Zephanie turns emotional as 'Sparkle U: #SoundTrip' director Ralfh Manuel Malabunga praises her

Kapuso star Zephanie got emotional as she heard praises directly from Sparkle U: #SoundTrip director Ralfh Manuel Malabunga.

Known to many as the winner of a singing competition, Zephanie made her acting debut in the first story of Sparkle U, #Frenemies.

In #SoundTrip, Zephanie reprises her role as the main character Sue, alongside Michael Sager who also reprises his role as Marco.

Direk Ralfh said, "For Zephanie, nakilala ko siya na singer, so wala sa isip ko na she can do those things. Napanood ko kasi 'yung [first story], so nakita ko 'yung, proper term is transformation ni Zephanie.

"Nakita ko rin 'yung kagustuhan niya on how to be a better actress, a better actor dito sa third installment kasi nakita ko how she prepares on every scene.

"Sasabihin niya talaga, 'Direk, sandali lang po.' And we will give her time para ma-process niya talaga 'yung emotion na kailangan.

"I'm very, very proud of her."

Because of Direk Ralfh's praises, Zephanie became emotional.

She replied, "Siguro, na-touch po ako dahil hindi ako talaga artista sa third story ng Sparkle U, which is itong #SoundTrip. Aside po kasi na isa ito sa pangarap kong musical, I've never imaged myself na mag-act talaga ako, and it's such a big challenge for me."

"Super happy po ako na na-achieve ko itong bagay na 'to. If I'm allowed to say na I'm so proud of myself na nalagpasan ko po itong experience na ito. Kasi mahirap talaga siya, hindi pala siya madali."

A well-known singer, Zephanie thought that acting in front of cameras was the same as going up on stage and singing a song.

"Akala ko katulad lang sa pagkanta na aakyat ka sa stage, kakanta ka, tapos na, pero there's so much more than what you see on TV.

"Kaya I hope suportahan n'yo po itong show na 'to, and 'yung bawat show na ginagawa namin para sa inyo kasi talagang we put so much effort, and so much hard work po ng bawat isa.

"Thank you so much, Direk. It means a lot po. Siguro, talaga 'pag may gusto ka, gagawan mo ng paraan para magawa mo siya. 'Pag nasa puso mo at binigay sa 'yo ni Lord, hindi ka niya pababayaan, iga-guide ka niya sa bawat step na 'yun.

"I'm so grateful to God na kayo 'yung team, kayo 'yung production team, and kayo 'yung co-actors na binigay Niya sa akin sa first two project na na-experience ko.

"Maraming maraming salamat po, and sana mahalin niyo 'tong show na 'to dahil mahal na mahal namin 'to at mahal na mahal namin 'yung trabaho namin.

"Para sa inyo po ito, para sa ating lahat."

Bukod kina Zephanie at Michael, bibida rin sa #SoundTrip sina Althea Ablan, Matthew Uy, Vanessa Peña, Lauren King, at Gaea Mischa.

Catch the pilot episode of Sparkle U: #SoundTrip on Sunday, January 7, 6:20 P.M. on GMA.