Kira Balinger And LA Santos’ Biggest Lesson After Doing Maple Leaf Dreams
Kira Balinger and LA Santos play a young couple who left home to work in Canada in the movie Maple Leaf Dreams
Almost all Filipinos have a family member who is abroad and try to give a better future for their families. This is one of the many storylines in the film Maple Leaf Dreams, as it brings to cinemas stories inspired by Filipinos in Canada through the role of actors LA Santos and Kira Balinger.
In an interview with Modern Parenting at the press conference of the film, Kira and LA share what they’ve learned during the filming in Canada and the lessons they got from Filipinos there.
Preparing for the film
The two actors confirmed they immersed themselves into the jobs their roles Molly and Macky will do in the film. It was out of their comfort zone, they shared, including commuting and doing administrative work.
“Nakakataba siya ng puso,” LA said. “Kasi mas nagmarka sa akin yung mga tao na nakasama ko nung nag-immersed ako. Mararamdaman mo yung walang judgement, walang ka-artehan. Totoong pagsasama lang, totoong pagmamahalan lang at hard work.”
“And natutuwa ako na na translate naman namin iyon (experience) dito sa Maple Leaf Dreams.”
In the movie, LA’s role as Macky works as a restaurant manager in the Philippines and wants a better career. He leaves with Molly, played by Kira who wants to uplift her family’s life.
The humility of playing an OFW in the film Maple Leaf Dreams
One challenge the two had to hurdle was they had to play the roles of OFWs and admitted there was some nervousness on their part. Now after playing the role, what have they learned from it?
“Grabe yung naging respeto ko hindi lang sa mga OFWs kung hindi sa lahat ng mga Filipinos na nagtratrabaho. Kasi mahirap naman talaga at hindi madali na umangat dito sa Pilipinas,” LA said.
“Yung respeto ko sa kanila dahil ang tatapang nila, yung respeto ko na nakangiti pa din sila kahit ano pang problema sa buhay, yun talaga nag marka sa puso ko habang buhay.“
For Kira, it was an “honor” to do this type of role.
” It was a humbling experience. This movie is for any Pinoy na nagtratrabaho, going through so many struggles in their everyday life, and yet they still show up because they have dreams, they have their family to think [about]. It’s very touching.”
Being kind and respectful
The two actors also were fortunate to have met several Filipinos living in Canada and they brought with them a few lessons.
“Natutunan ko yung maging respectufl sa mga tao sa paligid natin,” LA shared. ” Mas malaking bagay yung maging mabait ka lang sa tao dahil hindi mo alam kung ano yung pinagdadaanan nung mga tao sa paligid mo. Pag naging mabait ka, malaking tulong na iyon sa kanila . Pinaramdam nila na kahit malayo sila sa Pilipinas, mararamdaman mo na nasa Pinas pa din.”
Kira pondered about the sacrifices people go through. “Ano ba yung kaya ‘nyong tanggapin – yung gumagawa ka ng pagbabago sa buhay mo or yung sakit na you will watch people achieve their dreams and ikaw you’re still in the same place.”
“It’s a struggle but choose your struggle. Alin pa ang pipiliin ‘nyo?’
Maple Leaf Dreams is directed by Benedict Mique, the man behind ML and the Netflix hit Lolo and the Kid. It’s part of the Sinag Maynila Film Festival from September 4 to 10 and will have its theatrical release on September 25.
