After winning MUPH, Ahtisa Manalo is bound for Thailand to raise our flag

 

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

Ahtisa Manalo has won the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 title and earned the ticket to represent the country in the Miss Universe edition in Thailand. She is a strong Philippine representative and has the pageant experience to rely on to continue our semi-finals placement and win the fifth crown.

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe Philippines has a new queen in the person of Ahtisa Manalo, who, like her predecessor Chelsea Manalo, lived up to their surname, which means to win.

Ahtisa of Quezon Province aced every competition segment, from strutting as a semi-finalist in an identical outfit with the other ladies and in an Albert Andrada swimwear to a dazzling Val Taguba gown and doing the Q&A.

In an interview for the Top 5, Ahtisa was quick to relate her falling on the stage in the evening gown competition that elicited applause from the crowd.

Pageant enthusiasts couldn’t help but remember when Philippines’ bet to the Miss Universe 1999 in Trinidad & Tobago, Miriam Quiambao, tripped on her gown on a loose thread for the presentation show or preliminaries. She stood up and continued her walk. The crowd cheered her on. She also talked about it in the pageant’s Q&A segment after the Top 5 finalists were announced. Her sterling performance awarded her the first runner-up placement and the Clairol Herbal Essences Style award.

Miss Universe fans might also recall that Miss USA Rachel Smith and Miss USA Crystle Steward also, as others may put it, tumbled or fell on stage in the Miss Universe 2007 and 2008 evening gown segments. They also made a fast recovery and handled it well.

Rachel was fourth runner-up and Crystle was a Top 10 finalist in their editions.      

In the recent Miss Universe Philippines, Ahtisa exuded confidence, grace, poise and showed her personality. She had the winning glow that earned her the title of Miss Universe Philippines 2025 and the ticket to represent the country in the Miss Universe edition in Thailand.

The Southeast Asian country hosted the annual beauty pageant thrice (in 1992, 2005 and 2018) wherein its recent staging saw the win of Catriona Gray that gave the Philippines its fourth crown.

Any Filipino Miss U aficionado hopes and wishes that the stars will align for Ahtisa to be Miss Universe and the fifth winner from the country. Gloria Diaz gave the first-ever crown in 1969 and four years later (1973), Margarita Moran won the title. Then, the Philippines waited for 42 years (2015) to have its third Miss U title, courtesy of Pia Wurtzbach.

If a beauty aspirant gleans upon the journey of the Philippine beauty queens, she will know that it’s about hard work and dedication to become the country’s representative at any international pageant like Miss U and being resilient and passionate about achieving her dream also comes into play.

With Ahtisa as the country’s representative to the Miss U in Thailand, this sounds exciting for everyone. Proximity-wise, Pinoys can visit the country and watch the Miss U pageant live. They will surely be joined by Filipinos who are based in Thailand. Pinoys from other parts of the world can also come and root for Ahtisa.

She is a strong Philippine representative with beauty, body (the physique) and brains and has the pageant experience to rely on. All this will make her stand out in a bevy of beauties and in front of a selection committee.

It’s another chance for Ahtisa to represent the country after her stints at Miss International 2018 and Miss Cosmo 2024 with impressive first runner-up and Top 10 placements.

Ahtisa is bringing her A-game to raise our flag, as Catriona put it, and taking that privilege to heart. She will make us proud and do her best to win the fifth crown for the country.

Aside from watching Ahtisa on the Miss Universe 2025 stage in Thailand and following her pre-pageant and pageant activities, fans are also excited to get to know the other equally gorgeous and smart beauties that will represent counties from Asia, Americas, Africa and Oceania and Europe and Middle East. Who among them will be the continental queens for this edition?

So far, the country has fared well at Miss Universe with four titleholders and around 30-plus semi-finalists, finalists and special awardees.

Take it from Kim Chiu: Celebrate the small wins

 

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

December 23, 2024 | 12:00am

Kim Chiu, the Tanduay Calendar Girl for 2025, shares her thoughts about success and life. ‘(As for) my definition of success, (it is) to keep going and never stop. You may take a rest for a while and just keep going and reach for your dreams,’ says she. ‘I also celebrate the smallest milestones and small wins I have.’ 

MANILA, Philippines — Kim Chiu is known to her legion of fans and in the local tinseltown as the “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen” housemate and big winner, The Chinita Princess, and the Kapamilya performer and actress.

Recently, she has been named the Tanduay Calendar Girl 2025.

“Minsan akala mo, ito kana, parang (sometimes you’d think) ‘I’ve reached my peak, ito na yun,’ but life gives you a lot of surprises, na parang, ‘Wow, meron pa pala (there’s more I can do),’” said Kim of her latest endorsement and project in a recent press conference. “So, never stop dreaming, never stop believing, and just keep going.”

As for her message to fellow women out there, she shared, “I think this (being a calendar girl) is a reminder that there is no dream that is too big, no milestone that is too far. There’s a saying that goes: ‘Success is not about where you’ve been, (it’s) where you’re willing to go,’” shared Kim, “and that’s my definition of success, to keep going and never stop. Pwede naman mag-stop for a while, (take a) rest and just keep going and reach for your dreams.”

Such an attitude or mindset will make things happen and also bring unexpected blessings.

n established celebrity, Kim is now representing a woman who is confident, empowered, resilient, and strong.

In every endeavor she forays into, Kim said she is happy that her following and “the people who love me and support me, they’ve been with me from the beginning until now. I’m happy to have all of them, kasi alam ko talaga na lagi nila akong pinagtatanggol (because I know they will always defend me) and they give me support every time.”

According to Kim, she did 10 layouts as the Tanduay Calendar Girl and had two-to-three-month preparation, including mental readiness, for the photo shoot.

As a manner of speaking, it took a village to mount such a project. Thus, Kim was grateful to her team and the Tanduay team.

“I think it’s more than just being a calendar girl. It’s about breaking down the barriers. It’s about embracing my confidence, and it’s about celebrating every step of my journey and I’ve enjoyed everything from the start until today, na-e-enjoy ko yung journey ko here in show business and also in my personal life,” Kim shared some of her thoughts during the event and emphasized the importance of celebrating one’s every step to achieve a personal goal.

“Kahit yung two-kilometer run, i-celebrate mo, ‘Naka-two kilometer run ako, congratulations.’ (Even completing a two-kilometer-run, you celebrate it and congratulate yourself),” said she. “So, that’s how I see life, I celebrate even the smallest milestone na meron ako, small wins. If you combine all them together, it’s gonna be extra, extra big.”

For the coming year, especially in its first quarter, what fans can look forward to from Kim aside from being a calendar girl?

She answered, “I also have a movie with Star Cinema with Paulo Avelino, and it’s gonna be this February and the title is ‘My Love Will Make You Disappear.’”

Kim Chiu takes on the role of empowered calendar girl

 

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

December 17, 2024 | 12:00am

Kim Chiu has accepted another role, which is the Tanduay Calendar Girl for 2025. She represents a woman who is confident, empowered, resilient and strong. ‘I feel like this is just a powerful moment for me and this is a milestone I never thought of early in my career days,’ says the actress and TV host. ‘This is a testament to how much I’ve grown and how far I’ve come, not only as an artist and as an individual, but especially as a woman.’

MANILA, Philippines — Kim Chiu has taken on varied roles on the small and big screens.

Recently, however, the Kapamilya star has accepted another role, which is the Tanduay Calendar Girl for 2025, and never passed up the chance to be one.

As the face of the brand, Kim represents a woman who is confident, empowered, resilient and strong.

Looking back on the time she won the hearts of everyone as a teen aspiring star to moments she learned the ropes of acting and performing, and proving herself in challenging and mature projects, Kim has come a long way as an actress and as a celebrity.

“I was shocked and I asked myself (then) if I was ready to do this,” recalled the actress-TV host when first she got wind of being tapped as the Tanduay Calendar Girl 2025 in a recent event-cum-press conference for this development in her career. “A lot of people have known me since (my) ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ stint and I grew up in front of everyone’s eyes, not everyone, but maybe most of the people. They’ve known me. And I think it’s about time also for me to do this.”

She added that she feels “empowered” with this project and “grateful.”

“I feel like this is just a powerful moment for me and this is a milestone I never thought of early in my career days. But I believe this is a testament to how much I’ve grown and how far I’ve come, not only as an artist and as an individual, but especially as a woman.”

The event’s theme was “aura” and complemented what a Tanduay Calendar Girl has been symbolizing, such as beauty, confidence, strength and inspiration, according to a piece of information given to this paper.

For Kim, the word “aura” is a celebration of authenticity and individuality.

“I think kasi we all have different types of beauty, we all have different types of confidence, and lahat naman tayo, we all have our own struggles that we hide and it exudes sa confidence natin (aura is shown in our confidence),” said she, adding that being resilient is part of it.

“No matter what life throws at you and you end up standing up, so, I’m here despite all the challenges that I’ve faced, I’m here in front of everyone, smiling, standing as your Tanduay Calendar Girl,” shared she. “So, it was one of those things that I never thought I would be doing in my career, that’s why this is such a big step for me and I’m proud to be here in front of you. That’s my aura, strong aura.”

Asked how she prepared for being the Tanduay Calendar Girl 2025 and the photo shoots that came with it, Kim answered, “Paano naghanda (how did I prepare for it)? Actually, if you follow me on my Instagram account, (you’ll see that) I always work out, parang physically endorphin siya (somehow, I consider working out like endorphins, as mood boosters). It makes me happy and it pumps up my day.”

Aside from the physical preparation to look fit and healthy, Kim said she had to be mentally ready, to represent a woman’s confidence, as one may add, in the outfits she wore as a calendar girl.

“Lalo na yung pictorial namin, yung first suot ko nung damit na yung blue (especially in the pictorial like the blue outfit), oh my god, ‘Am I really doing this?’ ‘Am I a woman now?’” said she. “So, more than physical, I really prepared (my mind and did) mental readiness if I (was) really ready to do (it), but I was very much ready, and here I am now, with all these pictures and all.”

She added that she was very happy “with the outcome, and how it went,” and Kim was simply thankful for the trust that has been given to her.

Chelsea Manalo makes ‘historic’ stint at Miss Universe

 

Chelsea Manalo has represented the Philippines well at the 73rd edition of Miss Universe held in Mexico by showcasing her pulchritude and personality. Her campaign is considered and counted as ‘historic’ since she carried on the semifinal placement of the country, which was regained by Michelle Marquez Dee last year, and broke the Philippines’ non-placement status in the previous Miss U editions held in Mexico. Chelsea has also been chosen as the first-ever Miss U Asia.

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines — More than a week has passed since Miss Universe Philippines, Chelsea Manalo, competed at the recently-concluded Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.

The latter hosted the event for the fifth time. The first was back in 1978, then followed in 1989, 1993, and 2007. In these editions, it was elusive for the Phl delegates to enter the semi-final round and participate either in the final’s swimsuit, evening gown, casual/final interview competition.

Chelsea was the fifth Pinay representative to join a Miss U Mexico edition and with the aspiration to bring home the country’s fifth Miss U crown.

The result of her campaign was not the “historic” one every Filipino pageant enthusiast and fan wanted or wished it to be, Chelsea’s representation and stint in the annual tilt of pulchritude and personality could still be counted as “historic.”

Pitting against equally beautiful and smart beauties, Chelsea made it to the semifinals or Top 30, besting other 90 plus delegates. She broke the Philippines’ non-placement status in a Miss Universe edition held in the said Latin/North American country.

Chelsea with newly-crowned Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark during Miss Universe Organization's announcement of its continental queens. — Photo from Miss Universe Philippines' Facebook page

The Bulacan beauty, also of Afro-American ancestry, joined the circle of Bb. Pilipinas-Universe and Miss Universe Philippines winners who advanced to the Top 10, 12, 20, 21, and 30 round. She’s now on that Miss U semifinalist list that includes Blesilda Ocampo, Louise Vail, Clarinda Soriano, Barbara Crespo, Guadalupe Sanchez, Geraldine Asis, Rachel Peters, Mary Jean Lastimosa, Rabiya Mateo, Gazini Ganados, and Michelle Marquez Dee.

She came to Mexico with such a mission, plus to continue the semifinal placement of the Philippines, regained by Michelle at the Miss Universe El Salvador last year.

During the pageant proper and live broadcast, Chelsea was able to achieve these feats.

At the press conference for the newly-crowned Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) announced its continental queens.

Chelsea was chosen to be one of the four and awarded the Miss Universe Asia title, as well as its first-ever recipient. It’s only now that MUO has given such an honor and recognition to a beauty contestant. The three other continental queens are Miss Finland (for Europe and the Middle East), Miss Nigeria (Africa and Oceania and Miss Universe first runner-up) and Miss Peru (for Americas and Chelsea’s roommate, friend, and pageant sister).

From what one could gather from the available online information, the continental beauties were even handpicked prior to the coronation night, so that the MUO’s preference would not, in any way, affect the decision and judgment of the selection committee.

The title is not considered a placement (like Top 12 or runner-up ranking based on the judges’ assessment), but a promotion to represent Miss U in each contestant’s continent.

Chelsea has been given the opportunity to travel to certain countries with the reigning Miss Universe and her fellow sister continental winners.

Wearing the Miss U Asia sash is another achievement on the part of Chelsea, whose Miss Universe campaign could be described as calm and collected. She had fun doing all the pre-pageant activities, the preliminary rounds (from closed-door interview and national costume to the swimsuit and evening gown) and the pageant night that saw her proudly shout the country’s name, “Philippines” with emphasis on the word’s three syllables, showcase her signature “Tampisaw Walk” in swimwear and strut in a white gown with touches of Tiffany blue gradient by Manny Halasan. The word “tampisaw” may be viewed as how a person frolics in the water or a fun action or scene. Everyone got a closer look of Chelsea’s gown during her announcement as Miss U Asia.

Indeed, Chelsea’s campaign was “historic” and she has carved out a name for herself as not just a Miss Universe semifinalist, but also the Miss U Asia.

With that, Miss Universe Philippines 2025 or the successor of Chelsea will not just aspire to carry on the semifinals placement of the country and win the fifth Miss Universe crown, but also to secure the Miss Universe Asia title.

A reversal of roles for Kate and Kyline in ‘Shining Inheritance’

 

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

September 9, 2024 | 12:00am

Sparkle GMA artists Kate Valdez (left photo) and Kyline Alcantara will show their versatility by taking on bida and kontrabida roles as Inna Villarazon and Joanna De La Costa, respectively, in ‘Shining Inheritance.’ It’s a reversal of roles for them as compared to their 2019 film, ‘Black Lipstick,’ where Kyline was the lead star. Joanna is a spoiled brat, while Inna is a kind and responsible sister. They are up for the challenge to do dramatic scenes that showcase the emotionality of their characters and present a sense of realism to the audience.

MANILA, Philippines — Young Kapuso actresses Kate Valdez and Kyline Alcantara have proven their acting mettle by taking on diverse roles — from straightforward to significant and yes, kontrabida (villainess) to bida (female lead).

In “Shining Inheritance,” the first local adaptation of a K-drama series in the GMA Afternoon Prime, which premieres today at 4 p.m., Kate and Kyline come together to bring the characters Inna Villarazon, the bida, and Joanna De La Costa, the kontrabida to life.

It’s a reversal of roles for them, which is in contrast to their 2019 film, “Black Lipstick,” where Kyline was the lead.

“When I learned that Kyline was also part of the project, I got excited. Naka-sama ko na siya sa ‘(Black) Lipstick,’ (I worked with her in the movie) where she was our lead (star),” said Kate in a recent press conference for “Shining Inheritance,” adding that it thrilled her because she wanted to work with Kyline again in which the latter would portray a character that stands in the way of hers.

“I’m really grateful, and I’m thankful that she is Joanna to my Inna,” shared Kate. “I’m able to create (and form) my Inna because of (how she has built) Joanna and how she breathes life into Joanna... I’m happy to be able to have worked with you (Kyline).”

For her part, Kyline also expressed gratefulness to Kate, whose portrayal of Inna has complemented and completed her depiction of Joanna.

The production notes on the GMA Entertainment page describe Joanna as a spoiled brat, which is a stark contrast to Inna’s kind and responsible nature.

“Mahirap yung eksena, pero kung may ka-eksena ka na kasing galing ni Kate at nitong mga kasama natin sa stage, nagiging madali yung mahirap na eksena (doing dramatic scenes is tough, but if you’re with Kate and the rest of the actors here, who are really good, anything challenging becomes easy),” said Kyline.

Thus, the Sparkle GMA artists are up for the challenge to do some intense sequences that showcase the emotionality and personality of Inna and Joanna. It’s a way to present a sense of realism to the audience.

Prior to getting into their characters and giving a highly-emotional scene a go, the two stars would seek each other’s permission and collaborate on how to go over it, shared Kyline and Kate.

It speaks of their dedication and professionalism when it comes to their work.

Veteran actress Coney Reyes can attest to it. She shared that the two have their own ways to play a role, but they’re serious with it.

“They know what they’re doing. They’re studying,” said Coney, who is delighted and proud of working with the young bunch of talents featured in the series.

Since Joanna is a far cry from the bida roles she has played before, Kyline was also asked about portraying kontrabida this time.

“I requested my team (that I would like to) play kontrabida again because I miss playing a complex role and Joanna is really complicated,” said she. (She) is also kind, pero may ginagawa lang siya na hindi maganda (but she is doing something that’s not admirable or not good). Joanna is feisty and also aggressive.”

Becoming Inna on screen, on the other hand, has allowed Kate to further see the clear distinction in essaying a lead role.

“There’s a big difference,” shared she. “(From someone) who came from portraying a kontrabida role to (playing) inaapi (someone helpless)… Honestly, it’s draining… You have to convince yourself (that you’re Inna) na hindi ako magaling and all the negativity na sinasabi ng kontrabida characters (who is not good enough and you imbibe those negative thoughts villain characters have about Inna).”

To deliver what’s expected of her, Kate needs to focus on her role, but she gives herself the time to take a break, particularly during rest days, from inhabiting the life of Inna.

Regarding the pressures of being the lead star and the possibility of being upstaged by others, Kate never thinks about them. Her goal is to do justice to her role.

One of the signs that she’s doing the right thing or on the right track is the approval of the show’s director and writers. It only means that they’re happy with her portrayal.

The “Shining Inheritance” story will revolve around the three families of Villarazon, De La Costa and Abrigo, according to its web page.

Aurea, the owner of De La Costa Food Corporation, has to figure out her rightful heir or heiress.

Inna will meet the billionaire Aurea and from then on, life will never be the same again for them.

(Watch ‘Shining Inheritance’ weekdays after its premiere.)

Kylie Padilla will ‘tip the balance’ in ‘Asawa Ng Asawa Ko’

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines — Kylie Padilla has entered the picture of “Asawa Ng Asawa Ko” as Hannah, the original wife and former partner of Leon (played by Joem Bascon). The versatile actress has been working on set for over two weeks now. Her character will add another interesting and intriguing layer to the thickening drama that unfolds every night in the GMA Prime series.

“She’s very ambitious and has a bit of a rebellious streak. If she wants something, she’s going to do everything,” said Kylie about her impression and understanding of her character in a recent group interview.

Everyone is excited about how Hannah will “tip the balance” and change the “Asawa Ng Asawa Ko” narrative course. Leon and Cristy (portrayed by Jasmine Curtis-Smith) are engaged to get married.

“I’m just having fun portraying my character. I love my character,” shared Kylie, who was part of “Mga Lihim ni Urduja” and made a guest appearance in “Black Rider” last year. “Alam mo kapag nag-trabaho ako na love na love ko yung character ko (you know when I work on a character that I really love), I don’t even think. I just perform. Ganun yung feeling ko dito.”

Kylie recalled that the role was offered to her a month ago. She inquired about the nitty-gritty of it, so to speak. And it was a yes for her. After all, she had enough time to take a break, to recharge, and to be ready to take on a new character. By the way, she’s also doing “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” on the side.

Given the past between Hannah and Leon and their relationship dynamics, Kylie will have more scenes with another reliable actor, Joem, who has an easy and breezy working experience with her.

“It’s their show, I’m just a guest. To hear it from a co-star, it’s a big deal. It feels good,” said Kylie. “Ang galing din kasi nila. I think it depends on who you are acting with. (It’s) less work kung may binibigay sa’yo. You know they’re all giving actors and direk Laurice (Guillen) is an actor’s director. I’m so grateful. So, I think I can just give back what they’re giving me.”

Asked what other details on Hannah she can share with everyone, Kylie said: “With her, kasi late dumating sa kanya yung motherly instinct (her appreciation of maternal instinct came to her later in life). She got pregnant and gave birth at 17. She’s very young.”

“Kinailangan kong intindihin kung paano niya nagawang iwan yung family niya, iniwan niya yung anak niya, yung asawa niya (as an actress, I needed to understand why she left her family — her child and her husband. At first, I couldn’t grasp why she had done it. That’s where I had to do the hard work to understand, added she. “Kasi ‘pag may character ka, kailangan may empathy ka talaga sa character mo (when you’re playing a character, you have to empathize with her). Otherwise, you cannot deliver. There’s no truth in the eyes at all. I needed to understand her and without judgment.”

What would probably be the reaction of viewers once they’d seen Hannah’s real identity and intention in the story?

“Baka mainis sila sa una, feeling ko (I feel they might get annoyed or dislike her),” said Kylie. But then, once they get to know Hannah, mamahalin din nila si Hannah. Sana (they will love her, hopefully).”

Eventually, Hannah will become a member of the armed group KALASAG. The idea of doing action-packed and adrenaline-rush scenes thrills Kylie, who also has a penchant for the action genre.

Away from the klieg lights, Kylie is a young mom to two sons, Alas Joaquin and Axl Romeo.

“‘Mama, ‘wag ka nang umalis (Mama, please don’t leave),’” said Kylie of her children’s reaction and plead whenever she goes to work. “I think parang mas gusto ko na ganun kaysa sanay sila na wala ako (it seems that I like that instead of them being used to my absence). I think it also teaches them independence in some way. Tsaka may healthy space na ma-mi-miss namin ang isa’t-isa (and there’s healthy space that allows us to miss each other).”

With that, Kylie is a picture of a happy working mom and actress.

(Asawa Ng Asawa Ko) airs Mondays to Thursdays at 9:35 p.m.) 

Abby Clutario explores love's many expressions in new album Lambing

 

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

February 22, 2024 | 12:00am

Singer-songwriter Abby Clutario treats fans and music aficionados to an album titled Lambing under AltG Records. The latter is composed of two originals Laho and Naglalambing and three cover songs that speak about the different facets and forms of love.

Kapuso multi-instrumentalist and singer, Abby Clutario, will drop her first album titled Lambing with AltG Records tomorrow, Feb. 23, on all streaming platforms worldwide.

The concept behind it, as Abby shared in a recent virtual interview, “is very close to us (or to our hearts). That’s love.”

Regarding its title, she added that lambing is one of the many expressions of love, and is associated with being nice and sweet to the significant other or special someone, if one may add.

“When we say in Filipino lambing, maglalambing, palambing naman and try to translate any of it in English, there’s no English word that will encapsulate its meaning,” Abby reflected. “The five songs that are here in the album have all forms of love in them.” So, the two originals and three cover songs are perhaps Abby’s take on lambing (fondness) and love.

“The carrier single is Laho, followed by Naglalambing and our favorite songs, which I released last year, they’re included in it, Chichi Wo Motomete (the “Voltes V” theme song). There’s Tadhana (by Up Dharma Down) and the original theme song of ‘Mulawin,’ Ikaw Nga,” said she.

The songs demonstrate the how-tos of showing love, like when one is shy about it, deals with a feeling of fear, wishes to reconnect with a former lover, or expresses it to a parent.

“So iba-iba at mahuhuli naman nila yun (the expression of love is different and varied, but the listeners will understand each expression) once they listen to the album as a whole,” shared she.

As for composing the originals, Laho and Naglalambing, Abby had music partners and guest artists who helped her put them together. However, she was in charge of the main instrument on each track. It’s a good thing that her previously released covers complement each other and the new singles. They all support the theme of love.

“I wanted to release an album in the love month,” said she. “We, Filipinos, when it comes to love and love songs, we’re really game for it.”

Asked what musical instruments are being highlighted in the songs, Abby answered, “With the cover songs (that I’ve released) before, the chapman stick is highlighted. You will still hear it in Chichi Wo and Tadhana. But for all the other songs, they are mostly keyboard-based, either with a piano sound or a synth sound. I also worked with awesome artists on this album, you will also hear (guitar), especially in Laho. It is a guitar-driven song, meron din kayong maririnig na ganun.”

As a music artist, Abby is wearing different hats — from being a composer, singer to instrumentalist and arranger. She knows that choosing the right set of musical instruments plays a key role in setting the mood of any song.

“When you’re choosing instruments or you’re already choosing instruments to represent your whole song, it’s usually called areglo or arrangement. Yes, I take that into consideration because I’m an arranger myself,” said she.

“When we compose, we already think of, let’s say, ito yung magandang tunog para dyan (this is the good sound for this) or this will complement these instruments.”

Being a multi-faceted talent is something Abby aspires to.

“Yun din yung gusto ko na makilala ako. Kumbaga, I’m a singer-songwriter. I get to play and I can make my own songs, but at the same time, I can support somebody.”

She was referring to another aspect of her music career, which Abby described as the “session world.”

“That’s where I just play keyboards for somebody (or fellow artists) to support them in their own kind of music,” said the singer.

To further introduce Lambing to the public, Abby will embark on an album tour as her publicity team informed this paper. The first stop is at 88 Fryer on Feb. 22, today. Joining her in the musical treat are Plume, Pido, and Charlene Ong as guest performers. She will grace 70s Bistro and 19 East on March 2 and 12, respectively. Abby concludes the tour on March 22 at Tago Jazz Bar.

(For details, visit www.gmanetwork.com.)

From submissive to fearless characters, Andrea Torres plays it to the hilt

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

Since she wants to challenge herself and offer something new to viewers, Andrea Torres takes on the wealthy, bold, and smart Czarina in the GMA Telebabad series Love Before Sunrise. Her character is a stark contrast to Andrea’s loving mother, Sisa, in Maria Clara at Ibarra. But what also excites her to be part of the project is the opportunity to work with her idol, Box-Office Queen Bea Alonzo, and actors Dennis Trillo and Sid Lucero.

It’s a breath of fresh air to see Andrea Torres as the fearless and feisty kontrabida Czarina in Love Before Sunrise. This character and her meek, submissive, but loving Sisa of Maria Clara at Ibarra are poles apart.

Regardless of the nature of the role, Andrea commands attention because the Sparkle GMA Artist Center actress is playing it to the hilt.

“This one is far different from the last one I did,” Andrea affirmed the difference between Czarina, the empowered woman, and Sisa, the selfless mother of Basilio and Crispin, in a recent press conference. “Gusto ko kasi laging na-cha-challenge. Gusto ko laging nag-su-surprise ng tao (I always want to be challenged. I always want to surprise the audience by playing something new).”

This speaks about Andrea’s aim to portray varied roles and step up her acting game.

“And I trust my network. When they say, ‘We feel this is the next (right) project for you,’ gagawin ko talaga yun (I will do it),” added she, “kasi yun din ang naisip nila sa akin (That was perhaps the same thought they had for me when they tapped me) for my last one, which is Sisa.”

No matter how long actors have been doing their craft, they know that every role demands painstaking preparation to study and understand the challenges that come with it.

“It’s challenging for me to have Czarina that kind of lalim (character depth), na maka-relate pa rin sa kanya ang tao (and that people can still relate to her despite the character’s quirks),” said she.

“I had very nice scenes with Bea, such as confrontations between her character and mine, na lumabas pa rin yung pagka-kontrabida niya (that the kontrabida side of Czarina is shown). Hopefully, in some extent, the audience will be able to connect with Czarina,” added she.

A piece of information shares that Andrea’s Czarina comes from a wealthy family and is skilled at using her charm and influence to get her wants, wishes, and whims.

As everybody has already known, the character comes in between Atom and Stella, played by Dennis Trillo and Bea Alonzo. Czarina is willing to do whatever it takes, even giving up her engagement, to win Atom, and she takes advantage of the latter’s financial status.

She plays the typical and classic antagonist in any dramatic narrative.

However, when viewers watch the episodes, they usually consider her as someone who is “mean, na sosyal, nag-ti-trip minsan (well-off and sometimes a power tripper),” said Andrea. “Pero makikita ninyo dito sa Love Before Sunrise na merong malalim siyang pinanghuhugutan (You will see in Love Before Sunrise that there’s a deep reason why she is acting that way).”

That’s why when Andrea creates a character from the ground up, she said, “Parang hinahanap ko yung puso niya (I always look for her heart and core), na parang kailangan maintindihan ko siya, medyo nagiging protective ako sa kanya (There seems to be a need for me to understand the character and to be a bit protective of her).”

“I always think that the reason why she has this (privilege) feeling or she thinks she deserves everything is kasi lumaki siya ng walang love from her parents (because she grew up without parental love), the love that she wants from her parents and the support that she needs,” added she.

Aside from playing Czarina, described by one as a daring kontrabida, Andrea has been given the chance to collaborate with Kapuso actors Dennis and Sid Lucero (who plays the doctor named Roald), and her idol and Box-Office Queen Bea. She feels lucky to have shared the screen with them.

“Dennis, Sid, and I were very nervous and pressured to come to the set,” said she about working with Bea. “When she transferred to GMA, I wished to work with her. With Dennis, I also mentioned in my previous interviews my wish (and intention to be working with him). This is our third time. With Sid, we’re working again after My Millionaire’s Wife.”

Andrea and Dennis were part of the hit historical portal fantasy series, Maria Clara at Ibarra. Again, she took on the role of Sisa, while he was Crisostomo Ibarra, Simoun and Barry Torres.

“Grabe silang maka-trabaho, you see their dedication (to work). Ang ganda nung dini-discuss yung scene before it will be done (I like the idea of having a discussion among creatives about a scene prior to its taping).”

A GMA News Online story says that Andrea is learning from Bea by observing how the latter works on set, such as the importance of studying the script well, finding out “little things” in it, and shedding light on them.

Andrea and the rest had some time to preview some parts of the TV series before airing. The Kapuso actress said Love Before Sunrise seems like a movie, perhaps with its cinematic approach, “kung paano i-nin-troduce sina Atom at Stella at silang dalawa na mismo, pati na ang lahat ng mga taong nakapalibot sa kanila (like the way Atom and Stella were individually introduced and then as a pair, as well as the people who surround them). Nakaka-proud.”

Since Love Before Sunrise is about finding true love, falling out of it and giving love a second chance, the topic on having what-ifs was brought up.

“I don’t have what-ifs, feeling ko kasi lahat ay may reason talaga (I feel everything happens for a reason). Light lang akong magdala ng mga nangyayari sa buhay ko (I take things lightly in my life),” concluded she. “Hindi ko iniisip masyado yung mga ganung bagay sa buhay ko (I don’t think much about them). I just go with the flow, happy lang always (I am always happy).”

(Watch Love Before Sunrise weeknights at 8:50 on GMA 7 and GMA Pinoy TV. Advanced episodes are available on Viu.