Ria Atayde once suppressed her dream to become an actress. But fate worked its magic. Hear her story in this Star Magic Celebrity Conversations episode hosted by Gail Banawis.

Happiness looks good on Ria, who said everything in her personal and professional life is doing well. Ria’s journey to showbiz is one that manifested perfect timing. As a child, her dream has always been to join the entertainment industry, which took a back seat because her mom, actress Sylvia Sanchez, wanted all her children to finish first their studies before pursuing their other goals. Besides, her high school alma mater didn’t allow its students to take part in showbiz.

Ria reconsidered her childhood dream when the time finally permitted. It was still there, planted deep in her heart. She took on an audition and was invited to join acting workshops where she fell in love with the craft. “It’s an art form. It’s a great way to express yourself lalo na kung emotional ka as a person and lalo na kung mahilig ka sa psychology. It’s nice to put on a mask sometimes that kind of helps you analyze people. Mas nakakaintindi ka ng tao when you act,” she imparted.

After her first series of workshops, she auditioned again for her role in “Ningning” and it has been seven years since. Of all projects she’s done, My Dear Heart and Viral Scandal were the most challenging, as she played professionals – a doctor and a lawyer.

In Viral Scandal especially, she had to master acting with subdued emotions. She prepared by watching hearings and familiarizing herself with legal procedures and jargon with the help of her lawyer friends.

As someone always up for challenges, Ria has a huge bucket list. She wants to portray a mentally disabled and an LGBT character, or someone in contrast to who she is, though she’d accept whatever role the management sees fit.

Ria would sometimes bring home traces of her characters, which, if anything, proves how deeply invested she is. “Minsan may mga emotions na nararamdaman ‘yung character na hindi mo nare-realize nauuwi mo and then minsan naaapektuhan ‘yung people around you. Sana iniiwan sa trabaho pero mahirap.” But there are ways to let go of a character like by reading a book. Outside work, she enjoys traveling, especially going to the beach, as well as baking and watching series and movies.

Ria’s ultimate goal is longevity, to act for as long as she can. And she is blessed that at the age of 30, she’s happy doing her passion as a job. Asked her advice to aspiring artists, she specifically addressed those who belong to a showbiz family like her. “Huwag kang pangunahan ng legacy ng family mo. Really try to make a mark for yourself and don’t be scared to make a mistake, that’s how you learn.”

Also use your heart. Ria remembers her mom telling her, “Okay lang kahit walang luha basta ramdam ‘yung sincerity. Basta nando’n ‘yung puso, lalabas ‘yan, mas mararamdaman, mas tatagos.” And best of all, be kind and respectful to everyone and treat all people equally.

Ria is honored to have had the privilege to share screen with her brother, Arjo Atayde. She’s glad they have a professional relationship, one that brings out the best in each other during takes. “Gets ko why he is where he is and why he is who he is in the industry. He’s brilliant and it’s nice that I get to witness that.” There was one time during their Maalalaa Mo Kaya guesting when Ria thought she’d struggle to cry in a scene, but all Arjo did was look her in the eye to tap into her emotions.

She has worked with her mom as well in the iWantTFC series “Misis Piggy” before Sylvia decided to take a break from acting. “It’s quite an experience... It’s different when you work with somebody ‘cause the rawest form of emotion is when they’re in front of you and it’s unedited. To be able to experience Ms. Sylvia Sanchez as a co-actress, she treated me professionally. She gave me my own space as an actress,” shared Ria. While it’s easy to assume that she feels intimidated by Sylvia and Arjo, the good thing is she never felt pressured by them.

Asked what keeps her going in the industry, she boils it down to passion. “I love what I do eh. It’s being able to touch lives with what you’re creating. It’s so nice to be able to reach people in that way and to have them kind of understand the psyche, characters, and people more. It’s nice to be a part of that.” Add to that having people who constantly support her, including her Star Magic family.

Ria equates “Tatak Star Magic” to genuine love, “They guide you towards becoming the best version of yourself without really compromising other parts of you.”

Catch the next episodes of Tatak Star Magic: Celebrity Conversations every Tuesday and Friday at 6 pm on Star Magic’s YouTube channel.