Andoy Ranay flies solo

alone for his latest project, the daytime soap Prinsesa ng Banyera.

The show, which recently premiered on ABS-CBN, is the story of twin sisters, played by Kristine Hermosa and Angelika dela Cruz. The story is set in a fish port. One sister, Maningning (Kristine) remains there, while the ambitious Mayumi (Angelika), determined to leave the past behind, goes in search of their rich father. Prinsesa ng Banyera also features a first-rate supporting cast, composed mostly of theatre actors, including Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino and husband Nonie.

This, says Direk Andoy, is why he had no problems at all directing the show despite the fact that he was doing it all alone, unlike in Marina, where he was the assistant director to Wenn Deramas. “I am so lucky and happy to have a very professional cast, because that means that as a director, my job is already half done,” says the Theatre Arts graduate (from the University of the Philippines) and former member of the theatre group Dulaang UP.

When he was informed that he would be directing solo, Andoy was a bit apprehensive, but in the end, his desire to prove himself won out. “I was so excited, I said yes right away,” recalls the budding director. Some assistant directors may be reluctant to leave their comfort zone, but not Direk Andoy. “I want to be a working director — and I told myself, ‘If it means stepping up to the plate and assuming the responsibility, then I’m willing to do it.’ Fortunately, like I said, I had a very professional and talented cast working with me in Prinsesa ng Banyera, so my job was a lot easier.”

Direk Andoy was able to make use of the many things he learned from the directors he’s worked with, especially Direk Wenn. He learned a lot about camera angles, lighting, motivating actors and all that, but most of all, he’ll never forget the lessons Direk Wenn taught him about the craft of directing. “He told me, ‘As a director, you have to make your actors and your scene comfortable, but you always have to have the last word. You have to be in control of your medium all the time’ “ says Andoy.