MANILA, Philippines - This is the hardest film I?ve done so far,? said award-winning actress Sharon Cuneta about her role as a health worker in London in Chito Roño?s newest film, ?Caregiver.?

To turn her into a credible domestic worker, Cuneta said there were care-giver instructors around to guide her while filming. Over 80 percent of the film was shot in England.

?But what really helped me get in character was the fact that I was so far away from my husband and children. I was able to empathize with Filipinos who left their loved ones to work abroad,? Sharon said during a media gathering for the film last week.

The actress said she caught the flu twice during the three-week stay in the British capital. ?I had chills, but I didn?t want to pack up the shoot, so laban pa rin,? she said. She broke out in awful rashes shortly after the cameras began grinding. ?Everybody had cold sores, sa akin ang pinakamarami.?

Sharon added: ?I just kept reminding myself that the things I did for 21 days were nothing compared to what millions of OFWs have been doing every single day for years.?

She plays Sarah, an English teacher working in London in order to give her son (portrayed by John Manalo) a better future. Backing up Sharon are John Estrada (as her husband Nedy), Lotlot de Leon, Boots Anson-Roa, Rica Peralejo, Monique Wilson, Anita Linda, Mickey Ferriols, Jhong Hilario and child actor Makisig Morales.

?Direk Chito made all of us work hard. ?Di ko na-feel ang England. We survived on take-out meals. We didn?t get to visit any of the landmarks. We just stayed inside the hotel or in our vans,? Sharon said.

Major obstacle

She added: ?I kept telling myself that I represent the OFWs all over the world, so I had to do justice to my role.?

The weather was a major obstacle, Sharon said. ?The day would start sunny and then suddenly it would turn dark. Next thing we knew, hail would be falling,? she recalled. ?It was very unpredictable.?

Some 30 English actors auditioned for the roles that eventually went to Saul Reichlin, Matthew Rutherford and Claire Jeater. ?For the first time in the history of Philippine cinema, non-Filipino actors are playing key roles in a Filipino film. These parts are essential because they help shape Sarah?s character,? Sharon explained.

?Caregiver? is also Sharon?s first project with Roño. Plus, it marks her 30th anniversary in show biz and 20th year with ABS-CBN. Star Cinema, the Kapamilya network?s movie arm, is also celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.

?When this project was first offered to me, I said to myself, God truly has a way of making things come together at the right time,? the actress said.

?Caregiver? will be shown in theaters nationwide starting May 28. A special screening will be held at SM Megamall on May 27 at 7 p.m.