Barely a year ago, LJ was one of those StarStruck Season Two aspirants who trooped to the malls and waited under the sweltering sun just to get application forms to the talent search.
Just like anyone who got bitten by the proverbial showbiz bug, LJ wanted to experience what was it like to be in the limelight
LJ was lucky. She passed the initial mall screening and secured a spot in the final 14.
As expected, LJ went through the eye of the needle. She faced strict, sometimes acerbic resident judges of the show, plus close public scrutiny. She shed tears of joy and disappointment on and off camera.
Then aspiring to be another Jennylyn Mercado, Yasmien Kurdi or Nadine Samonte, LJ finished runner-up to Ryza Cenon, the Female Ultimate Survivor, opposite Mike Tan, with CJ Muere, runner-up to Mike.
LJ, now a member of GMA 7’s Artist Center, hit the TV screens and is everywhere after that big – and also the greatest – show of her young life.
At 17, LJ still has that sweet, lovely facade. "It’s not that GMA has paid more attention to me. There are things GMA does for us or we do for the station that fans do not know," clarifies LJ on the issue that her mother studio prefers her over Ryza.
"She has shows that are not yet being aired. In fact, she’ll be seen soon on Channel 11," continues LJ.
So far, LJ and Ryza have enjoyed maximum exposure. Both are part of S.O.P. Gigsters and Love to Love. Ryza appeared on Darna while LJ does Sugo.
With three shows to boast of, LJ has a hectic schedule, besides the fact that she’s always on call for Sugo.
Besides, LJ is also busy answering queries on the possibility of cutting her showbiz career short.
"When I was in (first year or second year) high school, we went to the US Embassy to file a petition (to migrate)," says LJ. "It was done long before I joined StarStruck. My mom has been working for five years in New York. (She would like to get us – her kids) but decided that we stay in the country instead. The petition has not yet been approved, but we submitted all the requirements so anytime we wish to go there, we can."
At the way things are turning out for LJ now, living abroad is surely at the bottom of her list of priorities.
Ask what’s the real score between her and Mike Tan? LJ replies, "There’s nothing. Nanliligaw siya. I think I’m still getting to know him more. He’s sweet, kind, thoughtful. I’m not closing my door."
LJ, a Com Com (Commerce Commerce) student majoring in Economics and Management of Financial Institutions at the De La Salle University, is the latest female endorser of B.U.M. Equipment, a clothing line known for its comfortable, practical outfits. LJ embodies the characteristics of the line’s market – teens who are bubbly, versatile and youthful.
For the ad campaigns, LJ sports different looks, from gypsy-bohemian to rocker; feminine to laid-back.
LJ feels thrilled and flattered that she is the newest face of the brand.
If there’s one thing LJ wishes for herself, it’s to stay long in the business.
"I want to play mature roles," declares LJ. "I want to be as versatile as Gloria Romero, Maricel Soriano and Jolina Magdangal."