Just last February, ABS-CBN Films launched its pioneer batch of artists under its own talent management arm, the Rise Artist Studio. Included in the roster of fresh talents is Charlie Dizon, now seen as Isabel Gezali in the trending primetime series A Soldier’s Heart.
Despite the anxieties spawned by the pandemic, Charlie believes there are more blessings to be thankful for. The way her career continues to thrive amidst the crisis is something to marvel at, proving that real stars shine brighter in the dark.
Besides A Soldier’s Heart, the actress is busy attending online classes and workshops along with her fellow Rise artists. The bunch is also given their own digital show called “We Rise Together,” where they get to talk to and learn from the biggest names in the industry and showcase their talents.
Charlie’s favorite guest on the show would have to be celebrated host Boy Abunda. She notes the King of Talk’s pieces of advice about stardom, setting goals, motivation, and the thirst for learning. Tito Boy told them to feed the mind by reading books and to master self-discipline.
The multitalented beauty will surely keep those lessons in mind, given that she worked hard to create the artista life she always wanted as a child. Though she didn’t expect her dreams would turn out big. “’Yung mga kakilala ko, sila ‘yung nagsasabi sa akin na ‘Akalain mo nandiyan ka na ngayon?’ tapos nare-realize ko na ang dami ko din palang pinagdaanan and ang tagal bago ako nakapasok sa showbiz,” says Charlie. She believes you can achieve whatever you believe in. And if it’s meant to be yours, it will fall into place.
Charlie makes her quarantine days worthwhile by watching movies. This helps further her artistry and connection with other types of characters. This also allows her to explore films outside her own perspective.
She adds the learning process should never stop even while stuck at home. Charlie tells her viewers to discover what they’re most passionate about – it’s a proven happiness hack. “Kapag gustong gusto mo talaga ‘yung ginagawa mo,’yun ang magiging dahilan kung bakit gusto mo gumising at talagang hindi ma-late sa trabaho, gawin ‘yung trabaho mo nang maayos. Gawin nila kung ano ‘yung magpapasaya talaga sa kanila.”
If you wish to cast a sweet smile on Charlie’s face, just give her banana cue! She loves them so much that she worked on learning how to make the classic Pinoy merienda or street food.
Charlie takes us to her kitchen and demonstrates how she makes her own version of “pasabog na banana cue.” Before her sisters migrated abroad, banana cue making was their ultimate bonding at home. Charlie mentions her father and the whole family have a deep love affair with saba. They can make many treats using the fruit. Every afternoon, Charlie’s dad would knock on her door to invite her for a banana cue feast for merienda. She further shares her memories of traveling to her aunt’s place in Manila just to satisfy her banana cue and camote cue cravings.
To begin, Charlie heats the frying pan and pours in the oil. While frying, the bananas are then coated with a thick layer of caramelized sugar. (Watch Charlie conquer her fear of frying and shield herself from the sputtering oil). After a few more seconds of deep-frying, the bananas are ready to be served, either with bamboo skewers or simply on a plate.