THE newbies who are cast in the sexy drama anthology, ‘Salisihan,’ are all eager to prove themselves in the showbiz world.

Zsara Laxamana, Amabella de Leon, Chester Grecia and Ralph Christian Engle are all new in the acting arena. Yet, they are bold and brave to prove their talent.

“This is my second movie (after director Roman Perez, Jr.’s Palipatlipat, Papalit-palit and the series, Halo-Halo X), pero ito ‘yung first lead role ko,” Amabella proudly said.

“Sobrang thankful ako na binigyan ako ng big break at ganitong role. Thankful ako kay Mommy Jojo (Veloso, her talent manager) at kay Boss Vic (Del Rosario).”

Zsara started with a girl group and became the lead vocalist of Mocha Girls. After that, she also became a recording artist with Polyeast Records then joined Viva.

Christian is thankful to Jojo Veloso for giving him a big opportunity in the acting world.

“Dati, kontento na ako sa pa-extra-extra lang,” he admitted. “Hindo ko akalain na pwede din pala ako sa lead roles. Kaya din pala akong ma-motivate kahit nakaka-pressure.

“Iba rin talaga ‘yung nandoon ka na sa scene than pinapanood mo lang. Ang hirap pala. Pero nakakatuwa dahil marami pa akong natututunan. Sana, more blessings pa at more opportunities.”

Chester, who used to be a stuntman, is likewise grateful that they had to go through an acting workshop before they started filming Salisihan (originally titled Ama).

“Talagang pinag workshop ako ni Mommy Jojo. I realized importante ‘yun,” Chester said.

Director Iar Lionel Arondaing explained the plot of Salisihan (Alternately) after he received the script.

A married couple who finds it hard to have a child. Their life gets disrupted by a young woman who comes into their lives. The latter is looking for her boyfriend who got her pregnant.

Tension is created between the new girl who arrives into the couple’s life and the head of the family. Christian, as Gab, gets into the picture and emerges into the life of the girl.

The four leads shared their “salisihan” experience.

“Unfortunately, na-experience ko na ang ma-salisihan,” lamented Zsara, who plays Anna. “Yung former boyfriend ko, nakabuntis siya ng ibang girl nung kami pa. Feeling ko, kaya nangyari noon, hindi pa ako ready to get serious with him.

“Hindi pa ako ready i-surrender ang Bataan, kaya siguro nangyari ‘yun. Sa movie naman, sobrang challenging ang experience for me. Hirap akong mag-conceive dito. Halo-halong emotions. Hindi ko alam saan ko huhugutin and role dahil hindi ako maka-relate sa situation.

“Thankful ako kay direk dahil na-guide ako talaga dito sa Salisihan. From my expression at paano ko deliver ang role ko.”

Amabella has no experience yet of any “Salisihan,” but she is thankful about it.

She was challenged in portraying her role in the film.

Christian also experienced “salisihan” with his second girlfriend. “Maayos ang takbo ng relationship namin dati, pero nagulat na lang ako dahil may nangyari sa kanila ng kaibigan niya.

“Sa movie, very challenging ang experience ko dahil wala pa akong experience sa isang pelikula. Supporting role ako pero sobrang hirap para sa akin dahil hindi ko alam i-adjust ang sarili ko. Kahit papano, na-guide ako ng maayos dito sa role ko. Maganda ang takbo ng kwento.”

The film is memorable for Chester (Dan), who experienced “salisihan” way back in his high school years when his friend requested a favor from him to meet the latter’s female prospect.

However, things worked out better for Chester and the girl, instead of his friend. So, Chester and the girl ended up together.

Salisihan starts its regular streaming on Vivamax February 27.