Agot Isidro credited her curiosity and her longstanding relationship with manager Shirley Kuan for helping sustain her 34-year career in show business.
Isidro marked her 34th year in the entertainment industry with a thanksgiving press conference on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Despite her decades-long career, the singer-actress said she remains curious about things related to her work.
‘Hindi resilience. I think curiosity,’ Isidro told reporters when asked to name the secret to her longevity. ‘Gusto ko i-approach each project with curious eyes. Para iba-iba ‘yung flavor.’
Isidro has kept a busy schedule this year, appearing in five films: ‘Ganito, Ganiyan, Ganoon,’ ‘Mag-iina,’ ‘Filipiñana,’ ‘Patay Gutom’ and the short film ‘Elaine Elenita Elena.’ She is also set to appear in the upcoming Netflix series ‘Balaraw.’
In July, the singer-actress staged her two-night comeback birthday concert. Dubbed as the Julia Roberts of the Philippines in the 1990s, Isidro is known for the hits ‘Everyday,’ ‘Sa Isip Ko’ and ‘Love You Honey,’ among others.
Asked if she sees herself slowing down, Isidro said she intends to continue working for as long as she still finds fulfillment in her work.
‘Hanggang gusto ko pa. Because now it makes me happy,’ she said. ‘Doing films or doing mga series, acting in front of stage, singing live. Gusto ko pa siyang gawin.’
‘If, at a certain point, siguro hindi na, physically, hindi ko na kaya. Or may nagbabago na. Or hindi ko na siya gusto. E di hindi ko na siya gagawin,’ she added.
20 years with her manager
Isidro was accompanied at the press conference by Kuan, who has managed her career for 20 years. The seasoned actress said trust and communication have been key to maintaining their professional relationship.
‘She’s not only my manager, she’s also my friend,’ she said, emphasizing that Kuan respects the boundaries between her personal and professional life.
‘Hindi siya nakikialam, promise,’ she continued, citing her separation as an example. ‘So kung ano ‘yung comfortable ako, doon siya.’
‘Kasi hindi niya pwede i-impose yung gusto niya talaga sa akin. Kailangan ‘yung communication lines are always open. Especially pag ganyan na nagko-cross na ‘yung personal and the professional,’ added the singer-actress.
Kuan recently made headlines following her resignation as Bea Alonzo’s manager in August. Kuan said she stepped down after a series of issues with the actress.