Today, we welcome Lesley Lina, a celebrated Filipino actress whose talent shines brightly across film and theater. Known for her compelling performances in films such as “Sakaling Hindi Makarating” and “Almost Paradise,” Lesley has also captivated audiences with her stage presence in productions like “The Winter’s Tale” and “Macbeth.” Beyond her acting, she’s a creative force as the director of “Make Believe Productions,” bringing the joy of theater to young audiences. Lesley, thank you for joining us.
Your biography mentions Mrs. Deluccio and her significant impact on your childhood. Can you elaborate on how her influence shaped your love for storytelling and performance? What specific moments or lessons stand out?
Mrs. Deluccio was my first grade homeroom teacher. My family and I were living in the US at this point, and I was painfully shy and found it very difficult to speak in class. When I would get called on, even if I knew the answer, I would be unable to say it. I would look at my feet or stare straight ahead, tears oftentimes rolling down my cheeks.
Looking back, I never felt shamed by her for being the way I was. The exact opposite happened – she showed me that I was special, and that my presence in class meant something to her. She made me sit in the front row and referred to me and my fellow girl classmates in the front row as “Princess Petunia” on alternating days, making us laugh and feel seen. She shared stories with so much passion and energy that I couldn’t help but participate. She brought me out of my shell and made me excited to be in class every single day.
Mrs. Deluccio introduced me to the wonder and magic of stories, and how stories are able to draw people out, bring people together, and awaken so many things within us, like confidence and joy.
You describe yourself as painfully shy as a child. What was the turning point that led you to join the school theater club? What was that initial experience like?
I remember watching a documentary on the making of Miss Saigon the summer before classes started. I was in the 5th grade and I thought to myself how fascinating it all seemed. I was having an Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” moment – I wanted to be part of that world, but I didn’t know how.
Then at club sign-up week, the drama club moderator went up onstage, took the microphone and said “Who would like to be just like Lea Salonga in Miss Saigon?” Without thinking, my hand just shot up. Things clicked and I just knew I wanted to be onstage, that I wanted to act.
Looking back, what were some of the early signs or experiences that hinted at your future career path? Did you always envision yourself as a storyteller and performer?
It wasn’t smooth sailing from there – it was a journey of slowly facing my insecurities and coming out of my shell. I think initially what also appealed to me was the chance to escape myself and become different characters, but what was happened was exactly the opposite. In stepping into different characters, I felt my own self expanding and my confidence growing.
Some signs that this was a feasible career path for me came during high school. I was very fortunate that during my time in my high school, my school piloted a performing arts program where students with the inclination towards the arts would be put together in one class. Instead of PE, the acting students would be in theater class, the singers in chorale training, and so on. This was also so that if we were out performing in various school or interschool events, we would all be able to work on catching up on academic subjects together, instead of having that be a problem amongst performing arts students scattered in different sections.
I was part of the Playhouse, the theater program, and we had the opportunity to be taught by professional theater actors. In my second or third year of high school, one guest teacher, a reputable member of one of the top theater companies in the Philippines, approached me and said, “You should try out for professional theater. You have what it takes to make it.” I was speechless, I don’t remember being able to reply to him at that moment. But those words stayed with me and helped fuel my courage to give professional acting a try.
You wear many creative hats – storyteller, actress, director, educator, host, trainer. How do these different roles complement and inform each other? Is there a particular role you find most fulfilling?
Acting is really my first love, but I believe that everything emanated from there. During the off season during the summer, I tried teaching theater to kids and discovered that I loved it. Working with directors and watching their process also allowed me to figure out my own voice as an artist and the stories I wanted to tell, and that helped me segue to directing, too.
Hosting was something that “accidentally” fell into my lap – a theater director who cast me in one of her shows asked me if it would be something I would be interested to try. Under her guidance, I was able to book my first hosting gigs which were with Nickelodeon Philippines. They were so much fun! While it was initially daunting to face audiences as myself instead of a character, I’ve learned to lean into different facets of my personality and let different sides of myself come out – I can be bubbly, bright, and energetic, or smooth, calm, and professional – all depending on what the brand or event needs.
I’ve been finding now that there are seasons where certain roles take precedence over others – there are acting seasons, directing seasons, training seasons. Each season gives me fulfillment, insight, and experience, and these then allow me to face the current season with fresh eyes and more wisdom. For example, I finished filming a movie at the end of 2024, and that experience and all the learning I gained from that helps fuel my current season as a performing arts teacher. I am glad I am able to weave between practicing my craft and empowering others – especially young ones – to practice it as well.
Can you describe the process of creating and delivering your training programs on confidence building, personality development, and communication skills? What are some key takeaways you hope participants gain?
My training programs are very theater based. First, I begin each program with releasing inhibitions – we break the ice through fun exercises that get participants out of their head and onto their feet, to get them to learn the joys of letting loose and expressing themselves. Once that energy is flowing, we move on to discovering the instrument – connecting with the body and seeing what it can do, getting to know one’s voice and all the rich colors, tone, and expressiveness within it. After this initial discovery, we then move on to skill building – using the body, voice, and imagination in various ways to convey the message one wishes to get across.
Lastly, there is application and play – being able to apply the newly found freedom, confidence, awareness, and skills to specific scenarios – so if it is an acting workshop, being able to execute a character and scene well. If it is a storytelling or presentation skills training, it is then being able to deliver a story or business presentation in an engaging, compelling way. If it is a personality development training, it is allowing one’s confidence, personality, and communication skills to shine through various life and work related scenarios.
What inspired you to found Make Believe Productions? What were some of the initial challenges and triumphs in establishing the company?
I was an active member of my church community and was tasked to direct a play which would bring together differently-abled, neurodivergent, and “mainstream children” in one production. About 40 children joined in and it was a wonderful, enriching experience for me – I learned so much about teaching acting and theater in creative, varied ways. I also learned how art is universal, how it breaks any preconceived notions and barriers, and builds lasting bonds and community.
After that experience several parents approached me for a repeat of the experience and shared that they wouldn’t mind paying for my services. This led me to partner up with my best friend, a gifted artist and designer, and together we put up Make Believe, a creative arts company that delivers shows and workshops for the young and young at heart, enriching and touching lives through the power of storytelling and the creative arts.
It is challenging marrying one’s passion and craft with business but the advantage of having these things intertwined is that when we are tired and stressed, we can always go back to the “why” of our work, and find the strength to move forward and keep on going.
Your biography emphasizes the power of storytelling to foster compassion, transformation, and joy. Can you share a personal anecdote that illustrates this power?
In dealing with very energetic children who have the passion for exploration, nothing has been able to grab their attention more than the words “Once Upon a Time.” I also find that when needing to teach children about kindness or compassion, I do not need to lecture them about these values, but when they see a story heroine or hero go through the journey and choose generosity, they make the same decision for themselves in their own lives.
One recent experience I loved was when we did a storytelling show for kids at a commercial center. We find that kids naturally love taking part of the story experience – but this time, we had teenagers and adults join in too! They gamely wore the props and volunteered to take part in the story. We loved how so many of them came up to us and said “My inner child is so happy.” We love being able to facilitate that journey to reconnect with our inner child, that deep part of ourselves that will always be there. I believe that if there are more of us that honor and embrace that inner child that is filled with love, joy, and the capacity for delight and magic, the better the world will be.
You mention the rewarding experience of playing a villain and witnessing children’s passionate reactions. How do you approach portraying different characters, especially those with negative traits?
I love being able to show kids the extremes of what they should avoid and not practice in their lives. When I play a villain who is unkind to others or destroys the environment for example, I really like to highlight how their behavior affects others and how bad behavior truly doesn’t pay. I love how passionate kids become against the characters I play – one even cried when I cut down the very last tree in the story, all in the name of greed. If we can conjure these intense feelings against wrongdoing in the context of the story, hopefully these will translate to a strong sense of justice against wrongdoing in real life.
Make Believe Productions now offers storytelling programs for adults. What are some of the unique challenges and rewards of adapting storytelling techniques for adult audiences? What are some key differences in approach?
I love teaching children and adults. The approach is different and yet very similar in certain ways. Dealing with adults means that you can move with certain exercises and skill based exercises at a faster pace, but adults with their multifaceted and complex lives and wide range of experience need care and nurturing and gentleness, and sometimes even more than kids. I find that they very much benefit from our confidence building and releasing inhibitions exercises, and go through their own emotional and empowerment journeys through our programs.
What are some of your future goals for Make Believe Productions? Where do you see the company heading in the next 5-10 years?
I would love for us to continue sharing stories that matter and empowering kids and kids at heart through the creative arts. I would love for us to do these things on a global scale through printed books, online programs and trainings, touring productions, and who knows? Perhaps even film and animation.
What message or legacy do you hope to leave behind through your work as a storyteller and performer? What impact do you hope to have on your audience?
If I am able to use my craft as a storyteller and performer to give hope, to share laughter and delight, to empower someone to share their own story, then that would be enough of a legacy for me. I used to have very big dreams and I still do, but I’ve learned to treasure and make the most out of each and every encounter I have with my audience members, students, and participants. I am reminded of the quote “small ripples make big waves,” and if I am able to create ripples of hope, joy, and magic through the work that I do, I believe that these will make a difference.
Bonus Question:
– If you could collaborate with any storyteller or performer, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
I have for the longest time been fascinated by the late Ivatan artist Pacita Abad. The character I played in the film Sakaling Hindi Makarating directed by Ice Idanan and starring Alessandra de Rossi was inspired by her – I even got to film in Batanes for this role. I would have loved to have the opportunity to have a deep conversation with her on her art – her works are filled with color, vibrancy, and sheer life. I would even love to create a storybook, animated video, or even a film inspired by her art work and life.
Make Believe Stagelights Drama Camp – Registration Details
Registration is still open for Make Believe Stagelights Drama Camp, a theater program for kids and teens (ages 7 and up).
– Culminating Show: The camp will culminate in a simple performance to showcase students’ talents and learnings on Sunday, June 8, 2025.
– Exclusive Opportunity: Graduates may be invited to audition for Make Believe shows and events.
– Registration: Limited slots are available! To register, visit the following link: https://forms.gle/WgPm2ZkE6bKSz1FS9
For more information click here
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