Every actor dreams of landing a lead role in a project to show viewers their skills. Eventually, they find the ideal character to portray and leave their audiences in awe. That’s what happened to Vivamax’s rising sexy actress Azi Acosta.
Unlike her previous appearances in Vivamax movies, Azi took on a heavy role when it came to drama and maturity. In Pamasahe, she plays Lineth, a refugee from Typhoon Odette, which ravaged Siargao. As she travels to Nueva Segovia from the Visayas with her baby in search of her husband, played by Felix Roco, she encounters men who have less than pure intentions toward her.
Viewers can expect tears and a range of emotions from Azi as she embarks on a long journey.
Since Pamasahe is her first lead role in a movie, Azi admitted that she poured her best into the film. But she didn’t do it without help from Director Roman Perez Jr.
Perez Jr. is known for guiding new Vivamax stars to fame, including some of the brand’s mavens, Angeli Khang and AJ Raval. It also helps that he sees Azi as an iyakin, which fits aptly into some of the film’s scenes.
“Every project, nae-excite ako pag may ibang girls. ‘Kapag may bago akong ila-launch. Isa ‘yon sa pinakamagandang factor na binibigay sa akin ng Vivamax,” Roman said during the special media screening for Pamasahe.
Azi also took acting workshops to guide her through the dramatic parts. As a result, they shot those parts first to keep her from losing momentum.
“Nag-prepare kami dito. Winorkshop kami ni Direk Roman, lalo na ako kasi first time ko and sobrang kinabahan ako. Noong workshop pa lang, naramdaman ko na agad ‘yung bigat ng character ko,” the rising sexy actress said.
The result will leave viewers in awe as the tears come almost naturally to Azi, making her character more compelling.
Besides the dramatic scenes, Azi admitted to having trouble with the sexy scenes.
“Hindi ko maisip kung saan ako nahirapan kasi sobrang alaga ni Direk Roman sa aming mga artista doon. Kung meron man, siguro ‘yung mga love scene,” Azi said.
Despite her previous roles in other Vivamax films, it’s Azi’s first experience shooting more intimate scenes with her male co-stars, prompting her to bare more skin. She also had some challenges with her expressions because she wasn’t familiar with them.
Roman first worked with Azi in the Vivamax original Sitio Diablo. Her role was crucial, but the director found her off from her character. He thought that she needed more training in drama.
“Hindi ko ine-expect na ganon pala siya iyakin. Noong nakita ko na lang siya sa workshop, doon ko na-realize na, ‘Ah, ang dami pala niyang baon,” he said.
Azi’s performance before the cameras rolled convinced Roman that it was her destiny to become Lineth in Pamasahe, marking the start of her journey as a lead actress.
Starring alongside Azi are actors Felix, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Alvaro Oteyza, Chad Solano, and Rash Flores.
Pamasahe now streams on Vivamax.