She’s got the passion

"If you have the passion in it, you can never be tired."

That is Toni Gonzaga speaking as she dispels the possibility of getting burned out from playing goody-goody roles in feel-good TV and film projects (e.g. You Are The One and You Got Me!).

"I accept what is given me, although I can suggest (what projects or roles I wish to do)," she adds.

Since change is the only permanent thing in the world, Toni strikes while the iron is hot. With Lady Luck on her side, plus her talent in acting and hosting, Toni has become one of today’s busiest young stars on TV, appearing weeknights (PBB Primetime) and weekends (ASAP ’07 and PBB Eviction and Nomination Nights).

On top of that, Toni finds time for endorsements and recordings.

"I’m used to working," she reasons out. "But there were times when I slowed down, like when the previous editions of PBB wrapped up."

During these idle moments, Toni spends quality time with her constituents in Taytay, Rizal, where she is a barangay councilor.

For someone whose hands are often full, time management is the key. Toni’s skills in scheduling is tested for the nth time as she teams up with Zanjoe Marudo on ABS-CBN’s Lovespell: Barbi-Cute which premieres April 8 after Your Song.

Once again, Toni is cast in a feel-good project reminiscent of the 1987 movie Mannequin.

In the tradition of magical love stories, Luke (Zanjoe) literally and figuratively breathes life to the mannequin Barbie (Toni) as he recharges its battery. Love blooms between them, just like in the classic stories of Pygmalion and Galatea, and Pyramus and Thisbe.

"We are more comfortable working together this time around," Toni talks about her rapport with Zanjoe, also her co-star in the hit You Got Me!.

"I’m happy I’m paired with him again. It means we have a good chemistry that clicks with people."

Toni also clarifies that she is not ill at ease working with Lovespell co-star Nancy Castiglione, former girlfriend of Luis Manzano who was once romantically linked to her. The PBB Primetime host adds that it was never an issue with her. Besides, she and Nancy worked on several GMA 7 projects before.

Since Toni seems to be cast in the kind of light drama/comedy roles that built up Maricel Soriano’s career, people can’t help comparing her with the Diamond Star. Others even say Toni is Maricel’s possible successor.

"I feel flattered," quips Toni. "No one can replace Maricel."

"Acting comes naturally," Toni goes on. "I get into the character easily. Anyone should give his best in everything he does."

Premiering April 22 on that weekend block of the kapamilya network is Your Song’s summer special featuring the hits Cool Off, Salamat and If We Fall in Love of Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) winner Yeng Constantino.

Fellow scholars Jay-R Siaboc, Ronnie Liang and Irish Fullerton will have their baptism of fire in TV acting. They will be paired with Maja Salvador, Precious Lara Quigaman and Luis Manzano, respectively.

Speaking of Jay- R, he recently launched his self-titled debut album with the carrier single Hiling.

The 11-track album shows off the Bis Rocker’s energy and passion for music ala Bamboo Mañalac.

Listening to the songs evokes images of Jay-R singing while jumping, slamming his body, working out his booty or gyrating sexy moves.

The pop-rock album also proves music is what keeps Jay-R going — and that rock makes him cut above the rest.