US-based Pinay actress gets double big break

A California-born Filipina actress got a double big break after being tapped to star in two projects — a movie and a play. Camille Mana will play the role of Helen Black, a neurotic teenager, in the film “Norman," according to a report on GMA News’ “Saksi." “Norman" will have no less than Academy Award nominee Richard Jenkins (“Eat Pray Love") as its star. Mana, who turns 28 on Sept. 1, will also play the title role of “Asuncion," the playwrighting debut of Academy Award nominee Jesse Eisenberg (“The Social Network"). The production is to be presented at The Cherry Lane Theatre beginning October.
Mana graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in six semesters with a degree in Economics. She got her big break as Lisa on UPN’s long-running sitcom “One on One" and appeared in the drama-comedy “Smart People" playing Missy Chin. Also, she co-starred in teen comedy film “College." Mana produced a short film, “Equal Opportunity," which won NBC’s First Annual Comedy Shortcuts Festival and earned her a development grant prize. — JE, GMA News