Hilda Koronel reclaims the spotlight with ‘Sisa’

Hilda Koronel has always been perceived by some people as aloof while others deem her intimidating.

The seasoned actress recently flew back to the Philippines from the US for “Sisa,” a historical thriller under the helm of Jun Robles Lana. It is an international co-production of IdeaFirst Company, Octobertrain Films, Quantum Films, Cineko Productions, CMB Films, and the Myanmar-based film outfit Forever Group.

“I don’t even know why,” said Hilda regarding her thoughts on misconceptions about her during her guest appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.” “I am a very shy person. If they think about me that way, what can I do?”

Even in her heyday in Philippine showbiz, you wouldn’t see photos of Hilda on red carpets or award-giving occasions considering her stature as one of the country’s finest actresses.

Her shyness would always get in the way, she amusingly shared. As a result, part of the clause in her contract would oftentimes include attending awarding ceremonies.

It was the late director and National Artist for Film Lino Brocka who honed Hilda into becoming one of Philippine Cinema’s acting gems. She began her acting career in 1969 as a talent of Lea Productions.

Direk Lino took notice of her acting skills and they initially worked together in “Santiago” in 1970. They also did a weekly drama show titled “The Hilda Show” It’s a well-known fact that direk Lino was not a fan of acting workshops and he could make a film without a script.

“Yes, we did not have (workshops) but we had ‘The Hilda Show’ for almost six years if you can still remember,” she ruminated.

“And we did ‘Insiang’ as one of the episodes for ‘The Hilda Show,’ which was also made into a film. I was only 16 then and Lino said, ‘I promise you, by the time you reach 18, before you reach 18 (years old), I’m gonna make you go to the top as the dramatic actress that you will be.’”

“And he did,” added Hilda who also starred in multi-awarded Lino Brocka films, including “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang” (1974); “Maynila, Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag” (1975); and “Insiang” (1976), all highly-acclaimed classic films in Philippine cinema.

Hilda said Lino had his style as a director. He was not the type who would dictate how to attack a role. She recounted how he would talk to her about a scene and what he wanted from it.

“Kung gusto niyang kaliwa lang ‘yung tears ko or sa kanan. The lighting was very important to Lino, so, ‘Gusto ko dito bumagsak ‘yung luha,’ So, I’d do my best.”

In addition, Hilda said that the famed director knew her inside and out, including her heartaches and pains, so he would encourage her to use her experiences when acting out a role.

“He knew all my stories, my personal stuff. I trust him with that. Parts of ‘Insiang’ are parts of my life, and some of the movies that I have done, like ‘Hello Soldier,’ are part of my life. So, he picks a little bit of that and expands it to become a film. Alam niya kasi ang story ako talaga.”

The toughest part of being an actress is getting out of the character, Hilda articulated. “Even after work (shooting), my adrenaline is still high so it’s hard that even when you’ve already removed your makeup, naiisip mo pa like I’m thinking if I did it (role) right.

“Even when people say it was excellent already, I’m always nitpicking that’s why I don’t watch my movies,” revealed Hilda who has won acting honors from such award-giving bodies as Gawad Urian, FAMAS, Luna, and Metro Manila Filmfest, among others.

What is her piece of advice to the young generation of actors?

“Just work hard and love your craft. It takes a village to make a movie, so treat everybody with respect — lahat ng crew. And just be on time,” replied Hilda, whose real name is Susan Reid Moore.

She and her husband, Ralph Moore, Jr., are based in the US. Hilda has six children, namely, Karen Patricia, Ixara, Leona, Isabel, Martina Gabrielle and Diego.