Hershey Neri shares inspiring journey landing her first Cinemalaya film
Around GMA
Around GMA
PAGASA update on Bagyong Maymay as of 2 PM (August 5, 2026) | GMA News Dennis Trillo renews ties with GMA Network, promises more exciting projects Free planetarium shows, telescope viewing are happening in QC this AugustArticle Inside Page
Showbiz News
Hershey Neri opened up about the inspiring story behind her Cinemalaya debut.
Hershey Neri recently turned her long-time dream into reality after reaching a major career milestone.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the content creator and podcast host shared how she overcame self-doubt while auditioning for Cinemalaya last year.
“Hindi naman ako matatanggap sa Cinemalaya,” sabi ko [noon] sa boyfriend ko. May nakita kasi ako nun na Facebook post, may auditions daw, TODAY, open to all. Sa UP Diliman daw gaganapin," she wrote.
Hershey admitted that she did not consider herself a "serious actor," believing that many others were more talented than her.
“Nakakatakot. Di ata para sakin 'to. 'Wag na…” she recalled.
Still, she could not shake the feeling that she would regret passing up the opportunity.
"Pero di ako mapakali. Alam kong pag pinalipas ko 'tong chance na 'to, magsisisi ako," she added.
In the end, Hershey took a chance and auditioned for Cinemalaya, waiting in line for four hours.
"Pumila ako nang apat na oras sa UP (Auditonee Number 292!) — at eto na, after eight months, sa wakas—may Cinemalaya entry na tayo!" she shared.
After being cast in a Cinemalaya film, Hershey expressed her gratitude to Direk JL Burgos for trusting her and allowing her to portray Teacher Anding in Ganggang.
She also thanked Direk Dustin Celestino and Direk May-i Guia Padilla for inviting her to make cameo appearances in the Cinemalaya entries A.Ni.Mal and Tirik.
"Matagal ko nang pangarap maging parte ng CINEMALAYA dahil sa mga kuwento neto na MAKABAYAN at may PUSO. Maraming salamat po, Direks, sa paggawa ng mga ganitong pelikula," she expressed.
Toward the end of her post, Hershey thanked her boyfriend for giving her the courage to pursue her Cinemalaya dream.
"Siya rin talaga ang nagbigay sa akin ng lakas ng loob na mangarap ng Cinemalaya," she wrote.
She continued, "Na-inspire akong subukan pagkatapos kong mapanood ang Gulay Lang, Manong noong 2024, kung saan siya ang Director of Photography."
Hershey also expressed her appreciation to her boyfriend for driving her to UP Diliman, waiting for her for more than four hours, buying her a hotdog outside the building, and, most importantly, supporting her even when she doubted herself.
Reflecting on her journey, Hershey encouraged others not to let fear hold them back.
"Ang dami pala nating mga hindi ginagawa kasi inuunahan na natin ng takot at duda. Pero minsan, ang kailangan lang pala natin sabihin sa sarili natin ay…“Puwede naman akong mag-try.” Malay natin, diba? :)" she shared.
She ended her post by encouraging everyone to watch Ganggang, A.Ni.Mal, Tirik, and all of this year's Cinemalaya entries.
"And let's watch ALL #Cinemalaya entries this year!!! MABUHAY ANG PELIKULANG PILIPINO," she concluded.
RELATED GALLERY: Ruru Madrid, Pokwang, at iba pang Kapuso stars na bibida sa Cinemalaya 2026
