MANILA, Philippines - It’s only been a little over two months since Eula Caballero was named grand winner of TV5’s Star Factor yet the 15-year-old Cebuana has already known how becoming an artista could really be life changing.
“Before, when I wake up in the morning, I just take a bath and head straight to school. Now, this is a completely different life. I have to fix myself, put a little makeup on and dress with a touch of fashion di lang basta jeans,” Eula shares. “And I’ve been watching my diet, too, to stay trim and fit.”
But she has no complaints. Eula knows her newfound career is an opportunity not everybody is blessed with. She was a few months shy of graduating from high school when she decided to temporarily stop schooling to further hone her acting potential.
“When Star Factor came, I thought long and hard because I have to choose between my studies and acting. The school is strict and I have to comply with the rules so I decided to stop. I promised my dad to go back to school next year. So, no regrets. Besides, TV5 is taking good care of me.”
This early, Eula has made her presence felt when she guested and displayed her dramatic talent in Star Confessions. She also showed her comedic flair in Hapi Together. In PO5, Eula is a picture of energy, as she moves to the beat like a typical teener.
“I’m happy with what I’m doing right now but honestly, I’m still adjusting (to being an actor). I know I have to do my best because I feel TV5 truly cares for me,” Eula says. “I am overwhelmed with the kind of treatment they are giving me, so in my mind I want to return the favor and to also make them proud. Ayoko magsisi sila na nag-invest sila sa akin.”
Initially, Eula thought showbiz is just all about acting. Thus, she welcomed the idea of attending acting workshops under Talent5 head direk Audie Gemora before taping started for her first starrer, Luv Crazy opposite Markki Stroem. It airs Sunday afternoons beginning tomorrow, Feb. 13.
But the half-Filipino, half-Spanish never expects “being an actor” also requires vocal talent and good dancing feet. Her voice she says, “really has to be polished” while her feet and body need a little more practice to move swiftly to booty-shaking beats.
Eula is also brushing up on her Tagalog. “I’ve been reading tabloids lately to be familiar with Tagalog words because in Cebu we speak either in Cebuano or English. It’s just sometimes, I am confused in some words na malalalim na pala at sobrang Tagalog gaya ng palikuran.”
How does she feel working with celebrities in PO5?
“They are all nice to me. At first, I’m really nervous to join them but when I saw everybody also sits on the floor, I felt comfortable kasi di naman pala sila maaarte. Ate Wilma (Doesnt) always makes us feel at ease and she jams with us newcomers.”
Is she also ready for some intrigues?
“Perhaps I need to be stronger because I am an emotional type. But if ever there are criticisms, I will accept them, whether good or bad, so as to better myself as a person.”