Sunshine Cruz

Love and career. “Malamaya” star Sunshine Cruz, 42, proves that you can have both simultaneously.

While Cruz’s boyfriend of two years Macky Mathay, 39, showers her with love and affection, the universe showers her with amazing television and film projects such as “Malamaya.” This marks the first time she is starring in a full-length entry to the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

“Kasi sa mga pinagdaanan ko sa buhay (With all that I have experienced in life), I’m turning 42, andami ko nang napagdaanan (I’ve been through a lot),” Cruz told me during a “Malamaya” press conference on July 16, 2019 at Annabel’s Restaurant in Quezon City, Metro Manila Philippines. She is turning 42 on July 18, 2019.

“And for me, kapag toxic ang relationship (if the relationship is toxic) and if it doesn’t make you happy, if it is a distraction not an inspiration, hanggang maaga pa, alis ka na, ‘di ba? (while it is still early, leave, right?)” Cruz continued. “Alis ka na lang sa relationship na ‘yon kasi (Just leave that relationship because) we all deserve to be happy.”

Cruz does practice what she preaches. Aside from choosing the right people to be with, the secret to her happiness is efficient time management.

The “Malamaya” star is indeed the right person to ask when you need advice about balancing love and career. While busy with her acting career, she still manages to juggle her time between Mathay, her three beautiful children and herself.

“We all deserve to be loved and respected,” Cruz shared. “Kung wala ‘yon, huwag na lang (If those things do not exist, never mind). What’s the point of having a relationship kung ma-stress ka lang (if you just get stressed anyway)?”

But is Nora Simeon as wise as Cruz when it comes to love and career? That is something we would love to know.

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Nora is the main character in “Malamaya” played by Cruz. She is described as a pessimistic uninspired middle-aged artist.

Joining Cruz in the cast of “Malamaya” are Enzo Pineda, Raymond Bagatsing and Bernadette Allyson. It was directed by Danica Sta. Lucia and Leilani Chavez, who co-wrote the screenplay with Liberty Trinidad.

“Malamaya” will make its premiere at the CCP Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City, Metro Manila on August 3, 2019 at 10 a.m. Meanwhile, watch my full interview with Cruz here: