MANILA, Philippines--The local TV-film acting scene HAS been sundered by a general lowering of thespic standards, with even acting “greats” being compelled to turn in shrill, livid and freaky “caricature” performances, instead of insightful and deeply-felt portrayals, just to give viewers their nightly popcorn fix. Happily, some upbeat portrayals help to arrest the downbeat spiral, so let’s celebrate them today:

Miriam Quiambao first made a name for herself as a beauty queen, then as an adventure-reality challenge show host on TV. In the sleeper hit movie, “Kimmy Dora,” she took on a third career challenge—acting—and the good news is, she more than passed muster.

Physical assaults

Miriam’s performance in “Kimmy Dora” impressed us because she bravely went against type. Instead of playing it beauty-queen lovely, she opted to depict Kimmy’s harassed assistant and general factotum, who was constantly at the receiving end of her bratty boss’ insults and physical assaults.

Now that she’s gotten her thespic feet wet, so to speak, Miriam should next change genres and do a drama. To also do well in that genre, she should work on adding texture and color to her speaking voice.

We believe that she has no problem with the emotional and intellectual aspects of performance—and she’s duskily beautiful, to boot—so, with greater expressiveness to her voice, she should do very well, indeed.

We also like the way that another relative newcomer, Maricar Reyes, has energized and “rescued” her career, after haplessly finding herself involved in a “scandalous” controversy early in her career. Thank goodness, people have given her a second chance to prove her worth—and she’s proceeded to do just that.

In her current teleserye, “Lovers in Paris,” Maricar plays “only” second female lead (to KC Concepcion), but she turns in an attractive portrayal that manages to hold its own.

Character

Maricar plays the “wealthy but nice” girlfriend of lead Piolo Pascual’s character, and her niceness is very much to the point, because she doesn’t come across as a villain in this piece, at least not yet, so KC’s character could sometimes be left holding the bag-temporarily, at least.

What makes Maricar’s performance in “Lovers in Paris” attractive is the fact that she’s perfectly cast in her role. She does come across as a well-born, stylish and smart young woman—unlike many other female stars who can only play-act the part.

We trust that, with their good showing, Miriam and Maricar will go on to bigger and better things, showing the way for other young female talents to similarly hit their stride and find their niche in the generally maddening, but occasionally gladdening world of local show biz.