'Starstruck' non-winner Jana grateful for acting break

She may not have emerged as the Ultimate Survivor in "Starstruck 3," but Jana Roxas is very thankful for the break given to her by GMA 7. She even admitted to have cried a lot - hurt as she was over the unceremonious exit from the widely followed reality-based artista search on local TV just when the Final 4 contenders were to be chosen.

True, Jana was one step closer to the coveted stardom, but her ascent to the top was derailed. Yet, just the same, Jana is elated at the chance that was given to her and partner Chuck Allie to be part of the cast of "Now and Forever" presents "Duyan," which started Monday on the afternoon dramarama block of GMA.

"At least, they gave us the chance to showcase our talents even if we didn't become the ultimate survivors of 'Starstruck'," says Jana. "This is a big break for us. I would certainly work hard to prove myself worthy of this chance."

Director Mac Alejandre said that Jana has the potential in acting. The same goes for Chuck, he added. But they both need the guidance of a director and the support of their co-stars to be able to maximize their acting potentials.

Glydel Mercado, who plays kontrabida to Jana in the afternoon drama series, agreed with direk Mac's observation that Jana, indeed, has the makings of fine actress. "But she needs to develop her acting skills. That's why I make it a point to give pointers in acting during our scenes together," said the award-winning actress, who scored a grandslam as best supporting actress for the movie "Sidhi."

True enough, in one dramatic scene in "Now and Forever" presents "Duyan," Glydel gave Jana three stinging slaps on her face to make sure that the showbiz newbie reacts correctly to the scene.

"Now and Forever" also features Dawn Zulueta, Ariel Rivera, Emilio Garcia and Ella Guevara.

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Angelica Panganiban denied having walked out of the shoot of the digital film "Pitong Dalagita" produced by OctoArts Films and Grupong Sinehan. According to Angelica, she properly informed her director, Cris Pablo (through her handler), that she'd be going home. We had the chance to talk to Angelica at the story conference of the new Regal Entertainment movie, "White Lady," wherein she plays the title role.

Angelica recalled that they had an early call time for the shoot. She arrived on the set before 5 am, but the shoot did not start until all the stars were present. But once the cameras started grinding, it was all systems go from then on.

She, however, can only shoot up to 12 midnight, but since another scene was to be started by 1 am, she stayed on to finish it. After she was done, she informed her director (through her handler) that she's leaving already for home, dead tired as she was for the almost 24 hours of shooting. Thus, she maintained there's no truth to rumors that she walked out, contrary to the report that came to our attention.

"I really have some kind of curfew or cut off time when it comes to work hours. I already stayed on till 1 am. I don't believe I should be faulted since I finished all my scenes before I left," stressed the former child actress who did a daring role in "Santa Santita" for which she garnered several acting nominations.

Angelica plays an interesting role in the horror flilck "White Lady" which is being handled by neophyte director Jeffrey Tan (son of the late Universal Records executive Bella Tan). Her spirits takes on the body of Pauleen Luna, whom she is going to use to exact revenge on her ex-boyfriend (played by JC de Veyra) and others responsible for her death.

In our interview with Angelica, we also learned that she reconciled recently with former boyfriend Carlo Aquino. But she declined to give details regarding the reunion. She did say, however, that her mom knew already of their revived romance. You see, her mom doesn't approve of Carlo after the actor was allegedly discovered of being "guilty" of infidelity, while he was still very much on with Angelica.

But it seems Angelica loves Carlo so much that she gave the young actor another chance. If we are not mistaken, Carlo is her first love. In fact, Angelica never had another boyfriend even during the time she and Carlo broke up.

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JR Valentin has an interesting role in the riotous comedy "D' Lucky Ones" under Star Cinema, wherein he plays the object of affection of two women, the promising comediennes Eugene Domingo and Pokwang. The two women also play avid fans of Vilma Santos in the film.

"In the movie, I play a character named Ralph. There's one scene in the movie where I see Eugene and Pokwang engaged in a fight and I help in breaking up the melee. In the process, I get to know them both and soon they fight over me. That's when the most hilarious moments of the movie happen," said JR.

JR is best remembered for playing the role of a rookie cop who had a young gay admirer in the acclaimed "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" which was directed by Aureus Solito, The dashing 24-year-old model-turned actor now makes the leap from the indie film genre to the mainstream movie world. After his dramatic turn in "Maximo Oliveros," he tries a hand at comedy in "D' Lucky Ones," which is presently doing very well at the box-office.

He said that he enjoyed the experience working in a movie like "D' Lucky Ones." They had so much fun on the set. While director Wenn Deramas was there to guide them, he said that their director gave them the freedom to spend time for bonding.

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Famed balladeer Christian Bautista was in Jakarta recently to grace the launch of a new content provider called Star SMS sponsored by the TELCOMSEL, the biggest telecom company in Indonesia. The launching event was held at the Tenis Senayan, a venue that seats 4,000 that was packed to the rafters.

The event was also covered by two TV stations and Christian's presence was announced through press releases, print ads, street banners and billboards with Christian's image emblazoned on them. The event was sponsored in part by San Miguel Corporation, three products of which he will be endorsing including green tea and juices that will carry Christian's image in the bottles.

Said products will be marketed exclusively in Indonesia, then soon in Thailand, Vietnam and China.

Meanwhile, Christian's new album titled "Completely" is getting tremendous airplay, not only in the Philippines but also in Indonesia where the singer is already considered a superstar.