Eighteen-year-old Charee Pineda might have realized her long-cherished dream too early, but she deserves it nonetheless.

In “Alon,” a foray into the life of three characters by the sea, a menage-a-trois of sort where the man falls in love with the young beautiful girl as his wife lies dying. Charee is very sensitive and sensible in her portrayal of a stranger in the coastal place, especially when she deals with her emotions and thoughts of falling in love with an older man.

“Alon” was one of the seven official entries to the 2008 Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival exhibited recently in select schools in Metro Manila. During the awarding rites held at the Dolphy Theater of the ABS-CBN Broadcast Center in Quezon City Friday afternoon, the film won Best Musical Scoring, Best Actor for Mark Gil, and Best Actress for Pineda. 

Barely two years in showbiz, Charee has been dreaming of an ideal role for her age. “Talaga pong gustung-gusto ko ‘yong role ko sa ‘Alon.’ I think it was tailor-made for me. It was such a wonderful role to play,” Pineda said in our exclusive interview with her after the award ceremonies.

“I didn’t expect the award. Playing such a demanding role is already an honor for me,” she added.

She had just celebrated her debut two months ago, and her Cinema One trophy is the best birthday gift she could ask for. “Matagal ko na pong gustong manalo ng award, lalo na pag may napapanood akong mga awards night sa TV.”

A Star Magic talent, Charee has the innate star potential any newcomer must have to make it in showbiz.

“Salamat naman po,” she said..

This early, she doesn’t mind making digital or indie films, instead of the usual feature film route to popularity. “Kung dito po sa digital filmmaking ako magkakasuwerte, okey lang po ito.”

She thanked her elder co-stars Mark and Eula Valdez for making her very comfortable on the set. “Magagaling po sila. They guided me in every scene we did kaya I truly respect them,” she said.