Come on, vámonos. Everybody, let’s go… and hear from our next Ando Al Cien guest, artist Isabela Merced (she/her). From iconic leads like thee IRL Dora the Explorer and Kay in Alien: Romulus to upcoming roles as Dina in The Last of Us and Hawkgirl in the new Superman, Isabela can’t stop and won’t stop anytime soon.

But out of all the paths she could’ve taken, what exactly led her down the acting route?

“An admiration for actors such as Judy Garland and Shirley Temple inspired me to begin this journey at a very young age,” she says. “On a more insightful note, I would say it’s the mutual exchange of energy between a performer and audience member that fascinates me. It’s the infectious passion I feel when I see someone spill their soul onto a stage or on camera. It’s inspirational to watch and addicting to execute. As I’ve grown, my relationship with acting has evolved. This craft has allowed me to explore the darkest corners of my mind. It’s allowed me to address my shadows and learn myself. Once you go there, you can never go back. It forces me to be brutally honest. And if you know me, you know that’s something I love to do.”

Here, we talk about her love for Peru and Doechii, her go-to comfort actor, and the advice she finds herself using often.

How has your identity been shaped over the years, and what do you love most about being Latina?
Identity is a hot topic in this day and age. I feel as though it isn’t as complicated as people make it out to be. In a society that’s obsessed with labels and labeling others, I will never let anyone tell me who I am. I’m a Peruvian-American daughter of a multicultural family. I’m so blessed to have a mother who saw value in sharing her culture with me. She implemented it into my life as much as possible. For that reason, I have an affinity for Peru and everything it has to offer. The thing I love most about being Peruvian is the cuisine. I love introducing it to my friends and seeing their reactions.

Now for some rapid-fire questions! First one: Go-to pump up song?
MPH by Doechii. I <3 Doechii!

What do you wear if you have a big meeting or outing?
A strong boot that makes noise when I walk so they hear me coming. My chrome rings on the three middle fingers of both hands, and a tank top so I can sweat in peace [laughing].

Favorite meal for starting your day?
I like egg whites—I put turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper on them. I often make a little tortilla with vegan cheese, too. If I have them, also some berries from the farmers market and a protein shake. Then, I’m so set. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.

Best book you’ve ever read?
That’s tough! For now, I’m going to say the book that has had the biggest impact on me (as a queer sci-fi lover) was This Is How You Lose the Time War. Haven’t felt that way after reading a book since.

What staple will you never leave the house without?
An oil of any kind. My oils are essential. It could be Agua Florida or peppermint, whatever.

Your fave comfort movie and why?
Probably any Adam Sandler movie because I grew up with his movies. There are so many gems.

Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Lo que esta pa ti, nadie te lo quita and La acostumbre es más fuerte que el amor. I find myself using those phrases often. Fun fact: They’re both song lyrics!