Louise delos Reyes steps out of comfort zone, goes into pastry-making

October 15, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Following her battle with mental health issues, Louise delos Reyes is in a “better headspace” now.

The actress opened up about the difficult times in her life during the presscon for her latest starrer “Pasahero,” directed by Roman Perez Jr.

She admitted not being vocal about it in the past because she considers it a taboo topic in the Philippines. “But there was a time in my life that I thought and had this inner struggle — even if I’m surrounded with friends, I have work and I’m smiling in front of my fans — that I’m not good enough and I will never be enough,” she recalled.

“I thought, ‘How can I end this because I am in so much pain?’ It came to a point that it was too painful that I became very stagnant. I didn’t feel any happiness. I didn’t feel fulfilled in everything that I did.”

“The worst thing that I thought of at that time was, ‘What are the thoughts of people committing suicide? Ano kaya yung thought nila before jumping, before cutting their own wrists, their own neck? How can they handle such? Because I want to learn it. I want to know that idea for me to end this.’”

But she was thankful that even though she had those lingering thoughts, she would still find that “glimmering tunnel” of hope. “‘Hey, you’re here. You’re not the only person who feels that way and there are still people who genuinely love you and care for you.’ And if you give up on yourself, please don’t give up on them,” she shared.

It was a long battle for Louise. “Until now, it’s still there but I think I’m in a better headspace now. And with all the help and with all the knowledge around that particular topic, nagiging very uplifting to know that there are people who still care even though they don’t know you directly.”

Now that Louise has gained her footing after what happened, she keeps herself busy with pastry-making aside from her showbiz career.

She learned pastry-making two years ago from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. “I am proud that I was able to pass the NC2 (national certificate). Then it went on. And eventually, I thought na hindi ka rin ganun ka-stable sa pag-sho-showbiz, especially when you’re getting old.”

Her mindset nowadays is building stability not just for herself but also for her future family. “Boyfriend pa lang po meron ako ngayon. I don’t have a husband. But we are in talks (about settling down). Moving forward, I want something to offer not just me being an actress.”

Louise reached out to Viva Foods bosses, Vic del Rosario and VR del Rosario, for opportunities in food business. She was then employed as pastry chef head of Viva Foods under the Research and Development department.

“It’s a big project for me,” declared Louise. “And I’ve never been in this side of the business where I got used to having call time and projects but with this one, I have a time card. I (receive) orders, complaints and everything inside the business. I’m very thankful that I’ve obtained (new) knowledge outside my comfort zone.”

The Viva Foods chain of restaurants includes Botejyu, Paper Moon, Wing Zone, Viva Café, Yogorino, Pepi Cubano, and Greyhound Café.

“It’s a new journey and I hope you will also support Mary Grace, that’s my real name. That’s the name that I use at work. I hope you will support Mary Grace (as a pastry chef) and Louise (as an actress).”

Meanwhile, “Pasahero” also stars Bea Binene, Yumi Garcia, Katya Santos, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Keann Johnson, Rafa Siguion Reyna, Andre Yllana and Dani Zee.

The suspense-horror flick tells the story about a crime committed inside a train with seven witnesses on board. It is produced by Viva Films and JPHLiX Films and is presented by Studio Viva production in cooperation with BLVCK Films and Pelikula Indiopendent.

“Pasahero” is part of this year’s Sine Sindak: Ang Ika-5 Yugto, a film festival that will feature full-length horror films exclusively at SM Cinemas from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5.

(If you or someone you know need/s help, call the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline through the following hotlines: toll-free Luzon-wide landline (1553); for mobile, dial 0917-8998727; 0966-3514518, or 0908-6392672.)