On July 4, seasoned actor Joko Diaz recounted the advice he gave to his daughter Ashley Diaz on her first lead role for Viva.
At the media conference for ‘Mary Cherry Chua,’ Joko reminded Ashley to maintain a close connection with God and to focus on her studies.
“I just remind her na always pray to God, na alam mo ‘yun, everything will fall into place for you. Kasi hindi pwede ipilit ang isang bagay na hindi para sayo. Ganon lang naman ‘yun. So I always advice her, at least nag-aaral pa rin siya, nakikinig naman siya sa aming mag-asawa, so she’s enjoying her life.”
For her showbiz career, Joko shared acting tips such as listening to her director and emotionally connecting with her character.
“Ang instructions ko lang palagi na pinaalala kay Ashley na, ilagay sa puso kung ano man ‘yung sinasabi ng director, at kung ano ‘yung kailangan doon sa character.
“Pero other than that, hindi ako nakiki-alam sa kaniya, ayaw kong maging stage father. So I let her be, I let her act kung paano siya mag-act, but I always tell her na this is your character, na ganyan, tapos ‘yung sinabi ni direk nililinaw ko lang sa kaniya pag minsan. Na kung baga, kung situational ang mangyayari, ganito ang mangyayari diyan. Kung gusto mo i-arte ‘yan, edi nasasayo.”
Joko also exclaimed how proud he is of Ashley, citing that his daughter might be more talented in acting than him.
“Proud ako dito kasi sabi nga nila, dapat mas magaling ang anak mo sayo, eh parang mas magaling ang anak ko sa akin.”
As for Ashley, she detailed what it was like working with her father, noting how Joko would give her the space and support she needed.
“‘Yung working experience ko naman with my dad, na-enjoy ko naman po siya kasi mayroon po akong freedom and at the same time, alam kong mayroon akong malalapitan for help if mayroon akong eksena or situation na nahihirapan ako.
“I know he’s always there to guide me and at the same time, hindi niya ako dinidiktahan kung ano ang kailangan kong gawin. Ganito, ganyan, he lets me explore on my own.”
As for their upcoming horror film, ‘Mary Cherry Chua’ stars Ashley Diaz, Joko Diaz, Alma Moreno, Kokoy De Santos, Lyca Gairanod, Abby Bautista, and Krissha Viaje.
Under the direction of Roni S. Benaid, the Viva Films horror movie opens in cinemas starting July 19.
