BEAUTY queen-turned-actress Michelle Aldana told us in a recent conversation that she thinks a lot about the Philippines, especially with the current situation the world is facing. “You cannot help but think of your loved ones, what situation they are in, how they are protecting themselves, how they are coping,” she shared.
Aldana has been based in South Africa for many years now, raising her family and running her small business. She also takes on acting jobs for television if a wonderful role comes along.
Earlier this month, Aldana’s character Mei Yang took her bow in the popular South African drama series, Generations, The Legacy. She is proud of being part of this most-watched soap opera about life and the aspirations of people in the advertising world. “I am the first Asian in the supporting cast of this series, and I’m just grateful that I was given this opportunity to continue doing what I used to do in the Philippines, something I cherish up to now, and something that gave me many beautiful memories.”
About a week ago, Aldana took to her social-media account and posted a clip from her very first film job, the Fernando Poe Jr.-starrer Hindi Pa Tapos ang Laban. “I recall that it was right after my reign as Miss Asia Pacific when the offer came in. Who’d say no to the late film icon Fernando Poe Jr. for an introductory role? I miss acting for films, I hope that when this current situation we are all battling has improved and some sense of normalcy has come back, I’d be given the chance to do a movie here in South Africa, or fly back to the Philippines and take on a good comeback role.”
Perhaps the movie Aldana is well-known for is Tikoy Aguiluz’s Segurista, where she made the critics take notice of her acting skills. Aldana played the lead role of an insurance agent by day and an escort service lady by night, and the film catapulted her to being recognized as an actress.
For now, Aldana is aware that this wish for a film comeback has to take a back seat. “I’m in no hurry. I believe things will manifest when the time is ripe. The universe opens a lot of doors even if we sometimes feel that paths seem unclear. We just have to trust the flow and the process.”
Aldana spends a lot of her lockdown time at home, trying to find creative outlets like cooking for her husband Edward and their daughters Kai and Io. Her eldest son Dustin, now 19, is in Germany waiting for university to reopen. “We miss him but technology nowadays allows us to be in touch with those who are far away. He is a responsible young man and I trust that he is taking care of himself.”
She told us that she is also into meditation and yoga. “I turn to visualization whenever my thoughts are overwhelmed with emotions. I practice some breathing techniques that allow me to calm down and relax.”
Aldana added, “Isolation and being locked down can be really depressing to a lot of people. We need to combat this by engaging both mind and body in different ways, channeling our energies somewhere else. It could be as simple as rearranging our furniture or cleaning the closet, calling up a friend, or reading a book. Yoga is my go-to activity. I can practice it by myself, anytime and anywhere.”
Traveling is one thing that gives Aldana joy, and she is positive that soon, she will be able to travel again. “Going on a travel adventure with those you love is priceless. For now, the world seems to have put a pause on traveling but I know in my heart we will all be able to do it again, to see beautiful places, to learn about different cultures, to visit loved ones and reconnect with family and friends. I just hope things will go back to normal soon because I’m just a little worried that not all loved ones will be there when we have the liberty again to go and visit them.”
Still, Michelle Aldana remains hopeful. And so should we.