Young Sparkle artists join acting workshop of Hollwyood star Melissa Leo

Several Sparkle artists have joined the acting workshop led by Oscar-winning actress Melissa Leo.

Zonia Mejia, Rein Hillary, Patria Coma, Dom Pangilinan, and Gelly Bea were among the 22 young stars selected to join the acting workshop organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

In an interview with GMA News Online, Zonia said that the workshop is a “once in a lifetime experience.”

“It's an honor talaga to be part of this workshop, big workshop. And at first, parang sabi ko, I really have to take everything from this workshop kasi it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said.

“Being here now, I'm very happy with Miss Melissa na tinuturuan niya kami and I'm learning a lot from her, from all her experiences. It's a big, big pleasure to meet her and to meet everyone and learn also from my co-actor,” she added.

Meanwhile, Rein said the workshop taught him that acting goes beyond performance and also shapes a person’s character.

“One of the things that I learned is that you don’t really disappear into the role. Everything — your roles and the people that you work with — will always stay with you. And that makes you not just a better actor, but a better person,” Rein shared.

“And that’s one thing that I really believe in, that to be a good actor, you need to be a good person,” he added.

Titled “Acting for the Screen and Set,” the workshop focuses on the craft of screen acting and effective performances for film and television.

Leo, who leads the sessions, admitted that she initially felt nervous coming to the Philippines for the first time, especially since many of the participants were young actors.

However, she was impressed by their professionalism and eagerness to learn.

“So beautiful. They’ve been receptive, inquisitive, and they followed my directions and suggestions. I’ve seen them grow each day we're here,” Leo said.

The Hollywood actress also expressed admiration for the participants and said she looks forward to seeing them succeed in the industry.

“And now I would like to take all 22 home with me,” she joked. “But they’re better off here at home, and they will have beautiful careers. I hope I get to see them on screen someday.”

Aside from the Sparkle stars, the participants also includes Star Magic artists Brent Manalo, Gillian Vicencio, Miguel Vergara, Marc Santiago, Krystal Mejes, Reich Alim, and Robbie Jaworski.

Also part of the workshop are Star Work artists Abdul Raman, Dom Real, Gab Yabut, Julia Cinco, Kate Yalung, Lienel Navidad, and Vienne Luna, along with Allen Salazar and Bon Lentejas of Aktor PH.

The “Acting for the Screen and Set” workshop kicked off on May 6 and will conclude on May 10.

Leo is known for starring in several acclaimed films such as "The Equalizer," "Olympus Has Fallen," and "The Fighter," with her performance in the latter earning her several Best Supporting Actress accolades, including an Academy Award. —JCB, GMA News