Cherry Pie Picache and veteran filmmaker Joel Lamangan once again bring their creative synergy to the forefront in their latest collaboration, Fatherland. Their on-screen and off-screen dynamic—first witnessed in the successful series FPJ’s Batang Quiapo—continues to captivate audiences, this time through a politically charged narrative.
In Fatherland, Cherry Pie takes on the bold role of Mayor Chen, a complex character requiring her to embody a Chinese persona, a task she approached with dedication and a willingness to stretch her limits as an actress.
Portraying Mayor Chen required Cherry Pie to step well outside her comfort zone, including learning to speak Mandarin. Sharing her experience, she revealed how important authenticity was to her, especially given her rivalry with co-star Mercedes Cabral’s character.
Taking Chinese lessons became essential to accurately reflect her role, proving her commitment to portraying characters with depth and credibility—even when the process was demanding and unfamiliar.
Working under Lamangan’s characteristically fast-paced directing style only added to the challenge. Cherry Pie acknowledged the intensity of the production, noting the pressure to perform and perfect her lines under time constraints.
Despite these hurdles, she embraced the experience, highlighting how such roles push her as an artist. “The harder it gets, the more you learn,” she implied, emphasizing how growth often comes from the most difficult assignments.
She expressed particular excitement for roles that allow her to explore darker, more complex characters. Her fondness for kontrabida (villainous) roles stems from the freedom they offer in terms of emotional range and creativity. Referencing her weepy character Marites in Batang Quiapo, she lightheartedly contrasted it with the thrill of playing antagonists, which she finds more creatively fulfilling.
Despite her current immersion in television, Cherry Pie admitted to missing the world of cinema. With fewer film projects being made, she hopes audiences will return to theaters to help revive the industry.
Produced by Engr. Benjamin Austria’s Bentria and featuring a powerhouse cast including Inigo Pascual, Angel Aquino, and others, Fatherland is set to hit cinemas on April 19—an opportunity for viewers to witness Cherry Pie’s transformative performance once more on the big screen.