Actress Diana Zubiri pointed to her iconic role as “Danaya” in the hit TV series “Encantadia” as the turning point in her showbiz career, making her transition to a certified celebrity.
Speaking to broadcaster Bernadette Sembrano on her vlog, Diana shared that she believes the fantasy series in the mid-2000s was crucial in establishing her as a legit actress, despite having several films under her belt before it.
“I think nung nagsimula ako sa Encantadia. Wholesome siya. Pambata. Dun ko naramdaman na tinitilian, may fans, meron sumusunod sayo for autograph, pictures,” recalled Diana. “Ito yung pagiging artista na gusto ko before,” she added.
In “Encantadia,” Danaya is one of the four elemental Sang’gres, and the keeper of the Jewel of Earth.
Before becoming Danaya, Diana was known for her sexy roles in various adult movies by Seiko Films. She saw these as a way to earn money, help her family, and get her foot in the door of showbiz.
“After ilang pelikula, nararamdaman ko na wala. Nagshooting lang ako. Hindi naman ako kilala. So parang na discourage ako… Tapos yung sweldo ko halos wala din ako nakuha kasi may mga kailangan bilhin,” she recalled.
Even after her daring stunt posing in a bikini on the EDSA-Shaw flyover in Mandaluyong City, Diana still didn’t feel like a real celebrity.
“Ang tawag sa akin dati ‘starlet’. Ang sakit madinig bakit starlet lang? Kaya ka madidiscourage na ayaw mo na ituloy pero at the same time kailangan mo ituloy e,” she admitted.
Despite this, she pushed through and eventually landed her breakthrough role in “Encantadia.” But she stressed that she has no regrets about the entire experience, appreciating the lessons it brought her.
“Nung time na inisip ko yun, meron ba akong mararating kung hindi ko ito gagawin, ano opportunities para sa akin. Now na naging maganda naman buhay ko because of that, I can say no regrets. Hindi ko siya pagsisisihan,” said Diana.
She said she also respects today’s “sexy stars” for their courage, seeing them on the same path she once walked. “Tingin ko sa ibang nagpapasexy kasi kagaya ko din sila kailangan nila gawin yun as stepping stone. I have to respect their decisions,” she added.
