Dawn of a New Day

By KRISTEL DACUMOS-LAGORZA |

There are stars who fade under the light of newer talents. And there are those whose sheer brilliance simply outshines the rest. Award-winning actress Dawn Zulueta is of the latter kind. She is a star, in every sense of the word, and one who has finally found her place in the sun.

Thirty years into her career, Dawn Zulueta still has the staying power of a leading lady as shown by her recent blockbuster, The Love Affair, which reunited her with her reel-life love, Richard Gomez.

In the film, she bears the maturity of a woman who has loved, lost and treaded the dangerous path of infidelity. Dawn showcased new depth and created a compelling and nuanced performance. Her character was so convincing, perhaps because she and her co-star had once been a real life couple.

It is well-known that Richard and Dawn had dated in the ’90s. “That was a long, long time ago,” she laughs. “Both of us are happily married now (she to Davao Rep. Antonio Lagdameo Jr. and Richard to Leyte Fourth District Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez) and we’ve remained very good friends,” shares Dawn, who was born Marie Rachel Salman Taleon.

But perhaps more than their shared history, their chemistry onscreen is a show of Dawn’s impressive capabilities as a seasoned actress. Responding to the clamor following the successful film, Dawn has been teamed up yet again with Richard in ABS-CBN’s newest telerserye You’re My Home, which will debut this November.

“I’m really excited about this one because it’s a grand reunion. This is the first in a long time that Richard and I have been teamed up for a teleserye, the last being in 2012 for Walang Hanggan,” Dawn reveals with her eyes bright and shining.

Despite being in the industry for over three decades and with numerous awards and recognitions tucked under her belt, Dawn still has the same fervor and enthusiasm.

For her, it is no longer about making a living, gaining the adulation of her audience or even proving that she has talent. Now, it is seeking fulfillment in creative projects that allow her to grow as an artist.

Breaking Dawn

As early as 13 years old, Dawn knew where her passions lay. But the dreams that had her starry eyed were not those of becoming a film actress, but a commercial and print model. “As a teen, I had really wanted to become a model. Strangely, I felt at home in front of the camera,” shares the ageless beauty.

When she was approached by a casting director to audition for a commercial, she said “Yes” in a heartbeat and embraced the opportunity. “Though I had imagined myself going into the fashion industry as a designer, I thought that by becoming a model, that would be my stepping stone.”

She was mistaken. It was not only a stepping stone but a launching pad that catapulted her straight into the hearts of her audiences, and onto the radar of talent managers. Industry stalwarts Vic del Rosario and Mina Aragon of Viva Films took notice of the refreshing beauty and quickly invited her to take a leap of faith into showbiz.

The flicker of curiosity soon ignited a passion in her to become an actress. With every film, Dawn proved there was something more promising underneath her angelic exterior; she had the unique ability to infuse strength and softness into her roles.

In due time, Dawn reaped the distinctions befitting the hard work she put in. In 1991, she won both the “Best Actress” and “Best Supporting Actress” at the Filipino Academy of Movies Arts & Sciences (FAMAS) awards for the films Hihintayin Kita sa Langit and Una Kang Naging Akin, respectively. She is the only actress to have won two major categories in one ceremony.

This was followed by another impressive win in 1994, for her compelling portrayal in The Maggie Dela Riva Story, the highest grossing film of that year. She was named “Box Office Queen” by the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Foundation Entertainment.

Regardless, Dawn is humbled by the recognition, because these were, indeed, hard-earned. Still, she affirms that she has other aspirations.

Higher calling

“I don’t have plans of running for office!” she laughs. At the time of this interview, the filing of certificates of candidacy was still open and she admits that there were many invitations for her to run for office in Davao del Norte, where her husband, Anton, is serving his third and final term.

She shrugs off the outrageous suggestion with a light hearted laugh. “I will never (go into politics). Some have the calling, I’ve never felt it,” she smiles.

There is no gray area for reconsideration; it is a definite “no.” She explains, “With my husband, I can see how much he enjoys what he’s doing for government, and he really has the talent for it. It’s natural for him and there’s a sincerity to serve.”

Due to the nature of their jobs, it’s already been a challenge protecting their privacy. What more if both of them were in politics? Fortunately, Dawn has learned the art of addressing intrigue. “Choose your battles. There are some intrigues that require you to come out and say something. In other instances, sometimes it’s just better not to say anything and let others speculate. Not everything should be dignified with an answer,” she shares with conviction.

For now, her passions lie in being a devoted wife to her husband of 18 years (they were married in 1997), a doting mother to her two growing children (Jacobo Antonio and Ayisha Madlen), as well as her acting career. “Family is my priority. But right now, in terms of time management, my career is taking up half of my time,” she laughs.

“So far, I’ve truly enjoyed all the films that I’ve done, and was very excited about them. But lately, I’m looking for more challenges,” admits the 46-year-old. “I’m looking for newer roles where I’m not always the mother who’s losing a child. I’m bored with it,” she reveals candidly.

After the run of her upcoming soaps and films, she shares that she’s willing to wait for the right roles, and she is, indeed, in no hurry. Until then she is contented, even serving as a mentor to younger talents.

Mom and mentors

While other actors fiercely protect the secrets of their craft, Dawn is generous with her wisdom, as if honoring her own mentors who helped shape her craft.

“Others ask if I feel threatened by the newer, younger actors. I answer, ‘Never!’ Because I’m so above that,” she laughs. “I see them as individuals who were once like me, who may need to be mentored and nurtured.”

She remembers her own journey to the spotlight wherein she was taken under the wing of patient and generous mentors like Vic del Rosario. “I remember what it was like when I was their age. It meant a lot to me that the seniors, the veteran actors would pay attention, and were interested in me,” she says.

Among those she has proudly lent a helping hand to are Ciara Sotto, Maja Salvador, Kim Chiu, Coco Martin and John Lloyd Cruz, among others. “I feel a certain affinity to them. I enjoy talking to them. And it’s not simply a one way thing, I learn so much from them, too,” Dawn adds.

“I usually remind them about never being complacent, and to never be afraid of growing as an artist,” she shares. “Secondly, I remind them to appreciate their fans.”

Unfortunately, the latter reason has become the downfall of many celebrities who have forgotten to look back on their beginnings with gratitude. “Never let fame get to your head, and don’t believe that everything revolves around you, because it doesn’t.”

Dawn elaborates, “Showing gratitude to your fans is not merely indulging them with press shows, meet-and-greets, or signing off an autograph or two, but by making better choices as an artist in terms of the films and projects you do.

“In your career, you will go through ups and downs, and sometimes you want to try different things — doing an indie film, for example — to break away from the routine. That’s okay. You can explore your artistry, but whatever path you choose, do something that you would be proud to share with your audience,” she says.

As she talks about mentoring new, young talents, she remembers the stalwarts in the industry who have shown her kindness and patience during the crucial years of her career. “One of my mentors was Tita Mina Aragon. She taught me about how to be a ‘proper’ celebrity, to be respected by the fans,” she shares.

(Sara Black, PeopleAsia editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, Dawn Zulueta, NJ Torres, Paolo Dela Cruz and Chino Corrales)

“Direk Joel Lamangan is another who I truly admire and look up to, and whose opinion I respect. There’s Kuya Germs (German Moreno) who was also a great influence as he gave me my first break on the GMA variety show. He taught me how to host, carry myself onstage and to build rapport. And of course, my idol, Tita Armida Siguion Reyna.”

Dawn gushes over the multi-talented producer. “She’s the kind of woman I hope to be,” Dawn enthuses. “She really knows the ins and outs of this business, and she has very good taste when it comes to good, classic material. I want to be a producer just like her.”

Behind the camera

This is no empty statement as Dawn is, in fact, taking the baby steps in exploring the possibility of producing a film.

As of the moment, she’s toying with the idea of doing a feature about Urduja, the legendary warrior princess. Dawn was drawn to the story of the powerful heroine. But uncovering the truth about Urduja has proven a tad challenging. “When my writer friends had tried to research, there was so little literature about her. She’s almost mythical.”

The story of Urduja was explored in the 2008 animated film, and though it was lauded for its ingenuity, production value and initiative to tackle new content, it failed to translate into sales at the box office. Some say it was because the material was something the Filipinos were simply not interested in. Does Dawn worry that this might be the same case for her movie-to-be? Not this time.

The Filipino audience, she believes, is ready. She points to the recent success of Heneral Luna, which awakened a new fervor and appreciation in the Filipino. “Heneral Luna was a pleasant surprise, and it has given us hope within the industry, because it redefined the success formula. It shows that we should really start exploring and researching about our past, get a new appreciation for it,” she says.

Films that take into account our cultural heritage are needed, not only to re-ignite our national pride, but more importantly, to help us remember the most important lessons of history. “The country has been through so much. I just feel that we need these types of films again to uplift our spirit, to make us remember the value of our choices,” she shares.

Urduja is one of the many concepts she is looking into, but she’s open to other materials. “There are many things that still have to come together before this dream of mine happens, but I’m working towards that. And at least, I have my husband’s support. He said he’ll take care of the finances!” she shares in jest.

Dawn continuously amazes us, evolving and maturing into an even more brilliant actress and creative individual. She strives for perfection and is guided to live a principled life. Perhaps this is the secret to her longevity.

Though having been in show business for almost three decades, she is far from the twilight of her career. Dawn is imagining a new, exciting future and sees herself under a new light. Indeed, the sun of success will never set for an enduring talent such as Dawn Zulueta.

Photography by SARAH BLACK

Creative direction by CHINO CORRALES

Styling by ERIC PE BENITO

Makeup by LALA FLORES

Hair by PATTY INOJALES

Shot on location at the NEW WORLD MAKATI HOTEL

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