Nineteen-year-old tourism student Margaret Diaz (Margaret dela Cruz in real life) is officially being launched as VMX’s newest leading lady, marking her acting debut with a lead role in the sexy drama ‘Balahibong Pusa.’
Diaz stars opposite Mark Anthony Fernandez, alongside Cristine Bermas and Yda Manzano, in the film directed by Roman Perez Jr. The project also serves as a remake of the early 2000s hit led by Joyce Jimenez.
The rising star was formally introduced during her solo press conference held at the Viva Office boardroom in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.
During the media event, Diaz revealed that she went through a deep personal trauma at 16, saying she experienced abuse but chose not to disclose further details.
She shared that she has been working through her healing process with the support of her family and friends, as well as psychiatric treatment, which slowly helped her regain confidence.
Even before her ordeal, she said it had always been her dream to become an actress. She looks up to Maja Salvador as her inspiration, while naming Paulo Avelino as her celebrity crush.
With her morena beauty, 5’5” height, and resemblance to young star Andrea Brillantes, Diaz was once considering joining beauty pageants. But now that she has entered showbiz, she said she plans to focus fully on her acting career.
She admitted she was initially hesitant about doing sexy roles but accepted that it could be a stepping stone toward mainstream films and television.
“Kailangang pagbutihan ko ang trabaho ko bilang actress hindi lamang sa pagpapa-sexy para mapansin ako,” she said, noting that she wants to be recognized for her craft, not just for onscreen sensuality.
Despite joining VMX, Diaz emphasized that she is not neglecting her studies. Education, she said, remains important, even as she begins earning from acting.
In ‘Balahibong Pusa,’ Diaz portrays the role originally played by Joyce Jimenez—an opportunity she considers a milestone.
“Flattered, syempre it was an honor po playing the role of Ms. Joyce Jimenez since ‘Balahibong Pusa’ was very iconic during her time,” she said.
She admitted the filming process was both exciting and overwhelming, especially with scenes that were completely new to her.
“Sa love scene and nuances po—since this is all new to me, medyo na-culture shock lang po,” she confessed.
On her first time performing nude scenes, Diaz was candid about her insecurities: “Honestly, intimidated po kasi all my life I’ve always been insecure sa katawan ko pero looking at the bright side, I’m taking this opportunity as a challenge to finally conquer my fears.”
Despite the challenges, Diaz said she enjoyed her first movie experience and learned a lot from working with seasoned co-stars and director Roman Perez Jr.
Now under Viva, Margaret Diaz hopes that ‘Balahibong Pusa’ will be the start of more opportunities in the industry, as she continues balancing her studies and her budding showbiz career.