Pat Tingjuy and Aya Fernandez remain good friends after 'Rookie'
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After the success of Rookie in the 2023 Cinemalaya Film Festival, Pat Tingjuy, who played the role of Ace Asuncion, continues to charm audiences and represent the LGBTQIA+ community following its theme and storyline.
Aside from its compelling topic, one of the many things that the audience loves is Pat's chemistry with her on-screen partner Aya Fernandez who plays the role of Jana.
During Pat Tingjuy's media trade and launch with NYMA Talent Management last April 16, the actress shared that she keeps in touch with her co-actor months after the release of her debut film, Rookie.
“I still do keep in contact with Aya Fernandez; I would ask her [for acting advice]. [It's] because I'm new to the industry… I still need to ask [for advice],” she said when asked who she talks to about acting advice.
Pat's diligence and passion for acting landed her the prestigious Cinemalaya Film Festival 2023 Best Actress Award for her performance as Ace in the film Rookie directed by Samantha Lee.
Aside from Aya Fernandez, Pat also worked with seasoned actress Agot Isidro which gave her immense pressure during tapings.
“The whole time I [was there], I [felt] pressured. I was thinking [that] I shouldn't mess up [because] I [didn't] want to hassle anyone. Since I'm new [in acting], I'm just going to follow the instructions they say [because] I don't want anyone to have a hard time,” she said.
Fortunately, Rookie's director, Samantha Lee, was hands-on in guiding Pat and keeping her in check.
Pat said, “She was [good]... I'm very lucky that she is my first director because Aya did say that she loved working on the film because she [had] more freedom to express how she [wanted] to express the character.”
She shared a bit more about her relationship with Direk Sam by saying: “I did also feel that I was able to express Ace how I thought she [was], and then there's Direk Sam guiding me how Ace would be a better character.”
Rookie follows the story of Ace, an introverted transferee, who falls in love with the volleyball captain Jana. It is an LGBTQIA+-themed story that touches the hearts of the community; something Pat did not expect upon its release.
“I'm very flattered [because] didn't expect it would affect people this way. I was kind of overwhelmed after the film [and] people were messaging me, thanking me for representing them.”
Pat Tingjuy and Aya Fernandez' film directed by Samantha Lee is available on Amazon Prime for streaming.
MEANWHILE, LOOK AT THESE KAPUSO STARS WHO GRACED THE CINEMALAYA FILM FESTIVAL: