I was so impressed when Maja cheerfully whispered to me "magkakamay tayo Kuya Ryan" when we were about to start dinner. I thought that was a joke but when she asked me that we should wash our hands first, I was then convinced she was really serious. So I gamely obliged! We ended up feasting on crabs, fried rice, chicken and more sumptuous food with our bare hands. She told me that my four fingers should serve as the spoon while my thumb as the fork. She was so good at what she was doing that Rayver and Fatima, daughter of Madam Chit Ramos and Maja's road manager that time, were tempted to join us in our "kamayan" session. It increased our appetites that not too long after Maja whispered to me again "Wala nang rice." So we were served with another plate of rice. The downside of that dinner was that Maja, if she were unable to finish off her food, would transfer it to my plate. So watching out for my diet wasn't part of the plan that night. My good friend A.C. Martin of Sunstar Superbalita kidded me: "Ryan Mark, ka-level na ka sa mga stars." I laughed out loud because the truth was I was just carried away by Maja's humility.
It was big deal for me because Maja and Rayver dared to eat with their hands not to impress anybody. They did what they thought would make them more comfortable no matter what other people would say. Let's face it: Maja and Rayver could be tomorrow's biggest names in showbiz should they play their cards right. A.C. was telling me on our way home that should Rayver be given the chance to record a single, he could very well become the next Gary Valenciano. I agree because for someone who comes from the famous Cruz clan (he is the cousin of Donna Cruz, remember?), Rayver sings very well. He belted out N'Sync songs in both Gaisano Main and Countrymall and it's safe to say, he brought the house down. And my, he grooves very gracefully that gays and gals couldn't help get excited at every grind of his body.
Only 16 and standing at 5'11 at that, Rayver is gifted with a boy-next-door appeal so much so you'd like to him like a baby. He was more handsome this time, with no pimples any longer, unlike the first time I met him about two months ago. When I told him that, he replied "Thank you po" with a shy smile. He was paired with Shaina Magdayao in the recently concluded ABS-CBN soap, "Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin." While he and Shaina looked good on TV as a loveteam, I was more thrilled watching him and Maja together. Yes they were so sweet with each other - he calls her "Majs" and she calls him "Rayvs." In the van and during dinner I kept teasing them whether something special was going on between them, but Maja was quick to explain that the strong friendship was established during their "Spirits" days, the ABS-CBN soap that launched the love triangle of Rayver, Maja and John Wayne Sace. "Kuya Ryan talaga, lahat naman kami sa Spirits close eh. Strong talaga ang bonding namin huwag mo nang i-intriga," Maja always reminded me.
Maja is now my most favorite young star. She never fails to impress me. The first time I met her last June, I was shocked when she asked Mommy Rose Gaisano to bring her to the Magellan's Cross and the Basilica del Sto. Niño. There, she lighted candles and prayed. I was also told that she was the first star brought here by Mommy Rose who have hurdled the 162 steps that lead to the image of Mama Mary in Bogo. All I could say was "Wow!" When I watched their mini-show over the weekend, she impressed me again.
Rayver was the first to perform. He was well applauded for his energetic performance. Then Maja came on stage with a question "Hello, kumusta po kayo?" Like in Rayver's case, fans were so noisy; their screams and cheers filled the air. And then later on as she looked at my direction, I was surprised when she said "Hello po, Kuya Ryan." Wow! The last time I met her was June. It was already October yet she still remembered my name. Later when Rayver joined Maja on stage, he also looked at me, smiled, waved and said "Hello po."
Maybe I was starstruck, but Maja's gesture matters so much to me. Of course, I don't mind if stars during a second meeting don't remember me because that's very normal with the number of people they come across everyday. But for an in-demand young star like Maja to remember me was a big deal for me. Don't get me wrong; I don't intend to present myself as someone special and important. I'm still the same Ryan Mark who does not care if you don't mind me at all because what matters to me is doing my job right. Let's just say I'm very observant.
Well, when we were at the elevator, Rayver hugged me and asked me how I was. Nevertheless, it was a confirmation that he also remembered me. So for the two of them, I say, good luck! So much have happened to Maja since she was here last June. She is now shooting her first movie "Kutob" under Star Cinema and feels very blessed to be working with Kris Aquino and Claudine Barretto. A follow-up to Kris' "Feng Sui," the film, under the direction of Chito Roño will hit theaters this January. Maja plays the role of a girl who's gifted with a third eye who has to be brought to Manila by her mother so that her contact with evil spirits would stop. She begged not to elaborate on her role so as to maintain an element of surprise. (Sure darling, after all you are my favorite!) What is sure is that Maja's first movie role is an important one considering she's relatively new in the business. She is also part of the upcoming soap of Judy Ann Santos and Piolo Pascual entitled "Sa Piling Mo" on ABS-CBN set to start this January with Jerry Sineneng and Rory Quintos as directors. Here she is paired with John Wayne while "Star Circle Quest" graduate Rafael Martinez would enter the scene to complete the love triangle. Another achievement is her being chosen as the newest endorser of Bobson with John Lloyd Cruz. She related that she is very happy at the same time scared that she might fail to meet the expectations for the brand, which is also endorsed by Aga Muhlach.
She'll also be doing a "Maalaala Mo Kaya" episode where she would play "special child" to no less than Vilma Santos. Conceptualized last June, the taping could not start yet because of the commitments of the "Star For All Seasons" as mayor of Lipa, Batangas. Aside from all these, she is a regular for "ASAP Fanatic" where she always mesmerizes fans with her graceful dance moves. Indeed, people with strong faith like her are so blessed.
Rayver, on the other hand, is still a regular in "ASAP '05" and the most popular member of the all-boy group "Anime." With Rayver and Maja's potentials, humility and charm, I would not be surprised if they would reach the peak of stardom sooner than expected. Surely, I would be very happy for them, but I do hope that they would not change so they would remain on top for the longest time. And I would be happier when that moment comes, I would still have the opportunity to dine with them - "kinamot" style again.