Liezel Malicay: From High School Queen To Indie Films

Star of "Forced To Let Go" - Ma. Liezel Malicay

At 6 y/o, she was already the darling of the crowd at their hometown in Zamboanga City, Mindanao, Philippines. She danced and sing at local gatherings at the encouragement of her mom. In order to develop her early interest in the arts, young Liezel participated on local pageants and singing competitions. At age 8, she was a winner on a singing competition. It was followed by a two year ballet lessons.

When a child is gifted, they always find extra curricular activities and Liezel Malicay wasn't immune to that. In high school, she was elected number 1 "Senator" and "Auditor" from third year to fourth year in the whole school. Beautiful and brainy, Liezel focused on her chosen field studying Biology in college. No "slow' student will be able to take up Biology and Liezel earned her Diploma on Bachelor of Science in Biology.

It wasn't enough for the youngest sibling of seven. She took up a special Nursing program and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She then proceeded on taking a Master's degree in Nursing, successfully completed it and attained her Master's degree in Nursing.  For five years, Liezel Malicay put her earned Degrees to practice and worked as a staff nurse and then as a clinical instructor. 

Walking the runway in Durham Region in 2017

But despite her successful career and obvious family status that is a product of a family living above the poverty line, because let's face it, in the Philippines, only the privileged ones can earn numerous degrees and a Master's at that. Liezel Malicay cannot lie to me or to us that, besides being the youngest, which is in our country, the ultimate brat in the family. This woman definitely was raised properly by her parents. Let me guess, someone else was definitely hanging her mosquito net at night. Or did her laundry.?

Women of substance, which Liezel definitely is, cannot be contented despite a rosy path in her life. Like all of us, our lives and destiny are fuelled by certain dreams. It is this dream that dictates our future. So despite a comfortable life, our star of "Forced To Let Go" left for Saudi Arabia sometime in 2011 and work in the Middle East as a nursing Coordinator until her departure to Canada through the help of her brother.

Fast forward to 2016 where she was crowned "Miss Caregiver  2016" in Toronto, Liezel's life shifted remarkably into many opportunities. Not to overlooked the fact that Liezel always won the "Best in Talent" category in all her competitions because of her native dance "Banga" or "Pots." You should watch her piled those pots high enough to make it a difficult dance.

Liezel Malicay who is now the star of "Mangarap Ka" first film produced by Filipino-Canadian producers led by emerging Filmmaker Judith Gonzales of Pinoy Dreams Media International to be shown at Toronto Centre for the Arts on a true-to-life episode, "Forced To Let Go" our emerging lead star live through her childhood dreams of being on stage all her life.

Becoming a documentary film actress demands intellect, experience and an inborn gift of acting. We then can look back on how much credibility this local actress really has...from being a child performer to becoming the school's "Dancing Queen" nickname to her recent serious role in the documentary film, do we not have enough reason to believe that this real life story fits perfectly to a woman of enormous degree, conviction, beauty and  talent.

Showcasing a Fashion Designer's creation in 2017

"Forced To Let Go" to be shown on March 3, 2018 at Toronto Centre for the Arts. You will not miss this woman from Zamboanga City, Philippines.

Talent and beauty...We are to welcome our new and emerging artist on the big screen- Maria Liezel Malicay