Midnight Girls actress Jane Oineza and Sanya Lopez recalled how their working experience was in Japan as hostesses. In an interview with King of Talk Boy Abunda, the two shared how their latest film has various perspectives of what it’s like to be an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).
Prior to filming their scenes in Nagoya, Japan, the actresses tried to have a real-life immersion on what it’s like to work at an omise or a Japanese bar. Sanya and Jane shared how it was Jodi who tried it out first which they followed suit the day after.
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“Hindi kami nagstart na parang nagpakilala kami as artista. As in, nagstart kami dun, pinangunahan siya ni Ate Jodi and then nung second day, triny na namin,” Sanya expressed.
“Yung bar na yun, yun talaga yung kakilala natin yung owner pero yung mga customer nila, hindi nila alam na artista kami. Akala nila mga bago kaming pasok–– mga bagong salta,” Jane added.
In this film, Jane and Sanya play the roles of Saki and Paris, respectively. The film will showcase the struggles and sisterhood of Filipina entertainers working in a foreign country.
“Yung Midnight Girls is about sisterhood kung saan lahat kaming apat na babae nakipagsapalaran kami papunta sa Nagoya at lahat ng mga pagsubok na pinagdaanan namin sa Nagoya–– pagsubok sa sarili, sa pamilya, kaibigan, trabaho, lahat ng aspeto sa buhay. Dun kami lumaban,” Sanya shared.
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Jane asserted that their characters go beyond them as it’s inspired by the stories of the OFWs who are working hard.
“Apat siyang perspective na pare-pareho naman sila ng trabaho pero iba-iba sila ng kung anong effect nun sa buhay nila, sa sarili nila. Nakakatuwa makita kasi yung stories namin, inspired by yung mga nakilala namin doon–– stories nila to,” Jane ended.
Joining Jane and Sanya in the film are Kapamilya stars Jodi Sta. Maria and Loisa Andalio. Midnight Girls is directed by Irene Villamor and is now out in cinemas nationwide.