Jo Berry takes on boxer role in 'The Master Cutter,' proud to represent Little People

Jo Berry is stepping into a physically demanding role in her upcoming series "The Master Cutter," where she plays Ame, a character who becomes a boxer.

On Tuesday's "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," Jo said that instead of undergoing formal boxing training, she prepared for the role by immersing herself in real-life experiences of Little People who have worked in boxing and wrestling.

"Hindi po ako nag-training, but what I did is I did interviews with other Little People na nagtrabaho talaga as boxer and sa wrestling," she said.

Jo said that the treatment they receive is not always fair.

"Hindi ko po masasabi na completely na maayos ang pagtrato sa kanila doon pero of course, sila naman talaga 'yung pumasok doon, of course naghahanap sila ng trabaho para mabuhay 'yung pamilya nila. Pero hindi ko po masasabi completely na ayos 'yung trato sa kanila doon," she said.

For Jo, there is a responsibility that comes with representing not just Little People but also the broader differently abled community.

"Sinasabi po nila na hindi na sila masyadong nahihiya ngayon lumabas sa street kasi ang tawag na sa kanila 'yung mga character names ko. Hindi na po kung ano-ano. Hindi na sila inaasar. Kasi ang naiisip na daw po 'pag nakakita sila is 'yung mga role na nagawa ko. Kaya natutuwa din po sila. Tapos parang excited na daw 'yung mga tao na makita sila. Unlike before na nahihiya silang magpakita kasi nga different sila," she said.

Jo shared that she feels genuinely happy seeing the impact of her work.

"Sa akin po, natutuwa 'yung heart ko kasi 'yung akin lang naman nung nag-umpisa ako, gusto kong ma-try. Gusto kong masubukan 'yung pag-arte. Tapos meron na pong ganoong kalaking epekto sa iba pang mga tao. So, very happy po 'yung heart ko sa kinalabasan naman," she said.

She likewise admitted that there is pressure when selecting roles she will accept.

"Iniisip ko na hindi ko tatanggapin 'yun just because I want na tanggapin 'yung role. Kailangan ko rin isipin kung ano din po 'yung magiging epekto sa other Little People and other differently abled people na nire-represent ko nga po sa panahon ngayon," she said.

"The Master Cutter" stars Dingdong Dantes and Max Collins, along with Shuvee Etrata, Charlie Fleming, Sienna Stevens, and more. It will premiere in May.

Jo is also set to star as herself in an upcoming episode of "Magpakailanman" titled "Little Big Dreamer," which will tell her life story.

She admitted that revisiting her past was emotionally challenging.

"Sa totoo lang, noong hiningi pa lang po ng Magpakailanman 'yung story ko, natakot po akong ibigay. Kasi alam ko sa sarili ko na hindi pa rin ako ganoon ka-prepared na balikan lahat ng pain," she said.

Despite this, Jo said she ultimately chose to move forward with the project, believing its purpose goes beyond her personal experience.

"Noong nagawa ko na nga po, naisip ko na 'yung purpose nun is bigger than I can understand right now. So, gusto ko pong ipakita din 'yun sa lahat kasi gusto ko rin na ma-inspire sila dun sa story ko, dun sa nangyari sa pamilya ko," she said.

Jo's "Magpakailanman" episode will air on April 18. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA News