EVEN now that the much talked about ABS-CBN drama The Greatest Love has ended, veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez is still reaping the fruits of the hard work she put in the show.
For what is considered to be the biggest break in her acting career, Sanchez just bagged the KBP Golden Dove Best TV Actress award for her illustrious performance as a selfless mother and homemaker afflicted with the debilitating Alzheimer’s disease. The same role gave her the same honor last month from the academe-based award-giving bodies Gawad Tanglaw and Gawad Pasado.
Also, at the recent Guillermo Mendoza Box Office Entertainment Awards, Sanchez accepted the trophy for the show, which won as Most Popular Daytime Drama Series.
With her winning streak, Sanchez feels she has to carefully choose her next role. “I admit, there is pressure, because my role as Gloria in The Greatest Love is something difficult to top. There are offers, but I am taking my time, carefully studying each one that comes. I don’t like to rush because every role and project I accept will determine the kind of projects that I’ll be doing in the next few years.”
Sanchez added, “Gloria was a dream role. Playing a mother and being a mother in real life are both filled with challenges, perhaps, is the reason why viewers of all ages, all gender and all social levels were able to relate to a story about a mother’s love. I’m quite sure my next role will still be a mother, but it should be totally different from Gloria to stir my interest.”
In real life, Sanchez plays doting mother to her children with businessman Art Atayde: actors Arjo and Ria, and students Gela and Xavi.
“My children are my real cherished possessions, and no trophy or recognition can match that. Now that two of my kids have chosen to pursue the same path as mine, I let them make the decisions on the roles they accept or not. My husband and I are just there to guide them but they have to learn to be independent and have their own minds.”
Sanchez knows her priorities very well. “As a working mom, and being in this industry with the most erratic work schedules, I have to make time for my family. It is not often easy, but I try. I’m glad my husband is fully supportive, and my children are very realistic in terms of their expectations.”
Sanchez just flew back from a short trip to support her daughter Gela, whose team competed and won at The Dance World championships in Florida. Gela was part of the Poveda team that represented the Philippines in the international dance competition.
“I’m proud of Gela and support her in her passion. I’m proud of Arjo and Ria as they both continue to develop into competent actors. I’m proud of my youngest Xavi who never fails to make me smile and gives the most unconditional form of love.”
She revealed that she’d like to try working on an indie film soon. “A lot of my colleagues have found time to act in an indie movie, and if there’s a good role, I’m open to doing one.” She named four actors who have her highest respect: “Bembol Roco, Joel Torre, Ronnie Lazaro and Nonie Buencamino. But if I have to choose my top favorite, it has to be Nonie. We have this chemistry that’s difficult to describe. He’s an intelligent and generous actor. He comes prepared. He’s always in character. He never compromises, especially his standards. He’s a team player. And his brand of acting is just amazing, he never goes overboard.”
Sanchez just turned 46 a few days ago, and she told us that she’s learned to not only count her blessings, but also to share these, especially to those who deserve her quiet help, support and assistance. “I wasn’t born wealthy. I worked hard. I’m fortunate to have been blessed by the people who have loved me and helped me become the person I am today. All these years, I have learned to always have a thankful heart.” n