MANILA, Philippines - There’s more to a diamond-studded tiara and a satin sash. Bianca Manalo has proven this by portraying naturally the title role in Juanita Banana. The ABS-CBN afternoon light comedy show will wrap up in two weeks with the highest rating of 18.6 percent. Bianca as an actor has made a good impression.
“I would rate myself 10 because I gave my best,” Bianca says of her performance. “I think I was able to achieve the character of Juanita. That’s my natural acting. Kung sino si Juanita ay ganun din si Bianca sa totoong buhay. Juanita is a fighter and will do everything for her family. When it comes to love, she’ll fight for it till the end.”
Co-star Isay Alvarez says Bianca is “able t o cope with the demands of a lead star… she fits to a T.” Lito Pimentel, another veteran TV and movie actor, praises Bianca’s natural acting style devoid of “technicalities.” It’s not surprising another project is lined up for her.
If ever she has learned the ropes of TV acting in a short time, it’s because Bianca considers everything as play.
“I enjoy acting,” shares Bianca. “I love my craft. Gusto ko nandito lang ako. I always pray to God na kung gugustuhin niya nandito lang ako. This is what I want to do — to be in the entertainment industry. I feel if I work in the office, I will probably die of boredom. I can’t stand paperwork.”
Showbiz seems to be Bianca’s calling. Before she joined Bb. Pilipinas, Bianca was one of the hosts of Studio 23’s Rush TV, touring campuses in Metro Manila. Then, she boarded flight after flight as an F.A. Then she decided to participate in the national pageant, won it and represented the country in the Bahamas edition of Miss Universe. Almost a year ago, she gave TV another chance. Her first acting assignment was Magkaribal. Televiewers have seen her guest hosting in Showtime and eLive. The biggest break is Juanita Banana, Bianca’s own show.
“They are both different,” replies Bianca when asked if acting is as challenging as joining beauty pageants. “Joining a contest is showcasing yourself. When you compete internationally, you are showcasing your country and you represent the best of the Philippines. Acting requires you to portray the role (encompassing) the character’s personality. They are both difficult and demanding. They need grace under pressure.”
Bianca is able to handle the pressure of TV work as she is closely monitored by directors Jeffrey Jeturian and Mervyn Brondial. She also survives long hours of taping.
Will there be a sweet ending for Juanita? The last episodes will see the beauty with a big heart facing ordeals inside and outside the mud mound. Juanita remains torn between Rikitik (played by Matt Evans) and Joaquin (Rodjun Cruz).
“I’m happy because not everybody is given the chance to act,” says Bianca of her showbiz career. “I was given a break — (and) a good project that many appreciate.”
Juanita Banana has given Bianca the opportunity to go beyond the beauty queen image. She is as normal as everybody else who has dreams like entering show business. Yes, Juanita Banana’s finale is inevitable. But the sweet journey of Bianca to show business has just begun.