Second choices can be better choices

Nadine Samonte is the classic example that second choices are not all that bad.

When Jennylyn Mercado announced she’s pregnant and the role GMA 7 earmarked for her on the afternoon drama Maging Akin Lamang landed on Nadine’s lap, people adopted a wait-and-see stance.

No one was more surprised than Nadine (and Polo Ravales, who took over Patrick Garcia’s role on the soap) over the sudden decision. But she didn’t complain. Instead, Nadine read the script on the first taping day itself and went right ahead with the job.

Nadine’s go-getter attitude is paying off. Today, she is touted as GMA 7’s “Afternoon Drama Queen” with rival Yasmien Kurdi as the “Evening Drama Queen.” And, as a sign that she’s making waves, Nadine is the target of intrigues. Is she snubbing co-star Isabel Oli (Nadine claims she’s not)? Off-cam, does she turn a lot of people — especially the jeepney-riding public — by giving them the cold shoulder treatment? Nothing pains the StarStruck Batch 1 alumna more than hearing these accusations.

That’s the pits, as far as she’s concerned. Nadine may not smile as easily as her colleagues do, but she’s not as cold as an eel.

Ask her family, for whom she built a P3-M two-storey home in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Ask her boyfriend, Chinese businessman Emerson Chua, with whom she can enjoy many undisturbed private moments with since he’s non-showbiz.

“I prefer it that way,” says Nadine. “It’s more peaceful, less stressful.”

She should know. Her relationship with her ex- boyfriend, Oyo Sotto, was as stormy as any high-profile romance can get.

Besides, Nadine’s present boyfriend understands her work. He knows Nadine is ripe for the mature roles Jennylyn has been playing and he’s just stepping back and letting her be.

It must be her boyfriend Nadine is thinking of when she says sexy roles are just fine, but torrid kissing is not. Action roles ala Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider are just as exciting for the 19-year-old GMA Artist Center talent. After all, Nadine has been athletic since she was that tall. She was into taekwondo at nine. Then, it was shooting and karting for the ever-active Piscean, who marks her birthday tomorrow.

This sporty lifestyle must be keeping Nadine in top shape she can manage to drive herself to and from tapings and shootings day in and day out. It can be taxing, even for someone as fit as Nadine. 

“Sometimes, I get sleepy and tired. So I just pull over and take a nap along the way,” she relates.

If it’s that taxing, why then doesn’t she get her own driver, since she can always afford one?

Nadine’s answer is quick: “But they tend to be pasaway (rebellious).” The most well-trained driver can make mistakes, too.  Nadine admits she does get caught beating the red light at times. And her familiar face won’t keep the cops from accosting her. Other than that, it’s been smooth-sailing for her on the road, thank you.

If GMA’s big plans for their new Jennylyn Mercado push though, it will be smooth-sailing for Nadine where her career is concerned as well. This means more meaty roles, more endorsements (the current ones are for Gibi Shoes, CD Jeans, YSA Botanica, YSA Skincare and She Sanitary Napkins).

Inocencia, Nadine’s character on Marimar may have left the spotlight after the evil Angelica (Katrina Halili) killed her (Inocencia). In real life, Nadine’s career is the total opposite. The Kapuso network is bent on boosting Nadine’s career some more by grooming her as one of the network’s top drama princesses.

Now who says second choices are not the best?