25-year-old Sparkle artist Mariel Pamintuan has opened up about her experiences with bullying, arrogance, and intimidation by some prominent celebrities.
Often referred to as a “starlet” by her critics, Mariel has chosen to embrace the label and shed light on the challenges faced by newcomers in the industry.
Mariel took to TikTok on September 26, 2023, to respond to a basher who expressed a desire “to be an artist who is not famous.”
She began by recounting an incident involving a well-known co-star during a slapping scene. Mariel explained that as a “starlet,” she wasn’t given priority, and the lead actor took precedence in scenes.
During a rehearsal for a slapping scene, they practiced blocking but avoided delivering actual slaps. The producer cautioned Mariel not to slap too forcefully, as the lead actor was known for his strong presence.
Mariel followed the producer’s instructions during the take, ensuring a gentle slap as instructed. However, she was taken aback by the intensity of the slap she received from the lead actor during the actual scene. She described the experience as leaving her soul behind on set and causing her ears to ring from the impact.
Mariel also observed a stark contrast in how mistakes were handled when comparing established actors to “starlets.” She noted that when a seasoned actor made an error, they were gently corrected and given another chance, while “starlets” were often subjected to harsh criticism.
According to Mariel, the treatment of “starlets” making mistakes would be characterized by comments such as, “Tapos pag starlet ka lang, tapos hindi ka naman major role, pamparami lang, pag nagkamali ka, yari ka. Wag kang magkakamali. Ookrayin ka.”
Mariel also disclosed that some established actors felt threatened by newcomers. She explained that when starting out, the more established individuals in the industry disliked competition and would resort to bullying newcomers, viewing them as immediate rivals.
However, Mariel’s advice to aspiring actors is to stand their ground and not be discouraged by such challenges. She emphasized the need to toughen up and resist intimidation, as these hurdles are an inevitable part of showbiz.
Mariel went on to share an incident involving a renowned actor who indirectly used profanity during rehearsals. While rehearsing together, Mariel sensed that the actor was cursing her through their lines. Instead of confronting him or engaging in a dispute, Mariel opted to remain composed and handle the situation privately.
In conclusion, Mariel stressed that these challenging experiences serve as motivation for her to strive for success in her career. Despite not yet landing a leading role, Mariel has been part of the entertainment industry since she was just three years old.
Her TikTok video, which resonated with many who understand the difficulties faced by “starlets” in showbiz, has garnered over 2.9 million views, shedding light on the realities of being a newcomer in the entertainment world.
