NEWSFLASH

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WRONG ACCENT COSTS GINA ALAJAR H'WOOD ROLE

Manila, April 27, 1998 - Gina Alajar auditioned and read for the major role in "The Accused" starring Claire Danes and Bill Pullman, about two American teenagers tried in Thailand for being suspected drug couriers. The role Gina was being considered for was that of the Thai lawyer who defends Claire.

"They were looking for an actress with a Thai accent," said Gina. "Most of the Filipinas who auditioned had good English accents. I used my Filipino accent. Had I known, I would have adjusted to what they wanted. The role was that of a lawyer, so when you memorize your lines, the accent has to be studied," Gina explained to the Manila Times.

"Because of that, the Filipino actors who were involved in the production had just one of two speaking lines or no speaking lines at all. Sayang," Gina regrets.

The movie "The Accused" was shot in the Philippines, with most of the river scenes utilizing the Pasig River.