Join us tonight on PEP Live and let us all welcome Shanaia Gomez as she talks about "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: An Interactive Musical Comedy!"
Post your comments, questions, and greetings below to join this interview!
#shanaiagomez #spellingbee #peplive
Host: Rachelle Siazon
Live Stream Director: Rommel Llanes
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Post your comments, questions, and greetings below to join this interview!
#shanaiagomez #spellingbee #peplive
Host: Rachelle Siazon
Live Stream Director: Rommel Llanes
Watch our past PEP Live interviews here: https://bit.ly/PEPLIVEplaylist
Subscribe to our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/@pep_tv
Know the latest in showbiz at http://www.pep.ph
Follow us!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pepalerts/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PEPalerts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pepalerts
Visit our DailyMotion channel! https://www.dailymotion.com/PEPalerts
Join us on Viber: https://bit.ly/PEPonViber
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PeopleTranscript
00:00 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:03 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:31 Hi, PEPsters.
00:32 Welcome to PEP Live.
00:33 I'm Pink.
00:34 And [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] promising singer, actress,
00:39 and rise artist studio.
00:41 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] Let's all welcome Shania Gomez.
00:48 Hello, hello, PEPsters.
00:50 Thank you so much for having me here.
00:52 And I'm very, very excited to be here and to talk to you today.
00:57 Hi, Shania.
00:59 Is this your first time on PEP Live?
01:03 I don't think so.
01:04 I think I've been on PEP Live before.
01:07 Or yeah, I think so.
01:11 Wow.
01:13 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
01:22 Let's start with our icebreaker game, This or That.
01:27 [MUSIC PLAYING]
01:30 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
01:36 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
01:47 Let's go.
01:53 Number one, singing or acting?
01:58 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
02:02 Singing or acting?
02:03 Well, I would say maybe for now--
02:08 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] Singing is something I grew up doing,
02:11 I would say, literally, my whole life.
02:13 Acting is something that I recently ventured into,
02:16 but I've been loving as well.
02:20 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
02:27 For now, I guess, since I've had so much experience with singing
02:32 and I've been having so much fun writing new songs
02:35 and experimenting with different sounds,
02:39 maybe for now, singing.
02:40 But it's like a 49-50.
02:43 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
02:44 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
02:47 This or that or both?
02:50 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
02:52 Number two, this or that?
03:02 Coffee or chocolates?
03:05 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
03:15 But I have such a sweet tooth.
03:17 But at the same time, I cannot function
03:19 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
03:21 So yeah, mocha, best of both worlds.
03:24 So you start your day with a cup of coffee, usually,
03:28 as in regular, yeah?
03:30 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
03:32 Because most of the time, I'm leaving the house in a rush.
03:35 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
03:36 OK, let's go, let's go.
03:38 So usually, on my way to work, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
03:42 Oh, no, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
03:44 So I usually have to get a coffee.
03:48 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
03:49 Number three, this or that, beach or mountain?
03:56 Beach or mountain?
03:57 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
03:58 I love both.
03:59 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
04:00 Wow, OK.
04:27 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
04:32 OK, last, movies or concerts?
04:37 Concerts, concerts.
04:41 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
04:42 I love movies.
04:47 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
04:48 Rewind, rewind, unwind.
04:55 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
04:58 Just to relax, even before I go to bed or [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
05:02 movie or something.
05:03 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
05:15 Feeling like I love concerts, especially
05:17 when you go with friends or if you go with--
05:21 yeah, if you go with friends or even family, it's so fun.
05:24 And to experience your favorite artist singing live
05:28 na live in front of you, it's so exciting.
05:32 What's your favorite movie?
05:34 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
05:35 Favorite movie, OK.
05:37 So your favorite movie, right now,
05:40 is a movie called "Flipped."
05:42 It's-- I'm not sure if you know this movie,
05:44 but it's very--
05:46 like a kilig movie.
05:48 It's about this-- a girl and a boy.
05:51 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
05:53 Like, he doesn't like the girl.
05:56 That was, as time goes by, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
05:59 After a while, the boy likes the girl,
06:02 but the girl doesn't like the boy.
06:03 So [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
06:04 That's very me.
06:05 So [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
06:08 So [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
06:09 I like this movie.
06:10 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
06:12 I think I've watched this film.
06:14 Yeah, I think coming of age film type of--
06:17 Yes, very-- very cute, cutesy film.
06:21 And [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
06:24 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
06:27 Meet cute, no?
06:28 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
06:29 Oh, my gosh.
06:30 Yes, yes.
06:32 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
06:33 I like that movie also.
06:35 Cute.
06:35 OK.
06:36 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
06:38 Feel good type of movie.
06:40 Feel good movie.
06:41 That was at the same time, oh, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
06:44 You didn't like-- you didn't like her.
06:46 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
06:47 You're the one that likes her.
06:49 OK, back to you.
06:50 [LAUGHS]
06:52 Oh, my gosh.
06:52 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
06:53 Um, wow.
07:10 No, I guess, yeah, that has happened to me before.
07:14 And, um, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:17 I mean, I'm not the type to dwell on something.
07:21 If I told them that I like them and they said that they don't
07:24 like me back, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:28 There's more fish in the sea.
07:29 [LAUGHS]
07:30 Ooh.
07:31 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:32 [LAUGHS]
07:34 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:38 Oh, OK.
07:39 So, of course, I love Harry Styles so much.
07:45 Like, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] Harry Styles.
07:48 So when I saw him live in concert, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:53 I don't know.
07:53 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:59 Oh, my gosh.
07:59 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:02 Oh, um, that's hard.
08:06 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:10 Harry's House, I like that album.
08:13 And I loved him since One Direction, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:16 So, but the first one that comes to mind would maybe be, um,
08:24 Two Ghosts.
08:25 [NON-ENGLISH SINGING]
08:29 I don't know.
08:30 It's just a chill song.
08:32 You wouldn't expect at first that Harry Styles would come up
08:35 with a song [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:37 But, yeah, I really--
08:39 I love him.
08:41 I love him.
08:42 What can I say?
08:42 He's my husband.
08:44 Oh, my gosh.
08:45 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:48 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:55 [LAUGHS]
08:57 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:59 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
09:01 Yes, so, of course, PEPStars, I'm
09:27 here to promote the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
09:30 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
09:33 It's a musical comedy, interactive theater show.
09:39 And it's very, very fun because it's about six middle school
09:43 spellers.
09:44 Now, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] they're all trying to win the Spelling
09:47 Bee.
09:48 But the fun part and the interesting part
09:50 is [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
09:52 They all have interesting and unique personalities.
09:55 They have different ways of spelling.
09:57 And it's really, really fun because we
10:00 get [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] audience members.
10:03 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
10:06 So [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] the guests.
10:09 And you get to go on stage.
10:12 And you really get to interact with us, with us actors.
10:16 And, yeah, and it's a lot of fun.
10:19 We have great music.
10:20 It's the perfect thing to watch with your family.
10:23 And it takes place at the Power Mac Center Spotlight
10:27 in Circuit Makati.
10:28 And we actually have one last week to go.
10:31 Our final show is on March 17.
10:34 So this is the last weekend.
10:36 So I really, really hope you guys can get your tickets
10:39 as soon as possible.
10:40 You can get them at ticketsome.net.
10:44 Wow.
10:44 Oh, my gosh.
10:45 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
10:47 Yes.
10:47 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
10:50 Oh, yes.
10:51 Yes.
10:52 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
10:53 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
10:55 What was it like?
10:56 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
10:57 Were you able to work with you guys?
11:03 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
11:04 Yes, so it's my theater debut for this show.
11:09 And so it's my first time.
11:11 And I had no idea what to expect.
11:12 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
11:15 First show, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
11:25 But since we had lots of rehearsals,
11:28 as in every day for your rehearsals,
11:30 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
11:30 Monday to Saturday, seven hours, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
11:35 And we really prepared for all types of situations.
11:40 And it's a lot of fun because you really
11:41 get to be your character.
11:42 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] If something happens,
11:45 it's not how would Shania react.
11:47 It's how would Marcy Park, my character, react to that.
11:51 And the fun things, like I mentioned,
11:53 they're middle schoolers.
11:54 So [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] very hyper, full of energy.
11:58 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
12:01 And the best part is, although it's a comedy interactive,
12:05 it really does tackle a lot of serious topics
12:09 also that I feel like a lot of people
12:11 can relate to coming of age.
12:13 And Marcy Park, for example, she is a overachiever.
12:19 And she always has to do everything
12:21 that she thinks people expect from her.
12:24 So her parents expect greatness.
12:27 Her parents expect perfection.
12:30 So of course, she's always--
12:32 her struggle throughout the whole show
12:34 is figuring out, can she find freedom?
12:37 Can she learn to go outside of people's expectations of her
12:43 and learn to do what she wants to do?
12:46 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
12:47 So what was it like when you were just
12:50 auditioning for the show?
12:53 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
12:54 Or [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
12:57 Yes, so we really, really auditioned,
13:00 every single one of us, all the Star Magic artists,
13:02 even the theater artists.
13:04 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
13:06 And when I first walked in to the room,
13:09 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
13:11 Like, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
13:12 Because this is my first audition ever in theater.
13:15 And I have no idea what to expect.
13:17 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
13:20 Or like, what do I do?
13:23 So it was really a whole experience.
13:25 And I was so happy.
13:26 Like, for example, I saw a few familiar faces
13:29 during the very first audition.
13:30 I saw Angela Ken, who is now also part of the show.
13:34 I saw her there.
13:34 And we're like, oh my god, OK.
13:36 What are you singing?
13:37 What's your audition song?
13:39 What did they ask you to do?
13:40 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
13:42 We're like kids sharing what happened inside.
13:44 And yeah, it was a lot of fun.
13:46 And I'm so grateful to have these people also in the cast,
13:50 because they're so great.
13:51 And they're so understanding that we're new.
13:54 And of course, my alternate is AC also,
13:57 who's--
13:58 AC Bonifacio is also making her first theater debut.
14:01 So we find comfort in each other.
14:05 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] OK, this is our first show.
14:08 We can do this.
14:08 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] If anything goes wrong,
14:11 we know that we have each other's back.
14:13 So from the get-go, you auditioned for Marcy's role?
14:20 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] They let us audition.
14:23 And then they let us write down, what role
14:25 would you like to audition for?
14:27 OK.
14:28 It's my first time ever hearing of spelling
14:31 B before I auditioned.
14:32 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] Said, who would you like to audition for?
14:38 But we recommend that we think you would fit Marcy's role.
14:43 And we think that you should try out for Olive, just in case.
14:46 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
14:49 So since they recommended Marcy to me, I wrote down Marcy.
14:53 And I auditioned for Marcy.
14:56 What was the song that you performed that day?
15:00 This is what's really funny.
15:01 When I auditioned, I sang--
15:06 not a common song.
15:06 I sang a song from "Shrek the Musical."
15:10 And it's called "I Know It's Today."
15:12 So [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] songs from "Shrek the Musical."
15:16 But it's very interesting, because later on when
15:19 I got the role, I found out that AC also auditioned
15:22 using the exact same song.
15:24 Wow.
15:25 So we both auditioned singing the same song.
15:28 And then we both got the same role.
15:30 Same part.
15:30 So we both got the same role.
15:34 So I was like, what are the chances?
15:35 Wow.
15:36 I don't know if I can sing that Ardoki song.
15:39 Correct.
15:39 And it's perfect.
15:41 You just clicked through your song.
15:44 I'm going to get this role.
15:46 "I Know It's Today."
15:47 Yes.
15:49 Great.
15:50 OK.
15:51 So OK.
15:53 And then you really experienced creating your role.
15:58 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
16:01 And [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] working with your director
16:06 and the musical director, Sir Ronny Fortich, is also very--
16:11 Very talented.
16:13 Talented.
16:13 Yes, I saw some of his shows before.
16:16 So how was it?
16:19 Yeah, it was amazing.
16:21 Like I mentioned before, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
16:24 blessed [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] cast members, the production
16:31 team, sandbox.
16:33 Of course, working with veterans,
16:34 like for example, like Miss Liesl and Kuya Nyoy,
16:38 they're there.
16:38 Tito Ody and Tito Robbie, it's such a blessing
16:41 to work with them.
16:42 And of course, I felt so much going in.
16:46 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
16:47 Learning about-- I feel like the things that I learned here,
16:50 I can definitely apply for future acting projects,
16:53 whether [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] or film or another theater show.
16:57 The best part is they really teach you
16:59 how to find your character and to understand [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
17:04 back story, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
17:08 How did she become like that, like her personality?
17:12 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
17:14 So I feel like I really learned a lot.
17:16 And they're so easy to work with.
17:18 We have an inside joke for cast members.
17:21 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
17:24 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
17:27 Boring.
17:27 Well, because you know, we're so lucky that we all get along.
17:32 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
17:33 Yes.
17:34 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
17:36 So [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
17:37 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
17:51 I feel like it's very hard, because although I knew--
17:54 I knew the Star Magic artists, I knew Crystal Brimner,
17:56 I knew [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] I knew Jordan,
17:58 I knew Angela and AC, the five Star Magic people,
18:01 but I didn't know them to the point that I do now.
18:06 Spending every day with them and seeing a new side of all of us
18:10 getting out of our comfort zones and trying something new
18:13 together, feeling we really became closer through that.
18:19 And then the new theater--
18:21 the theater artists also, I feel like it's really great,
18:24 because I learn so much from them.
18:26 I always ask them, OK, so is this what theaters always like?
18:30 Or what should I do if something like this happens?
18:34 I kind of turn them into my mentors.
18:36 So we all-- we love to hang out all together.
18:40 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
18:42 We're all just really together.
18:49 So what advice or something that you
18:51 learned from them, working with them?
18:55 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
18:56 Yeah, so I mean, believe it or not,
19:04 I'm a very conscious person.
19:06 I'm a very--
19:08 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
19:10 But I always--
19:11 I'm always thinking about what people
19:13 will think if I'm doing the right thing,
19:14 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
19:16 So one thing I really learned from working with this cast,
19:20 especially the theater people, is
19:22 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
19:23 Stop worrying about what other people are thinking,
19:26 and just do what you need to do.
19:27 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
19:29 Especially me, I was so scared [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
19:32 or [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
19:44 But you have to realize that no one knows your character
19:47 like you do.
19:48 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
19:50 They don't know Marcy the way that you know Marcy.
19:57 So to stop worrying about what they think, what others think,
20:00 and just to do you, to do what you do best.
20:03 And this is what we rehearsed months for.
20:06 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
20:09 So this is what you've rehearsed months for.
20:11 And to trust your instinct, trust your gut,
20:14 and trust everything that you've worked hard for.
20:18 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
20:20 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
20:21 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
20:23 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
20:24 And I'm so glad that [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
20:32 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
20:54 It's really heartwarming.
20:56 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
20:59 It brings a lot of people together.
21:01 It allows people to bond over a common love for something.
21:07 And the back up--
21:08 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
21:10 So it really allows people to become closer and to get--
21:24 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
21:30 So it's a great thing for families and friends.
21:34 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
21:36 Or did it help now you were able to really work on your trainings
21:58 and workshops in your--
22:01 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
22:02 No matter how hard you train, it's
22:05 going to happen [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
22:06 Mistakes will happen.
22:07 Or [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH] unseen circumstances,
22:12 they will happen, unforeseen circumstances.
22:14 So you just have to learn that--
22:19 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
22:20 They're just along the show.
22:27 So you have to act like everything is normal.
22:31 If you forgot a line, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
22:35 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
22:37 I forgot my line.
22:39 And it was during a song.
22:41 So [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
22:49 So of course, you just have to act like nothing happened.
22:52 And you just have to think, OK, I still
22:55 have the rest of the show to bow and to work harder.
22:59 So OK, I made a small mistake.
23:02 It's OK.
23:02 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
23:04 Keep going and make sure that the rest of the show
23:09 is even better.
23:11 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
23:12 It really shows now your confidence at the same time.
23:22 It doesn't come from your fear, but more out
23:25 of your positive energy, now being optimistic.
23:29 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
23:30 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
23:31 You're not giving them the best possible show
23:57 that they deserve.
23:58 They deserve the best show.
23:59 So OK, OK, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
24:02 I can't let this affect the rest of the show.
24:05 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
24:05 It's not fair to my co-actors also.
24:08 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
24:09 So you just have to keep going.
24:16 Does it help that you've already experienced
24:22 being part of reality shows like PBB and Idol Philippines?
24:26 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
24:27 That's a very interesting question.
24:42 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
24:44 Yeah, or your mindset more.
24:46 Ah.
24:48 Yeah.
24:49 Like I said, I'm so grateful to the Lord
24:53 because when I joined Idol Philippines,
24:55 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
24:57 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
24:58 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
25:05 It's a very competitive shows, both Idol and PBB.
25:09 But while they were happening, we
25:12 were more focused on our friendships,
25:14 and we were more focused on the relationships that we built.
25:17 So during Idol Philippines, if I got eliminated
25:21 and somebody else got to the next round,
25:27 I was a little upset that I didn't make it.
25:28 But at the same time, I was happy that somebody
25:31 that I love and I know deserves it
25:34 made it past to the next round.
25:36 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
25:37 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
25:38 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
25:39 OK, if I didn't make it to the next round,
25:42 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
25:46 The same way--
25:46 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
25:47 I was upset.
25:58 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
26:03 The Lord was planning that this specific season, PBB season 10,
26:09 the celebrity edition--
26:11 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
26:12 So that's when I really understood
26:18 the meaning of in God's timing, in God's plan.
26:23 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
26:24 I think the first season I auditioned was either season 7
26:28 or season 8 of PBB.
26:29 If I auditioned for that season, that was--
26:32 I got in, then [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
26:34 everything that's happened to me now wouldn't have happened.
26:37 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
26:38 I wouldn't have gotten into spelling bee.
26:42 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
26:43 You never know.
26:43 Or maybe I wouldn't have made the friendships
26:45 that I have now, which I cherish all the friendships that I made
26:50 inside the PBB house also.
26:51 So [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
26:53 It did help.
26:55 It did help a lot to understand that things
26:57 will happen when they happen.
26:59 And to just allow it go with the flow, go with the flow.
27:03 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
27:05 Perspective.
27:07 So even if you got rejected before, so PBB,
27:12 what made you decide to try again, the third time?
27:18 Yeah, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
27:22 I really wanted it.
27:23 I really love PBB.
27:25 And every time [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
27:27 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
27:38 But when I got inside, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
27:44 It looks easy, but it's really difficult,
27:47 especially now you're going off [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
27:53 last week, so [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
27:57 so groceries this week.
27:59 So there's so much things that go into it.
28:01 And I was actually very lucky because they
28:05 approached me, Rize, my management.
28:07 They said, PBB, they're actually having a celebrity audition,
28:12 and we would like you to audition.
28:15 Star Magic is thinking that it would be a good idea
28:17 if you audition.
28:19 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
28:20 Wow, they're asking me to audition.
28:22 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
28:23 OK.
28:23 Yeah, because it's not sure.
28:25 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
28:26 Until you're inside the house, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
28:32 OK, that's fine.
28:33 That's fine.
28:33 I will audition.
28:35 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
28:39 I did it, and I feel like everything
28:43 that happens since your first audition for PBB,
28:46 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
28:49 life journeys, life lessons.
28:52 So I feel like I had to go through those experiences.
28:55 But when I did go inside your PBB season 10,
28:59 it was--
29:00 I was more prepared.
29:02 I was more mentally prepared.
29:04 Right.
29:05 Can you cite, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
29:07 one life journey that you went through before that you think
29:11 made you strong or at least mentally prepared for that one
29:19 in PBB?
29:22 Or I mean, in between, in between the PBB.
29:24 Yeah.
29:25 So I think moving to the Philippines
29:30 was such a big jump for me.
29:32 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
29:33 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
29:34 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
29:35 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
29:36 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
29:37 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
29:38 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
29:39 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
29:40 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
29:41 Can I just say?
29:42 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
29:43 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
29:44 Thank you.
29:46 Thank you.
29:47 Thank you.
29:48 That means a lot.
29:50 I'm from Toronto.
29:52 Toronto.
29:54 So of course I decided.
29:56 When I was just 14 years old,
29:58 I decided to move to the Philippines to pursue showbiz.
30:00 I moved alone.
30:03 I didn't have my family with me.
30:05 I was on my own.
30:07 My parents were in Canada.
30:09 So it was so difficult.
30:11 14 years old,
30:13 and you're alone in a new country
30:16 that I've only been on vacation.
30:18 I've never experienced actually living in the Philippines.
30:20 I was very lucky to have an aunt
30:22 who came to Manila to help take care of me.
30:25 But it was really difficult
30:27 that I wasn't with my family,
30:29 my sister and my parents.
30:31 So it was a journey that
30:33 for how many years?
30:35 Maybe 4 years.
30:37 I would call my mom.
30:39 I would say, "Mom, I want to go home.
30:41 I want to go back to Canada.
30:43 I don't want to stay here in the Philippines.
30:45 I can't take it anymore.
30:47 I don't want to go."
30:49 But my mom would always tell me,
30:51 "Don't be shy.
30:53 Try it. Go ahead.
30:55 Keep trying because I feel like it's near."
30:57 It's not because I'm your daughter,
31:01 but I really believe that you can do it.
31:03 My mom would say that.
31:06 I would say, "No, I don't think I can."
31:09 But I'm very, very lucky
31:12 that they really believed in me,
31:15 that my parents believed in me.
31:17 They kept pushing for me to stay here
31:19 and to keep trying.
31:21 It allowed me to really understand
31:24 how far I've come,
31:26 especially here in Indochina.
31:28 When I first started,
31:30 I was just doing commercials.
31:33 I've never been inside ABS-CBN.
31:36 It was like a magical palace.
31:38 But then, now, to be part of Star Magic and Arise
31:43 and to have all of these blessings come my way,
31:47 it really helps me appreciate it so much more.
31:51 It's not every day,
31:53 and it's not everyone that gets opportunities like this.
31:56 All of my struggles,
31:59 not being with my family and my parents,
32:02 it's okay because now I see that my dreams are near.
32:08 I hope that when it's time,
32:11 I'll be able to join my family.
32:16 So, your dream is really to be a singer or an actress?
32:23 What was your motivation when you were first trying out
32:28 and showed it?
32:29 Imagine this.
32:31 I was 8 years old.
32:33 I was a shy kid, a baby shy.
32:36 I was very naughty, very, very, very naughty.
32:39 I always sang.
32:41 My mom always told me, "You're so naughty."
32:45 But it's really just the actress, the performer in me coming out.
32:51 I'm always singing.
32:53 I'm always wearing my mom's clothes.
32:56 I'm always watching actresses on TV
32:59 and pretending that, for example, my high school miss is me,
33:02 Sharpay Evans, things like that.
33:05 It's something that my parents saw in me ever since I was younger.
33:11 I never thought that showbiz was something that could really happen.
33:17 I thought it was just a far-off dream.
33:22 It's not going to happen.
33:24 It's just a dream. It's not going to happen.
33:26 But it's so amazing to see that,
33:30 no, you can really go for your dreams.
33:32 You can reach for your dreams.
33:34 It's possible.
33:36 How did you go to Star Magic?
33:38 After commercial modeling,
33:41 because you were discovered in commercials.
33:44 Yes.
33:46 How did the agency discover you?
33:48 Yes.
33:50 When I first came to the Philippines,
33:52 I auditioned for everything.
33:54 Everything. I auditioned for all networks.
33:58 I auditioned for all commercials and everything.
34:02 And all the commercials were approaching me.
34:07 So I said, "Okay, you know, commercials are great."
34:09 For me, I can experience what it's like to be in front of the camera
34:15 and what it's like to be on set in the Philippines.
34:18 So it was a lot of fun.
34:20 I did Idol Philippines,
34:22 but even when I finished Idol Philippines,
34:25 Star Magic, I wasn't recruited.
34:28 I wasn't taken by Star Magic.
34:30 I was just a freelance.
34:32 Until the pandemic came.
34:35 Then I said, "Okay, maybe because of the pandemic,
34:39 it means that it's not really meant to be for me."
34:42 So I just went home to Canada
34:44 and I spent the pandemic with my family.
34:49 And then I got a message from my mom.
34:52 My mom approached me and said,
34:56 "Shy, would you be willing, if ever, to go back to the Philippines?"
35:04 At first, I said, "No, I don't want to."
35:07 I gave it my try.
35:09 I was ready to stay here in Canada.
35:11 But she said, "But this is different."
35:14 Right now, Rise Artists Studio, which is my management now,
35:18 and they are the same family as Star Magic.
35:21 It is also Star Magic.
35:23 She said, "Star Magic and Rise Artists Studio,
35:26 they want you to audition once again
35:29 to be part of their management."
35:31 She said, "This will be, Shy, if you don't get into Rise,
35:36 then we will really stop."
35:37 As in, this is the last.
35:40 If you're still not in Rise,
35:43 it means that it's okay.
35:44 The Lord said, "It's okay."
35:46 So I said, "Okay, this is the last try.
35:49 I'm going to do this last audition for Star Magic
35:52 and let's see where it goes."
35:54 I feel like, usually when I'm nervous,
35:58 I get super nervous.
35:59 My body gets tense.
36:02 I'm quiet because I don't know what to say.
36:05 But maybe because I feel like,
36:08 if it's meant to be, it's meant to be.
36:10 So I went to the audition via Zoom
36:12 because I'm in Canada.
36:14 I went to the Zoom room.
36:16 I was myself.
36:21 I wasn't nervous.
36:23 I wasn't scared.
36:24 My mindset was, "Okay, if it's meant to be, it's meant to be."
36:27 So, "Hello, I'm Shania."
36:29 And it's just so crazy
36:33 because that's the time that they really, I guess,
36:36 saw something in me
36:37 and they actually did get me to be part of Rise.
36:40 And the next year, January 2021,
36:44 2021, 2021, it's been a long time.
36:47 I came home to the Philippines
36:50 and I became part of Rise,
36:51 which I'm still with to this day.
36:54 And I'm so grateful.
36:56 I'm so grateful that I said yes to the audition
36:59 and that they really saw something in me
37:02 and they really gave me a chance
37:04 because I would probably still be in Canada
37:07 if I didn't audition.
37:10 That's great.
37:12 So, you really waited for that perfect timing.
37:16 I think that's--
37:17 Because you really worked hard for it.
37:19 It's not a formula,
37:21 but there's really a hard work
37:24 plus the timing and everything will fall into place.
37:30 Yes.
37:31 Yeah.
37:32 Thank you.
37:34 You really worked hard for the story of Marcy.
37:39 Right?
37:40 You really worked hard for that moment, Shania.
37:44 You're so determined to go after what you want
37:48 until, right?
37:50 You'll just give up when all else fails,
37:52 but you'll just try.
37:54 You don't give up.
37:58 You still try until the very last moment.
38:02 Yes, yes.
38:04 There!
38:06 I'm sorry.
38:07 I'm just saying that--
38:08 Sorry, sorry.
38:09 No, no. It's okay.
38:10 That's how it is.
38:11 There's always a lag.
38:12 I'm just saying it's very interesting
38:13 because I auditioned for Star Magic multiple times.
38:16 It's not--
38:17 That was not my first time.
38:19 I remember before the pandemic,
38:21 ABS would have VTRs every week
38:25 where anyone can come into ABS and do auditions.
38:29 So, I would go, I think, maybe,
38:31 if not every week,
38:33 I would audition for Star Magic.
38:36 But then, the time that I thought I was going to give up,
38:41 that's the time that they--
38:43 Maybe they saw that I was ready
38:45 or they saw that the spark was different.
38:49 So, they gave me a chance.
38:51 Yay!
38:52 There!
38:53 We learned a lot from Shania
38:56 and Lama about her life story.
38:59 Of course, to get to know her better,
39:03 it's now time for our PEP Challenge!
39:08 Okay.
39:11 In our PEP Challenge,
39:13 it's called "I Have, I Have Never."
39:16 To make Shania's personality shine even more,
39:24 we have prepared questions.
39:27 These are our signature games in PEP Live.
39:31 You can defend your answer
39:34 if you feel like you need to explain it.
39:38 Oh, fairness.
39:40 I feel like our games in PEP Live really suit Shania
39:43 because she's really happy to chat.
39:46 Okay, PEPsters?
39:48 Thank you.
39:49 So, Shania, are you ready?
39:51 Ready, ready.
39:53 There.
39:54 Number one.
39:55 I have, I have never found a dumb excuse to text my crush.
40:01 Of course, I have!
40:05 Oh, my gosh.
40:06 What happened?
40:07 Of course, I have.
40:09 Okay, because sometimes you don't have a reason to text your crush.
40:14 I'm so sorry.
40:15 Oh, my gosh.
40:16 I feel like I'll overthink after this.
40:18 But what I did--
40:19 You're not going to name names.
40:21 No, what I did was
40:24 I pretended to be the wrong message.
40:27 The wrong person.
40:29 So that you won't be the only one.
40:31 But the thing is, it happens where I accidentally text the wrong person.
40:36 So, I overthink.
40:38 My friends might think, "Is she my crush?"
40:40 But it's really an accident.
40:42 The wrong person.
40:43 I would just be like, "Oh, um."
40:46 For example, I'd just be like, "Yeah, I know. So funny."
40:49 Then they'd be like, "What?"
40:51 Then I'd be like, "Oh, I'm so sorry. Wrong person."
40:54 Like that.
40:55 And any reason.
40:59 But did the conversation move on or not after that first text?
41:05 I think I was traumatized. I can't remember.
41:08 Maybe it was just a small conversation.
41:13 For example, they'd be like, "Who sent that message?"
41:17 I'd be like, "It was from my mom."
41:20 Then they'd be like, "Okay. Hope you're doing well. Hope you're doing well, too."
41:26 Then I'd be like, "Hope you're doing well."
41:29 So, Shania, do you think it's okay for a girl to make the first move?
41:36 In terms of conversation-wise.
41:39 Yeah, why not?
41:42 I mean, why not?
41:45 Because a lot of the times, the reason why a lot of girls are scared to make the first move
41:51 is because they're shy and they're scared of being rejected.
41:55 But men are also like that.
41:57 They're also scared of being rejected.
41:59 I feel like men are more scared of being rejected than women.
42:03 So I feel like it's okay to make the first move.
42:08 And it also shows the guy that, "Okay, she must like me enough to make the first move."
42:18 But of course, you have to template everything.
42:20 You have to see.
42:22 Because there are guys who really want to make the first move.
42:28 Right.
42:29 It's a trial and error, in a way.
42:33 And at the same time, I guess for girls, they're scared to make the first move in terms of conversation.
42:44 Because the thinking is very advanced.
42:48 You won't be boyfriending right away if you have a message.
42:51 It's like you'll just get to know the person.
42:53 It's not like you'll just add.
42:55 True.
42:57 So I like the thinking that you're just friending.
43:01 It's not like you have to be tight right away if you have a message.
43:06 It's not like that.
43:08 You said hi to me.
43:09 Oh, it's our turn.
43:11 There's more?
43:12 That's not allowed.
43:13 Okay, number two.
43:16 I have never drunk dialed an ex.
43:22 Drunk dialed an ex?
43:25 No, I have never.
43:27 But they have done to me.
43:29 Just kidding.
43:31 No, but I have never.
43:35 Because for me, when I'm done, I'm done.
43:42 When I'm done, I'll move on.
43:45 Because, yeah.
43:49 No need for explanation.
43:50 When I'm done, I'm done.
43:52 Oh, girls, that's how it should be.
43:55 And guys too.
43:56 For those who drunk dialed.
43:59 Okay, next.
44:01 I have never gone on a solo trip.
44:06 My solo trip is to the mall.
44:10 Even though I'm not from the Philippines.
44:15 I guess, it's a solo trip.
44:19 But I really do want to go on a solo trip.
44:22 Like vacation.
44:23 Even if I'm out of town.
44:26 But my parents are strict because they're not here.
44:32 They're not in the Philippines.
44:34 So, they get more scared if I do things alone.
44:38 So, I always have a companion.
44:42 My aunt is always with me.
44:44 Even if I'm dropping to ABS.
44:47 She's always there in the car.
44:49 Which is okay.
44:50 I love the support.
44:53 But one day, I do hope that I can go on a solo trip.
44:56 Like a solo vacation.
44:57 Because it's very healing.
45:01 Solo trip is healing.
45:03 There.
45:05 Okay, next.
45:06 I have never...
45:08 I'll leave myself in a public room.
45:13 Does it have to do with this?
45:14 I deleted this.
45:15 But okay.
45:16 I like your questions.
45:18 It's fun.
45:20 You know what?
45:23 I feel like I have more trust issues if they never answer.
45:27 Right?
45:28 Because even when you're young, you're never...
45:31 There's always someone.
45:32 Yes, when you're young.
45:33 Okay, there.
45:34 She's very honest.
45:35 Yes, when you're never...
45:38 Sure, you guys.
45:40 When you're young.
45:44 Yes, when you're young.
45:46 But now, I feel like I can't do it.
45:49 It's unacceptable.
45:50 Right? It's unacceptable.
45:51 Unless it's an accident.
45:53 Okay, there.
45:55 Next.
45:56 Do we have more?
45:58 Even if it's 100, this is okay.
46:00 Let's do the last one.
46:02 There.
46:03 Last one.
46:04 I have, I have never...
46:06 gone into a physical fight.
46:08 Not really a physical fight.
46:12 Because my physical fights,
46:14 my cousins,
46:16 it's like wrestling.
46:18 We don't just fight.
46:20 Because when I was younger,
46:23 my cousins, the guys,
46:26 they were watching wrestling,
46:30 WWE, and stuff.
46:31 So sometimes, for fun,
46:33 we also wrestle.
46:35 But not a real fight.
46:37 I can't do it.
46:41 Because I feel like it's like that the whole time.
46:43 Because...
46:47 Yeah, but...
46:48 But try it.
46:50 Let's see.
46:51 Oh my gosh,
46:53 you know, with your gesture,
46:55 I feel like you can do action.
46:57 Why is that?
46:58 What are your feelings?
47:01 What are your next projects?
47:04 What do you want to do?
47:05 Do you have a peg as an artist?
47:08 Yeah, so...
47:10 Of course, when you're an artist,
47:11 you want to try so many things.
47:13 But...
47:15 You know, I'm okay with rom-coms.
47:18 You know, people,
47:19 sometimes, artists nowadays,
47:21 they're like, "Okay, I'm done with rom-coms.
47:23 I'm done with it."
47:25 But I'm okay with it because
47:28 you're all excited,
47:29 I'm excited too.
47:30 You know?
47:31 So it's fun.
47:33 And rom-coms will never go out of date.
47:36 I feel like never ever in the history of time.
47:39 Because...
47:40 It's just beautiful.
47:41 Sometimes, you need a feel-good movie.
47:43 And sometimes, you need that daily dose of thrill.
47:47 Right?
47:48 But action seems really fun.
47:50 I remember doing one fight scene.
47:53 I did a fight scene in Batang Kiyapo
47:55 with Ate Lobby.
47:57 Wow.
47:58 And it was so interesting
48:00 to really, like...
48:02 To react to all the fighting
48:04 and to act like...
48:05 Even though she's not doing anything to me,
48:08 there's no pressure,
48:09 it's just like that.
48:10 But I'm like that,
48:11 the acting.
48:12 So I feel like it's a lot of fun.
48:14 And I wouldn't mind trying that also.
48:17 I wouldn't mind.
48:19 And anything.
48:21 I feel like the only thing I can't do is horror.
48:25 Because I don't know how to be scared.
48:26 But I can't be like,
48:29 "Oh my gosh!"
48:30 It's like...
48:31 I want to try.
48:32 Maybe I'm the ghost.
48:34 Maybe I can do that.
48:36 It's like, if you're scared,
48:38 even though you know what's going to happen.
48:40 "Oh my gosh, this really suits Romcom."
48:43 "Shanaya's comedy."
48:45 "She has a sense of comedy."
48:47 "So cute, so cute."
48:48 "It's so fun."
48:49 There.
48:50 It's so fun.
48:51 Who do you want to be a partner with in Romcom?
48:54 - Me. - Me.
48:57 You know what?
48:58 I promise I'm not biased.
49:00 I'm not biased.
49:02 But I feel like anyone in the guys in Rise,
49:04 the boys in Rise are very talented.
49:07 So I would love to work with any of them.
49:11 The signs of a true actress
49:14 is when you're able to work with anyone.
49:17 Honestly, in Hollywood,
49:20 every movie, every show,
49:22 your partners are all different.
49:24 So I want to try that and see
49:27 if I can do it.
49:30 Even with someone that I don't like.
49:33 Even with someone that I really don't like,
49:35 I want to try.
49:36 Because I can test my acting skills.
49:38 Like, "Okay."
49:40 But yeah, the Rise boys,
49:42 they're very talented.
49:43 I wouldn't mind working with any of them.
49:45 See?
49:47 Shanaya really has a go-getter attitude.
49:49 But last,
49:50 do you have a celebrity crush?
49:52 Or maybe you have one?
49:53 - She's thinking. - Dang.
49:56 That's a delicado.
49:57 You know what?
50:00 Even if you say you have a celebrity crush,
50:02 it's hard to say.
50:03 Because,
50:05 I mean, celebrity crush, yes.
50:06 But,
50:08 maybe it's my friend.
50:09 So it's hard to say.
50:12 Like, what if one day I meet them
50:15 and say,
50:16 "Oh, I saw your interview, crush."
50:18 "Huh? That's a big news!"
50:21 Let's talk about that.
50:24 - I'll talk to Chris Evans. - I'll talk to Chris Evans.
50:27 And Harry Styles.
50:29 Oh my gosh, this is so annoying.
50:31 We have a lot of people who are going to steal from us, Shanaya.
50:33 I'll ask you off the record later
50:37 after this live.
50:39 But for now,
50:40 thank you so much, Shanaya, for the fun.
50:42 Let's chat.
50:44 Here at PEPFlight,
50:45 we learned a lot from you.
50:46 And it's nice to see
50:47 your personality.
50:50 I hope you'll shine more
50:52 in your next projects.
50:54 Can you invite PEPsters
50:56 to watch for
50:57 the remaining part
51:00 of the Spelling Bee?
51:02 Yes!
51:04 Thank you!
51:05 First of all, thank you so much,
51:07 PEPsters and PEPlive,
51:08 for having me.
51:09 I really, really enjoyed this.
51:11 But of course, I'm inviting all of you PEPsters
51:14 to watch the 25th annual
51:16 Putnam County Spelling Bee.
51:17 Or also known as Spelling Bee.
51:20 It's okay.
51:21 Of course, it's our last weekend.
51:23 So our last show is March 17.
51:26 And you can watch us
51:27 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight
51:30 Black Box Theater
51:31 in Circuit Makati.
51:32 And you can get your tickets
51:34 to Ticket2Me.net.
51:36 Yes, we have a very, very talented cast,
51:39 of course.
51:40 And I promise,
51:41 even if you watch the show 3 or 2 times,
51:44 because it's so interactive,
51:47 it's different every single time.
51:50 And yes, like I said,
51:51 because it's our last weekend,
51:53 the seats might be limited.
51:54 So please, please, please,
51:55 please get your tickets as soon as possible.
51:57 And yes, thank you again.
51:59 I hope you guys can also follow me
52:01 on my social media accounts.
52:02 Of course, I am @shania_gomez
52:05 on all streaming--
52:06 on all platforms,
52:07 which is Instagram, TikTok, Facebook,
52:09 and of course, even on YouTube.
52:11 And then on X or Twitter,
52:14 I am @gomezshania.
52:16 And yeah, I hope you can also follow me
52:18 on my platforms
52:19 because I have some new stuff coming up soon.
52:22 Maybe even some new music
52:24 or other projects.
52:25 So watch out for that.
52:27 Yay!
52:29 PEPsters, of course,
52:30 don't forget to follow us also on PEP socials
52:33 that we'll flash below.
52:35 There.
52:36 And you can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram
52:40 or @x here.
52:41 It's also flashed below.
52:43 And of course,
52:44 we always follow pep.ph
52:47 for the latest entertainment news
52:50 and lifestyle pieces.
52:52 We have all of our hot stories there.
52:55 And once again,
52:57 PEPsters,
52:58 @shania_gomez on PEPlive.
53:01 Thank you!
53:02 Thank you so much!
53:03 Don't leave yet, Shania.
53:05 Let's take a picture after.
53:07 Okay, of course.
53:10 [Music]
53:21 [BLANK_AUDIO]