MANILA -- Comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto undergoes a "reinvention" as she takes on her first lead role on the big screen in nine years, this time as an action heroine who battles the undead.
Popularly known for her "dumb blonde" persona Booba -- as seen in a GMA-7 sitcom and a 2001 comedy film -- Quinto is marking her 20th anniversary in showbiz by taking on her first "serious" role in "Ang Huling Henya."
Written and directed by Marlon Rivera ("Ang Babae sa Septic Tank") and co-produced by Viva Films and MVP Pictures, the action "dramedy" opens in cinemas nationwide on Wednesday, August 21.
As Miri Alvarez in "Henya," Quinto trades in her signature sexy outfits for a simple jeans-and-jacket combo as an agent hired to protect scientists on the edge of a breakthrough.
Troubled by guilt from a tragedy in her past, Miri risks failing missions when she turns stubborn and when her temper erupts.
She tackles her biggest challenge yet when a secret from her past surfaces, putting in danger her own brother, Mark (Edgar Allan Guzman), and bringing with it a horde of "zombies."
As a "transitioning" actress, Quinto said the challenge of portraying Miri is two-fold -- emotionally and physically.
To prepare for the role's "serious" acting demands, Quinto underwent an extensive drama workshop under stage veteran Melvin Lee of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA).
The 35-year-old actress also had to take up training in boxing, Muay Thai and gun-firing.
"I'm so excited, so proud and of course I'm nervous," Quinto said of the role in a recent interview on the late-night newscast "Bandila." "But I do believe na we did our best, so we're the best, and this movie's the best!"
Describing "Henya" as a mix of genres including horror, sci-fi and drama, Quinto said the Filipino audience can also expect a dash of comedy that has been identified with her.
"Kailangan talaga kasi ibang Rufa Mae ang mapanood nila. Medyo serious ako rito. Medyo lang, ha? Hindi na 'yung usual na Booba character, pero kahit paano, may touch parin ng comedy," she said.
Joining Quinto in the cast of "Ang Huling Henya" are Cherie Gil, Marvin Agustin, Candy Pangilinan, Ricci Chan, Fabio Ide, Kean Cipriano, Ayen Laurel, DJ Durano, Jovic Munsod, and Robert Sena.
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/20/13/repackaged-rufa-mae-quinto-stars-zombie-flick
