Sharon Cuneta has newfound respect for OFWs in “Caregiver”

Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003).

Minsan Minahal Kita (2000).

Madrasta (1996).

All box office hits. All critically acclaimed. All Star Cinema and all Sharon Cuneta.

As the Megastar celebrates her 30th anniversary and Star Cinema marks its 15th anniversary, these two industry movers will collaborate with renowned director Chito Roño for the movie Caregiver.

Viewers will once again be able to see the Megastar on the big screen. She was last seen in the dramedy Crying Ladies (2003), which was directed by Mark Meily.

Sharon gives life to the role of Sarah, a grade school teacher who decides to give up teaching for a more financially rewarding career as a caregiver in London. As she takes care of other people, who will take care of Sarah herself?

Shot in Manila and London, Caregiver has by a powerhouse cast composed of John Estrada, Rica Peralejo, Monique Wilson, Jhong Hilario, Marita Zobel, Lotlot de Leon, John Manalo, Mickey Ferriols, Boots Anson Roa, and Makisig Morales.

How was it like working in London?

“London is the most expensive city in the world, lahat kami talaga hirap. Sabi ko nga kay Kiko [Senator Francis Pangilinan, her husband], hindi ako nakakain sa restaurant, parang lagi kaming pabili-bili lang ng take-out.”

The TV host-actress says she has a newfound respect for Overseas Filipino Workers who are employed as caregivers in other countries. “Napakahirap, tumaas ng 1000 percent ang respeto ko sa kanila. Kasi I actually did everything they did. Sabay ang pagkaproud mo sabay din ‘yong naawa ako. Dahil ‘yong mga nandun na wala ‘yong pamilya nila mahirap ‘yon. Kasi ako three weeks malayo sa pamilya ko para akong masisiraan ng ulo.”

When asked about missing her family during her taping in London, Sharon narrates, “Hindi ko talaga kaya, first time ko kasi na malayo sa dalawang bulilit na ganung katagal. Sobrang nangungulila ako sobrang awang-awa ako sa sarili ko. Na minsan nag-uusap kami ilang minuto iyak lang ako ng iyak. Ako ang tumatawag lagi. Umiiyak din si Miel [her youngest daughter].

“Nakakahome-sick. Doon ko talaga nakita kung gaano kahalaga sa akin si Kiko, kung gaano ko kamahal siya at ang mga anak namin. Gusto lang masaya kami, ayoko nang malayo ng ganong katagal.”

What can viewers expect from Caregiver?

“Makikita niyo po ang pinaghirapan namin. Naiiyak ako kasi ang ganda naman ng pagbabalik ko sa pelikula. I’m grateful to Star Cinema…masaya ako. Direk Chito kasi, iba siya talaga mag-handle ng mga eksena. Sana po talagang abangan niyo po ang pelikulang ito. Mag-iiba ang tingin n’yo at tataas ang paghanga at appreciation sa mga caregivers all over the world.”

Watch for Caregiver when it opens in theaters nationwide on May 28, 2008.

Source: PEP

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