We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zaybe Bellver. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zaybe below.

Zaybe, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Having an acting career is an ongoing learning process. I started in junior high school when I first was introduced to drama class. Being on stage felt amazing and it allowed me to overcome my shyness and insecurities. I have taken ongoing workshops, acting classes, master classes, and continue to try and improve on my craft every chance I get. Then life happened and I had to put my acting on hold for some time until I was able to pick up the pieces and get back on my feet. Despite what life brought my way, I never gave up on my passion and love for acting and I kept pushing forward no matter the obstacles. I knew that I had to keep going and follow my passion because I couldn’t see myself not doing what truly makes me happy and gives me purpose.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I just remember during my early childhood years when my family and I were living in the Philippines, there was always someone playing the piano, singing, or playing music in the house. I grew up watching shows like Solid gold, Fame, Soul train, Days of our lives, General Hospital, Laverne and Shirley.. to name a few of my favorites. These shows made a huge impact in my life as a child. I discovered how much I loved watching people dance and how soap operas influenced me to want to become an actress. I was so hooked on watching these shows that it made me realize that dancing and acting was where I found freedom to express myself. I was drawn to the characters and wanted so much to be like the women in the soap operas. I remember going into my mother’s bedroom and watching myself in the mirror as I tried to act like the women in the soap operas. I then discovered drama class in junior high at Mount Vernon Junior high school. My drama teacher Mrs. Richards was so animated and had so much passion for teaching. She helped me overcome my shyness and truly brought out the best in me. She made our class fun and created a safe space for self expression which I have always struggled with growing up. Ever since I learned to have that freedom to be able to express myself on stage, I knew that was where I belonged.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I have decided that I will keep moving forward in the entertainment industry. It is where my passion lies and it is a career that I know in my heart I can truly say I love and can see myself doing for the rest of my life. There are going to be obstacles along the way, but like what the talented Mr. Denzel Washington once said, If I am going to fall, I’m falling forward.. towards my goal. There is no falling backwards.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I almost died twice in my lifetime. Once when I was 10 years old from a very traumatic car accident, and the other about 8 years ago when I collapsed at my apt and was rushed to the hospital because I was septic and had anaphylaxis reaction to shellfish. When life puts you through certain situations that forces you to realize how time on this earth is so precious, you come to realization that life is so fragile and should not be taken for granted. I have learned to live each day as if it were my last. I learned to push through anything and everything and not sweat the small stuff. I learned to pick my battles, to let things go which are not meant for me. I learned to trust and put my faith in the universe that things happen for a reason.. good or bad, there is always a reason, a lesson to be learned. I embrace failure because it makes me strive harder and better myself. I chose to believe that dreams do come true and to always do my best to be positive in every aspect in my life. I hope to inspire others to never give up on their dreams and that anyone can achieve anything in life.. you just have to work hard, persevere, trust, and never stop believing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm7248909?s=f2c90dd9-741f-81a0-e0ce-7cc3f413da76&site_preference=normal
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zlifestyle_vb
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zaybe.valencia?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/zlifestyle_vb
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zlifestyle_vb?si=k0t5rtx9tCSVDSls

Image Credits

Michael Roud photography – Head shots.