Showbiz royalty Arabella Davao did not need her parents, Ricky Davao and Jackie Lou Blanco, to force her into entering the entertainment scene.
It’s because acting has always been a passion of Arabella ever since she was young.
Although it was in her own volition to enter showbiz, her parents did contribute to her decision to pursue such a career. Since his father is an actor and a director, while her mother is an actress, seeing them in their element really impacted her decision-making in terms of what career she should take.
“Siguro equal naman sila. Kasi growing up nakikita ko na nagte-taping sila. Tapos yung dad ko nagda-direct. So kumbaga na-expose na ako sa environment,” said Arabella during an exclusive interview with LionhearTV. “Pero wala naman silang pinilit sakin. Ako lang. Kasi passion talaga ‘to. Siguro mas na-inluence lang ako nung nakita ko silang dalawa.”
However, before coming to such a decision, Arabella admits having a long discussion with her parents, consulting them if it is the right choice.
“Well, merong mahabang usapan. Kasi ‘di ba hindi naman ako papasok sa kahit na anong trabaho nang hindi ko sila kino-consult,” she revealed.
Arabella told LionhearTV that her parents were very supportive of her becoming an actress. They were her guide, even letting them review the contract with Star Magic before signing it.
“Tapos sinusuportahan lang nila ako. Tapos nung magiging official na, with the signing, pinabasa ko ‘yung contract. Sila yung naggui-guide sakin. Pero sariling desisyon ko pa rin,” added the young artist.
In terms of having a possible on-screen partner, ABS-CBN, through Direk Lauren Dyogi, the head of Star Magic, even asked for Arabella’s parents’ blessing.
Recalling what transpired while Direk Lauren was asking permission, Arabella recalled her father being eager to allow ABS-CBN to create a love team for her.
“Okay naman sa kanila. Actually ‘yung boss namin, si Direk Lauren, naalala ko na tinanong niya sa parents ko kung pwede ba ako i-loveteam. Tapos yung papa ko, game naman!” she exclaimed.
But because her parents were the great Ricky Davao and Jackie Lou Blanco, Arabella admits feeling pressured. However, it was not because of who her parents were, but because she wants to do great in her craft.
“I think hindi naman mawawala ang pressure sa kahit na anong trabaho na gusto mong gawin ang best mo.”
Moreover, Arabella does not see herself riding the shadows of her parents. The young artist is also not trying to reach nor surpass the greatness of her mother and father.
“Siguro sa industriyang ito naman, hindi ko nakikita ang sarili ko na kailangan kong maging kasing-galing nila or mas magaling. Basta ang alam ko andun sila para sa akin, para i-mentor ako, para i-guide ako,” added Arabella.
Arabella is part of the newly-added talents of Star Magic during its Black Pen Day on June 19. This includes Kaila Estrada, Mary Joy Apostol, Zabel Lamberth, Rans Rifol, Vance Larena, Maureen Wrob, Paolo Gumabao, Luis Vera-Perez, Sela, Migo Manikan, Vitto Neri, and Jake Ejercito.
