun ’yung kailangan nating kontrolin,” she claimed.
Sanya Lopez pointed out the importance of being mindful of what you say and of constantly thinking twice before saying any word or statement, especially in this day and age when people can easily pass judgment on anyone.
“So ’yun ’yung challenge for me na siguro ito ’yung challenge sa showbiz na kailangan lagi mong obserbahan ’yung sarili mo kasi minsan kapag hindi mo na-control baka iba ’yung maging dating lalo na sa generation natin ngayon nagiging iba na e. Kaya kailangan bago natin bitawan ’yung isang salita kailangan nating doble-dobleng pag-isipan ’yun mga bagay,” Sanya emphasized.
Despite all the noise on social media, Sanya has never engaged in any kind of interaction with bashers and doubters. Instead, she turned all of the negative comments that she received into encouragement, pushing herself to become a better actress.
“Hindi naman, hindi pa. Kasi parang iniintindi ko lang din sila kasi may mga bashers na, bashers nga ba talaga? So I take it as constructive criticism na baka malay mo totoo naman and it helps you pa ’di ba na mas maging okay? So may mga bagay na pipiliin natin ’yung mga sinasabi or kaya kapag nabasa mo, e di okay parang nabasa mo lang siya pero ’wag kang magpa-apekto. Kailangan matatag ka rito kasi hindi puwedeng lahat ng bagay maaapektuhan ka, dapat strong din ’yung damdamin mo,” she said.
Sanya also talked about how she communicates with her fans, especially those who forget their boundaries and sometimes step into her personal life.
“Alam mo 'yung fans talaga, hindi mo maiiwasan na talagang may mga ganun ’no? Kasi, they love you and they think na makaka-help sila doon sa mga bagay na feeling nila kaya nilang kontrolin. Kasi ganun ’yung suporta nila sa’yo, ganun ’yung pagmamahal nila sa’yo to the point na sometimes nakakapanghimasok na pala sila sa buhay ng iba. Kahit ako, fan din naman ako e. Kapag ’yung sinusuportahan ko, feeling ko may kaaway siya, parang gusto ko siyang ipaglaban, parang ganun. Pero kapag iniisip natin na, ‘Makakatulong kaya ito sa kaniya? Makaka-help nga ba?’ So siguro ’yung mga ganun.”
pag-isipan ‘yun mga bagay.”
For Sanya, the behavior of fans is an indirect reflection of the character of the artist they are supporting, so she makes sure to communicate to her fans well how she wants to be supported.
“May mga moment kasi na hanggat kaya natin sa mga fans natin, tayo as sinusuportahan, importante sa atin na sabihan lang din natin ’yung mga fan natin na, ‘Always be kind. If ever na may mga nang-aaway sa atin.’ Palagi kong sinasabi na, ‘Huwag na ’wag ninyong papatulan, hayaan n’yo lang sila.’ Kasi kung ano ’yung fans ninyo, feeling kasi ng iba nagre-reflect ’yun sa personality ng sinusuportahan nila. So ’yun ’yung lagi kong sinasabi na, ‘Always control your emotions, pagdating sa mga ganyan. Yes, naiintindihan ko kayo na sinusuportahan n’yo ako, na mahal n’yo ako, pero kapag may mga nang-ganun, as long as, alam niyo naman ako, kilala niyo naman ako, hayaan nyo na lang sila. Basta tayo, ito tayo.’”
Of course, Sanya is no superwoman. She cannot carry on her back all of the challenges and issues that would come her way. It's a good thing that Sanya has a strong support system, that gives her the guidance and wisdom needed to handle certain issues.
“Number one family talaga. Family or friends na sobra-sobra talaga ’yung pagiging close sa akin kasi meron din tayong mga bagay na kailangan i-limit din natin. Hindi puwedeng malaman din ng iba. ’Yun ’yung totoong buhay, hindi puwedeng alam ng lahat. ’Yun ’yung importance ng isang support system na meron ka e. Kapag strong ’yung support system mo, okay ka e. Kumbaga lalabas ka na hindi pala siya mahirap. ’Yun ’yung mga bagay na, ‘Ah, okay naman pala siya.’ May mga pinagdadaanan ka pero kapag may nasabihan ka, for example, kaibigan mo o kung sino man ang malapit sa’yo, kapag may nasabihan ka ng ganun, ang sarap sa pakiramdam na, ‘Kaya ko pala siya,’ ‘Malalagpasan ko pala siya.’ So ’yun ’yung mga bagay na minsan mahirap, pero kung meron ka ngang ganitong support system na matatag talaga, magiging matatag ka rin. So ’yun ’yung makaka-help.”
Earning Her Keep
As time passes, the power of social media continues to grow. When it comes to becoming famous and being an instant celebrity, this is now one of the most efficient and best platforms to achieve fame.
For some popular artists in the industry, such as Sanya, social media gives several opportunities as well as challenges. When asked about her thoughts on celebrities who became famous through social media, Sanya said, “Para sa akin magandang way ’yun lalo na sa mga gusto talagang mag-artista pero sa lahat ng mga nakaranas kasi before, ang sarap lang kasi nung mga naranasan namin before na wala pang ganitong social media na mag-post ka lang, nag-hit ka, artista ka na agad. Hindi ganun kabilis e. May mga bagay kasi na kapag pinaghirapan mo kung paano ka nakarating dito, ang sarap niyang i-celebrate na, ‘Uy nakuha ko ‘to.’ Achievement ka parang ganun. Kapag kasi biglaan, parang nakaka-overwhelm. Pero siyempre iba’t iba kasi ng klase kung pa’no nila tinanggap ‘yun 'no.”
Sanya shared an important piece of advice to up-and-coming artists who aspire to make it big in show business. “Meron kasi akong mga co-talents na ang advice ko lang sa kanila since mabilis na ngayong mag-artista, lahat mabilis na ngayon, pahalagahan n’yo lang. Hindi siya porket binigay sa’yo ’yun na ’yon. Kumbaga parang, ‘Okay puwede na akong mag-chillax kasi nakuha ko na.’ Kailangan the more na binigay sa’yo, mas pahalagahan mo siya kasi possible na binigay lang siya sa’yo pero mabilis lang din siyang bawiin sa’yo.”
Different people have different paths. What works for her may not work for others, but to achieve something big, having patience, persistence, and kindness matter in the long run.
“Actually mahirap talagang mag-advice pagdating sa mga ganito pero siguro kung gusto n’yo talagang mag-artista o kung ano pa ’yung mga pangarap niyo sa buhay, importante na wag kang mapagod, habaan mo pa ’yung pasensya mo at galingan mo sa bawat ginagawa mo kasi minsan lang ibigay ’yung mga oportunidad na ganito,” Sanya said. “Sabi nga namin, ang daming bago, ang dami na agad na puwede pumalit sa'yo, ang bilis na ng mga nangyayari ngayon sa showbiz kumbaga may bagong nag-click, uso siya, siya ’yung trending, go siya na agad. Kaya kailangan nating galingan kasi ’yun na ’yung mga challenge natin sa buhay e. Basta’t wag kang susuko, importante galingan mo at saka baitan mo pa. Kapag mabait ka kasi ’yun lang talaga ’yun lahat e, mabait at magaling,” she continued.
Aside from pursuing her goals as an actress, Sanya hopes to inspire her fellow artists through her story. “Gusto kong maraming ma-inspire na mga artista. ’Yung parang alam mo na bago matapos ’yung pagiging…ayoko talagang i-expect ’to pero before mangyari ’yung mga bagay na ’yun, gusto kong may ma-inspire, sa trabaho ko, kung paano ako magtrabaho, kung paano ako makisama sa lahat ng mga tao, ‘yung parang gusto kong makapagbigay ng inspirasyon.”
ng sinusuportahan nila.”
What’s next for Sanya Lopez?
For more than a decade, Sanya has proven her place in the industry with her remarkable roles in TV series and movies. Her successes as an actress solidified her status as one of the gems in Philippine entertainment.
In her interview, Sanya revealed that she desires more complex roles or characters that represent certain groups and serve as an inspiration through her portrayal. “Isa sa mga gusto ko pang ma-try talaga, challenging sa akin kasi ’yung bida-kontrabida, ’yung marami kang personalities na ginagampanan at the same time, ’yung may sakit like autism, kasi parang ang sarap lang din gawin ’yung ganung role. Because, ano nga ba ’yung pakiramdam ng mga taong may ganito tapos gusto ko lang ma-inspire ’yung mga may kapatid, for example, or mismong sila, na gamit ’yun, ’yung role na ’yun na naiintindihan natin sila, at the same time siguro mas kaya nating ipakita sa kanila na ’wag tayong sumuko, na lahat tayo equal.”
As she matures in the industry, fans also eagerly anticipate her next projects, both inside and outside of show business. “Actually sa totoo lang po, kahit na ang tagal ko na rin kahit papa’no po, feeling ng iba marami na tayong na-achieve sa totoo lang, andiyan ’yung work, may mga nabili ka, investment, pero feeling ko kulang pa rin.”
Sanya is planning to start other businesses and try new hobbies such as sports. “Since we’re not getting any younger kailangan nating pumasok sa iba pang business because ang bilis ng panahon. Kailangan na nating galingan pa dito sa mga ginagawa natin or mag-venture din tayo sa iba pang mga business and try to find new things na puwede mong pagkaabalahan. May gusto akong i-try na sports. Gusto kong mag-car racing. So ’yun ’yung bago now. So yeah sana (laughs) ’yun lang ’yung bago pero ita-try ko pang aralin. So kung gusto niyong makasabay sa akin malay nyo sabayan n'yo ako 'di ba? Ang daming invitation sa akin regarding do’n sa car racing pero since busy pa tayo sa Sang’gre 'tsaka sa Pulang Araw, ang hirap lang isingit e. Pero excited ako doon kasi ang daming may gustong magturo, ang daming may gustong sumama.”
ang sarap niyang i-celebrate.”
Happy and Single
Even when it comes to her romantic life, Sanya has remained straightforward. It's no mystery that her status has always been NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth). Asked why she is still single and not ready to date, Sanya gave her honest answer. “Hindi kasi ako nagmamadali talaga. Hindi rin ako naghahanap talaga. Siguro kapag hindi ka naghahanap nga, the more na merong mga ganun. Kapag naghahanap ka talaga, pinipilit mo kasi e, feeling ko mas doon lumalayo.”
The actress did, however, confess that she sometimes wishes she had someone to chat with to add a little bit of brightness to her day. “Of course may mga moment sa life natin na, ano kayang feeling ng ganitong kiligin, ‘Uy good morning, kumain ka na?’ Siguro ‘yung mga moment na alam n’yo ‘yan mga girls, ‘pag malapit na, doon lang nagiging ano ka, emotional na, ‘Hmm gusto ko rin kapag umuwi ako sa bahay may [magtatanong] kumusta ang work mo?’ Mga ganyan. May mga moment lang pero hindi ko talaga totally hinahanap, tapos kapag nandiyan naman na nandoon ako sa [mabibigla] ganun. Parang, ‘Ready ba ako?’ Kasi feeling ko kapag binigay siya sa’yo nandun ‘yung parang kampante ka e. Parang ang sarap lang sa pakiramdam na comfortable ka doon sa tao. Parang nag-e-enjoy kayo pareho. Feeling ko ’yun ’yung talagang love life.”
Whether or not that “love” comes, Sanya would like to stick to her personal mantra: “Just keep going. Always moving forward, never stuck.”
“’Wag ka lang mapagod. May mga pagkakataon kasi na ibibigay sa atin. May mga pagkakataon din na hindi ibibigay sa atin. ’Yung mga pagkakataon na ’yun na hindi binigay sa’yo, importante na ma-inspire ka lang do’n at tatagan mo pa ang sarili mo kasi ’yun ’yung mga bagay na tine-test ka kung hanggang saan mo kakayanin. Kasi hindi Niya ibibigay sa’yo ang hindi mo kakayanin e. So nandun tayo sa gusto mo nang sumuko talaga, naiiyak ka na pero importante na lumaban ka kasi alam mong may mga taong naniniwala sa’yo.”
Sanya also shared the advice from Kuya Germs that she had always taken to heart: “Always be humble talaga at ’wag na ’wag mong kakalimutan ’yung mga taong tumulong sa’yo from the very start lalong lalo na nung wala ka pa. Up until now, hindi ko talaga kinalimutan kung sino talaga ’yung mga taong tumulong sa akin and kung hanggat kaya mong tumulong din sa iba, tumulong ka.”
As the interview came to a close, Sanya turned emotional as she thanked her family, who has always been there for her since the beginning.
“Sa mga magulang ko at sa mga tumatayong magulang ko, I just want to say thank you kasi sa lahat ng mga – alam nila ’yung mga hirap ng pinagdaanan natin, hindi siya madali. Sa bawat hirap at saya na naranasan mo buong pagkatao mo, yun ‘yun e. Sila ’yung nandiyan para sa’yo. Sila ’yung sumuporta sa’yo, sila yung kahit na anong mangyari hindi ka iiwan at iga-guide ka nila ano man ang mangyari. So for me I’m so thankful talaga for them na sila ’yung dumating sa life ko na sila talaga ’yung laging nandiyan para sa akin. Maraming salamat na hindi n’yo ako binitawan.”
Tears began to roll down Sanya's eyes as she uttered her message for her late father, Ramil Roberto, who died when she was only 2 years old. “Daddy thank you for…thank you for your guidance, alam ko nandiyan si Daddy, alam kong hindi niya ako pinapabayaan. He’s my angel. Thank you, Dad.”
Shoot producer: Gabby Reyes Libarios | Art Direction: Kaye Castillo | Shoot assistants: Jimboy Napoles, Kristine Kang,
and Andrea Gadaza | Special thanks to Eddrick Nucum of Ascott Limited Group
Kapuso Profiles Inside Page
Kapuso Profiles
Sanya Lopez: In Her Prime
Published :July 17, 2024 01:01 PM PHTAfter being in showbiz for more than a decade, Sanya Lopez reflects on the beginnings of her career, the challenges that almost made her question her worth, and the changes that she welcomed into her life. From being a dreamer to a star, Sanya Lopez will always be the girl that you will root for.
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