Charo Santos reflected on the new generation of filmmakers and how they are reshaping the landscape of storytelling.
In an interview with Rolling Stone Philippines, Charo described today’s young creators as bold and unbound by traditional studio limitations.
"I think this younger generation will be more daring because you don't have the business objectives of a big studio, right? You can follow your heart. You can say whatever you want to say, in whatever form you want to say it, and the platforms are available. So I'm looking forward to seeing more exciting content, content that sometimes you think will break the rules but create the next rules," she remarked.
The actress added that these shifts could redefine how narratives are structured moving forward. "It could redefine [how] the next storytelling structure will go. There are no rules eh. So the content creators of this generation will create your own rules," she said.
Charo also shared what she personally looks for in films and series, emphasizing that while innovation matters, emotional impact remains essential.
"Of course at the end of the day, ako 'to ha, I look for stories that engage me. I look for stories that make me reflect about life, that leaves a lesson or two. I mean I go for the exciting part, the thrilling part, and all that stuff. But I want to take away some lesson or two. But tell me the way you want to tell me. That's your call," she said.
In the same interview, the Kapamilya executive discussed the rapid shifts in media formats and why she chose to expand her presence on platforms like TikTok.
"That's how you continuously engage your audience because your audience is already on the digital platforms. I want to be able to still tell stories, give out my messages, in whatever form. Now it doesn't matter. It doesn't have the long-form like it used to be. Now it can be a 30-seconder, and you can give out your message," she said.
When asked if she still prefers traditional long-form content over today's short-form formats, Charo admitted her heart will always belong to classic mediums.
"Oh yeah, I will always be in love with the older formats. That's where I discovered my passion for content and I will always be in love with cinema, with drama anthologies, with great musical variety, with great comedy, even exciting game shows, reality shows. It doesn't matter I am a consumer of content and I will consume content until I die," she stated.
Earlier this year, in an interview with Korina Sanchez on Korina Interviews, Charo discussed the importance of embracing change and continuous learning in today’s fast-evolving media landscape.
"You always have to adapt to the changes as they come," she remarked.
Charo stressed the value of staying curious, especially in a world that is constantly transforming. "Di ba the world is not dull and boring, and it doesn't stay in this one singular situation, hindi ganun eh. It is forever evolving, 'pag hindi ka sumabay at hindi ka natutong sumabay, maaari kang maiwan," she stated.
Charo highlighted the importance of embracing every opportunity to learn, no matter what stage they are in life.
"I think wanting to learn and the thirst for knowledge should always be there. Dapat lagi mong hanapin na ano ang matutunan ko dito. Ang ma-aadvice ko is mag-aral nang mag-aral nang mag-aral. Maging bukas sa oportunidad na pini-present sa atin ng buhay. Technology is changing the landscape and it's going fast, ang bilis," she remarked.
The FPJ's Batang Quiapo star joined TikTok, a move she initially found awkward but eventually enjoyed.
"Nung una naiilang ako eh, sabi ko ano ba itong ginagawa ko, lola na ako ganyan, but you know, I discover na it's fun. It's nice to connect, maganda naman 'yung feedback."
She remains active on various social media platforms, including Instagram, where she shares trivia about her decades-long career alongside her TikTok content.
"I think we are encouraging people to be fearless, to be more adventurous, to be experimental. Huwag matakot, huwag matakot sa pagbabago. I think important 'yun sa buhay," she said.