Eugene Domingo: A Cut Above The Rest
Smack in the middle of Shibuya crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world, is multi-awarded Filipino actress Eugene Domingo. She blends in with the crowd and yet it is easy to spot her for she exudes a certain kind of aura that is serene, no trace of entitlement that often comes with being a celebrity, her confidence well-placed – she’s a picture of someone so at home in a foreign land.
Yes, Japan is one of Eugene’s happy places – her refuge away from the glamorous and often times chaotic world that is show business.
“More than the place, Japan is special because of the people. I think they are hardworking, disciplined and happy being here. Parang ang sarap din mapasama sa masasayang tao na kahit hindi kabisado ang kanilang lenggwahe ay meron kayong connection,” she enthuses in an exclusive interview with FILJAP Magazine.
“Every time I go to Japan I always have good memories so I always look forward to going back and I always find a way to go back,” she adds.
And there is no hint of exaggeration when she speaks of creating good memories in the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Why not? It was in this country where she was heralded as best actress for her role in the film “Barber’s Tales” that competed at the 26th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2013, making her the first Filipino to win an acting award in the said prestigious festival.
It is a feat that shows the triumph of true talent and artistry over mere applause and star appeal.
Candid and engaged, Eugene admits that receiving an award is simply an added bonus because for her what is more important is the ability to continue being good at what she does, sustaining the passion without losing her integrity.
“It’s so easy to dream that someday you will hold on to your trophy and thank the people who helped you, masarap lang magpasalamat ‘pag nanalo ka. Pero sa totoo lang, that is not the end. You still do films, you fail, and you succeed. Ang importante ay ma-sustain ang passion without losing your integrity.”
Her hope is for the Filipino actors and directors to shine in the international scene especially the independent films that are just as brilliant as some films shown in the mainstream.
“Sana every year ay magtuluy-tuloy at mas marami pang pelikulang Pilipino, direktor at artista na maimbitahan sa TIFF para ma-inspire at maging matapang upang mas maging malakas ang alternative cinema.”
Two years after winning the best actress award, Eugene’s back at TIFF but this time to show support to Direk Brillante Mendoza whose films were featured at the Crosscut Asia section of the festival. She was one of the cast in Mendoza’s 2007 film “Foster Child,” which is one of the first indie films that she made.
“I was really surprised when Direk Brillante and Cherry Pie asked me to join the film in 2007 because I was busy with TV doing comedy and soap operas. I was surprised to be invited to join in a serious film like this, and I was also surprised that the talent fee is small,” she says laughing.
“I learned a lot, as an actress, by doing this film.”
Attending TIFF for the second time is both thrilling and relaxing for the versatile actress quite different when she graced the event two years ago.
“I’m so thrilled to be here again. TIFF will always have a special place in my heart and I have mixed emotions to see the film that we did eight years ago,” says the “Kimi Dora” star.
“In 2013, medyo nakaka-pressure kasi in competition ako tapos I had to go back to the Philippines right away. Pero nakaka-excite, napaka-emotional ng experience even after the awarding. Ngayon sa pagbabalik ko ay super relaxed ako kasi ‘yung ‘Foster Child’ ay 2007 pa natapos pero timeless kasi after so many years sobrang kinikilala na sa major film festivals na halos hindi natin napupuntahan pa. Sobrang ganda ng experience.”
Eugene has a lot of fans in Japan, and she showed her appreciation by chatting and taking photos with them and signing autographs.
After her TIFF obligations, Eugene or Uge happily toured Tokyo and was generous enough to allow the FILJAP team to join her in her adventures while doing the photo shoots and interview in between. Just like any other tourists, she tried dining in different restaurants to taste authentic Japanese food.
Her love for dogs makes going to the statue of Hachiko a top priority on the list and her admiration and fascination with the Japanese culture is quite evident the whole time. Being around her is all about fun, how she can throw an anecdote or line with wit and sense of humor speaks volumes why she’s this generation’s favorite actress-comedienne.
You meet Eugene in person and you can immediately feel that she is real, grounded, sincere, and know the core of her existence. Truly, a cut above the rest!
