Vlad Bunoan

Odette Khan shares no-nonsense wisdom for young artists

Article (news)

Josh Mercado

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:633px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764810247556image3.jpeg" style="width:633px;display:block" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Handout"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Handout</em></span></span></span></div><p>In an industry where artists seek validation, which is not a bad thing, film and television legend Odette Khan, who has been acting for six decades, isn’t easily swayed by the glitz and recognition.</p><p>Grateful for the endless praises from viewers and peers, Khan considers what she does, such as portraying iconic villains and affecting people, to be a job, not a status.</p><p>“Kahit walang trophy, magtratrabaho pa rin ako nang tapat. Obligasyon ko ‘yun,” Khan told ABS-CBN News at the press conference of Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry “Bar Boys: After School.”</p><p>On being called an icon, the award-winning actress shared with ABS-CBN News in her trademark kontrabida style, “I am still Odette. Kahit sampung icons pa ang isaksak mo rito, Odette pa rin ako.”</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764810396471image2 (3).jpeg" style="width:960px;display:block" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Odette Khan is an icon. Photo by Josh Mercado"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Odette Khan is an icon.<em> Photo by Josh Mercado </em></span></span></span></div><p>Having witnessed the industry for decades in its golden and low moments, the “Bar Boys” actress also gave advice to young artists who are still navigating their careers.</p><p>“Kung may managers, makinig kayo. Kapag nag-aalangan kayo, mag-workshop kayo. Iwasan na muna ‘yung kung saan-saan lumalarga (pumupunta). Magseryoso kayo. Kapag hindi maganda ang ipinakita mo, magkakaroon ka pa ng record,” she said.</p><p>During the media event, Khan received a special tribute from 901 Studios and the movie&#x27;s cast members, who presented her with roses, making her emotional.</p><p>When asked why she accepted to reprise her grand-slam award-winning role as Justice Hernandez in the film, she replied, “Very special. Ang ganda ng story. Napakatalino ng character.”</p><p>Her legendary character earned her best supporting actress trophies from Gawad Urian, Star Awards, FAMAS, and other award-giving bodies. Surprisingly, it was her first acting prize despite having been in the business for many years.</p><p>A little background: Khan longed to be in showbiz, so she flew to Manila and enrolled at Far Eastern University. She then started working as a production assistant for Nick Agudo and Sarah Joaquin. Between classes, she worked as a promo girl for ABS-CBN once a week. When her boss Joaquin encouraged her to go see how a movie was made, she went to Sampaguita Studio, where a Charito Solis film was being shot, and happily, she was handpicked as an extra.</p><p>“I will continue to work as long as I am alive, speak clearly, and can be understood by others,” Khan promised.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764810350854image4.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=" ‘Bar Boys: After School’ cast members meet the press. Photo by Josh Mercado"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"> ‘Bar Boys: After School’ cast members meet the press. <em>Photo by Josh Mercado</em></span></span></span></div><p>Directed by Kip Oebanda, “Bar Boys: After School” also stars Carlo Aquino, Enzo Pineda, Rocco Nacino, Kean Cipriano, Will Ashley, Emilio Daez, Bryce Eusebio, Therese Malvar, and Sassa Gurl. It will be shown in cinemas starting December 25.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>FROM THE ARCHIVES:</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6_gkVXsNqiQ?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0b3SnTfP6sE?autoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>In an industry where artists seek validation, film and television legend Odette Khan, who has been acting for six decades, isn’t easily swayed by the glitz and recognition.</p>

In an industry where artists seek validation, film and television legend Odette Khan, who has been acting for six decades, isn’t easily swayed by the glitz and recognition.