Counting her blessings

CEBU, Philippines - From the perennial goody-two-shoes or oppressed woman, Cebuana singer-actress Vina Morales finally goes treacherous and daring in new ABS-CBN soap Nasaan Ka Elisa?. But if and when this long-postponed TV series starring Melissa Ricks will ever be shown is the million-dollar question.

"We’re taping still. They’re trying to find an appropriate timeslot because the material is sort of adult," says Vina of the project that was first announced to begin airing March, supposedly in the afternoon block. Five months after, its cast are still in the dark when the scenes they worked hard at will be shown on the small screen.

Nonetheless, Vina is excited on how viewers will respond to her first villain character — a strong, cunning, aggressive, and manipulative woman who will stop at nothing to fulfill her ambitions. In her last acting appearance, she played a poor, loving mother to Andi Eigenmann's twin roles in Agua Bendita.

She states, "It’s not the usual Vina at all. If you ask me, I don’t see myself in her. I’m very challenged with the role! I’m happy that the production and ABS-CBN were satisfied with my performance."

Nasaan Ka Elisa? is a Philippine adaptation of the Puerto Rican telenovela Donde Esta Elisa?, which has already been dubbed in numerous countries. Other cast members of this drama-mystery include Albert Martinez, Agot Isidro, Desiree del Valle, Mickey Ferriols, Allen Dizon, Eric Fructuoso, Isabella de Leon, Franco Daza, Christopher Roxas and Aldred Gatchalian.

Vina describes the experience of portraying the main antagonist as "energy-consuming."

“My character is always mad. There are a gamut of emotions involved. It doesn’t just require me to cry as in my previous drama roles, but it’s a combination of many feelings at the same time. For instance, I may be crying, but I should still come off a strong woman and a very competitive sister. So it’s toxic and exhausting. At the same time, it’s fun because this is something new for me," she says.

Discovered first as a singer (and reaping numerous accolades as one), Vina admits yearning to do concerts again, whether here or abroad, but that her thrice-a-week taping for Nasaan Ka Elisa? makes it impossible for now. The rest of her time is eaten up by ASAP, their salon family business Ystilo and her adorable two-year-old daughter Ceana Lee.

In between narrating how her tot called up to ask for Cebu lechon as pasalubong, to describing her current "terrible two's" phase, Vina could not help repeatedly expressing how Ceana gives her so much joy, that it didn't matter how other aspects of her life are less than perfect.

"She really is my happiness! Even when there are many problems in my life now, she’s the one who makes me feel complete. I think all the mothers in the world can relate to what I’m saying. Any father will also feel the same, that their children complete them. She’s God’s gift to me, so I’m embracing it. I’m just loving the feeling of being a mommy. The responsibility is huge, but I’m thankful that I get to experience motherhood."

This early, Vina can tell that her child has an interest in music, relating how Ceana watches her intently when she rehearses her songs or performs on stage. She won't protest if in the future, Ceana wants to follow in her and sister Shaina's footsteps. Her only hope is that Ceana enter the business at a much older age than she did.

"I started young, so I didn’t get to finish school. That’s my one regret. I’m still thankful though, because my life still turned out well. But definitely, whatever she decides to do, I will be supporting her all the way," the proud mom says.

And what's her secret to a fit figure even after childbirth? The star, known for her washboard abs and toned muscles before she got pregnant, reveals it was her fear of losing work that pushed her to diet and exercise immediately after giving birth.

These days she regularly runs and competes in fun runs to maintain her physique. She also advises women to surround themselves with friends who are willing to lose weight, so that they have each other to look out for.

"Until now, God has been blessing me with work, because He knows my first love is to really entertain, to sing and act. I won’t last this long, 25 years to be exact, if I don’t have passion for my craft. I thank God that I still get to perform even after having Ceana."

As for the complicated status of the father of her child, Vina chooses not to dwell on the negative. Instead, she harbors no regrets because at the end of the day, she has Ceana and the unconditional support of loved ones.

"I don’t think of it. Honestly, it really isn’t my priority. If given the chance that I’ll find someone who is the right one for me, why not? I don’t want to hope that things will be better between me and the guy. No one knows. Only God will know. I’m just going with the flow on where God plans to put me. The important thing is, I have my daughter with me and I’m happy. Those decisions in my life before, whatever they were, I’m still thankful I made them because at least I have Ceana."

Here's someone who counts her blessings. (FREEMAN)