Liza Soberano poses for photos during an interview with Gretchen Fullido for the movie “Lisa Frankenstein.” Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures internationalMANILA — Liza Soberano revealed she has recently become a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) due to her involvement in her Hollywood debut project “Lisa Frankenstein.”

Soberano explained that the SAG provides crucial support and protection for actors.

“It basically means that you’re part of the union, and the union acts like an agency that protects actors in all shapes and forms. It just means you have a community of people that are constantly there to help push you and find different opportunities,” she explained.

Soberano earlier graced the SAG Awards, saying it was a pleasant surprise for her, as she was not aware of the SAG Awards before. She shared how she was star-struck by the presence of many A-list actors.

“I was really excited just to be like amongst such incredible talent and to like see everybody in the flesh. Meryl Streep was there, Anne Hathaway, and Oprah was literally like I could grab her if I wanted to but of course I didn’t,” she recalled.

Aside from her encounter with many Hollywood actors, Soberano also shared her experience of meeting award-winning Korean director Bong Joon-Ho at the recent Anime Awards.

The encounter left Soberano in shock as she had no prior knowledge of the director’s attendance at the event.

Soberano shared her admiration for Bong Joon-Ho, saying: “I really look up to him as a director and as a creative.”

Despite feeling shy, with the help of her manager, Soberano mustered up the courage to approach Bong Joon-Ho and introduce herself. Soberano is hoping to collaborate with the director, saying: “Hopefully, we can work together in the future. Nagparinig na ako! Presenting myself, he was like, ‘I hope to see you again soon.'”

Soberano also recently expressed her admiration for fellow actress Dolly De Leon after working with her for an endorsement campaign.

“It was an honor working with such an icon,” she said. “Despite achieving so much in her career and being incredibly talented, she’s such a humble human being. She’s someone I’m constantly inspired by, and I really hope to work with her some more in the future.”

De Leon shared some advice for Soberano that the young actress said resonated with her.

“She reminded me to stay true to myself and always stand by my values,” she said. “As long as I keep that with me, I will go a long way.”