Nikki: Kontrabida roles are therapeutic

Nikki Gil describes her antagonist role in "Mundo Man Ay Magunaw" as a far cry from the goody-two-shoes characters she's been playing in her past TV series. It’s also her most challenging role and more importantly, the one that has left the greatest mark on televiewers.

"I've done seven teleseryes and wala talagang nag-mamarka. Timing na rin that I was exposed to theater because I grew as an artist. So when the opportunity to do 'Mundo Man ay Magunaw' came and it was out of my character yung role, go talaga ako! Nakaka-excite talaga yung story," Nikki remarked proudly.

The past soap operas or TV series she did were "Rounin," "Florinda," "Pieta," "Tonyong Bayawak" and "Nagsimula sa Puso" among others.

Non-confrontational

Were there adjustments?

"Yes kasi as a person hindi ako confrontational. Hindi rin naman ako maldita. Kasi pag-inaway ako tahimik na lang ako," she replied.

As for the technique she uses in making her character Jennifer la Pena believable and convincing on TV, Nikki says it's all about venting out her frustrations.

"Ang tumatakbo sa isip ko yung mga gusto kong reactions pag may umaaway sa akin. Dun ko nilalabas sa character ko," she described.

She also did some research.

"What I lack in experience I have to make up for in research. Binalikan ko yung mga movies na na-affect ako. Mga stereotypical roles tulad ng 'Mean Girls.' Of course there's Cherie Gil, Gladys Reyes, and Dina Bonnevie, mga artistang tipong madaan ka lang tingin," she said.

Scenes with Eula

This is one of the reasons she always looks forward to her scenes with Eula Valdez even if it always makes Nikki nervous. It only means that she has to be at par with Eula in their scenes.

"Yung presence pa lang ni Eula is already intimidating. Parang gusto mo na lang magtago sa lupa kasi napakahusay niya. Wala pang sinasabi tumatakbo na ang mga eksena," commented Nikki.

What if she'd always be cast in "kontrabida" roles?

Nikki said that she doesn't mind because in terms of longevity, there are more actresses needed for "kontrabida" roles. It also gives her a different high.

"I like playing a kontrabida. I like improving myself as a kontrabida. I'm learning newer ways to be mean and maldita," expressed Nikki. "I find it very therapeutic kasi yung mga frustations ko dun ko nalalabas."

Compared to hosting, Nikki thinks acting is most fulfilling even if it's the most tiring.

"When you're acting, you're using your whole being. Sa acting lahat ginagamit mo, puso, isip, emotions and katawan mo. But if I can do both ng alternate that would be paradise," she stressed.

By Walden Martinez Belen | Yahoo! Southeast Asia Newsroom