ACTRESS Yassi Pressman easily gets film assignments or roles as one of the contract stars of Viva Artists Agency (VAA).

“She would just be at Viva and tell us she’s ready for a new film and we will give her a project anytime,” disclosed Viva president Vincent Del Rosario said.

However, for ‘The Guardian,’ Yassi she went through the audition process and that was very commendable for the actress.

Yassi is thankful to her local producers – Parallax Studio, Viva Films and Ovation Productions – for making “The Guardian” happen.

“Ako rin, pinag-pray ko din last year na sana, matuloy ang project na ‘to because it’s such a big honor to be part of something like this,” Yassi said. “This is one of the firsts for our country. We Filipinos admire the Korean artists, films, their culture.

“It was very nice to meet them here. We simply had a meeting then story-con. It was nice to meet everybody involved in this project. Even if we had a language barrier, we saw that they were all always smiling. They were open to communicate with us.”

Yassi had done lead roles in local films, but she didn’t mind auditioning for “The Guardian,” to be shown internationally this year.

Yassi led seven Filipino actors who were signed up for the Korean-Filipino film project after they all auditioned for their respective roles.

Jeric Raval will play one of the villains, Wilbert Ross also essays a semi-antagonist role, Eric Ejercito, Joko Diaz, Ashley Ortega and Heart Ryan play interesting characters who will work for the first time with Korean actors.

“In fairness to our artists, they all auditioned and very professional in trying their luck out in the roles available,” shared Boss Vincent. “They were chosen, so I guess they all fit in the roles assigned to them.”

Yassi plays Sandara, who will be introduced in “The Guardian.”

“They all told me when I stepped in to audition, ‘Just do your best’,” Yassi said. “It’s up to you. I showed them emotions that were angry, happy and sad. They made me dance and sing a bit. I later learned Sandara wanted to be a K-pop star. That’s all that I can reveal as of now.”

The Filipino cast have shot their scenes. Their scenes with the Korean actors will be filmed now that the foreign cast members are here in the Philippines.

“They have been very strict with all the Korean actors on the set,” Yassi observed. “They are protecting them while they are here. Kaming mga Filipino cast, grabe din kaming alagaan ng people around us, as well as the management.”

Even if she now gets a chance to be part of a Korean-Filipino film, Yassi refuses to readily think this will be the start of her international career.

“Ayoko kong mag-isip ng anything in the future,” Yassi said. “I’m doing everything slowly. Starting last year, I always pray for few steps that I will take. Having this opportunity is really a big, big blessing.

“I always thank the Lord for that. The feeling of working with these very extraordinary actors coming from Korea, I’m very, very excited. I am thrilled to be working soon with them.”

Talking to the Korean actors is a challenge for their Filipino co-stars. “Talking to them and understanding them is a challenge,” admitted Yassi. “We use hand signals, but even if they find it hard to explain what they want to say, they make an effort to be understood. They don’t just give up. They really want to connect and talk to us.

“That also encourages me to connect with them. I get to sit down and eat with them. When our director finally shouts ‘Action,’ we will all be thrilled to work together. I’m looking forward to experience our camaraderie as an ensemble working together.

“From our story conference, they were all very professional. I hope we get to learn more while working with them.”

Filming for “The Guardian” will be scheduled for 17 days here in the Philippines, while post production, dubbing and musical score will be done in South Korea.

“’The Guardian’ story is the love between the mother and her son,” informed director Joeng Jang Hwan. “I’m trying to synchronize the Korean actors and those from the Philippines showing the love between a family.

“Even though we haven’t started yet, I’m so excited to work with Filipino actors and actresses. ‘’The Guardian’ will be a very good movie.”