Another acting test for Sarah

MANILA, Philippines - Sarah Lahbati is smiling from ear to ear these days. Her moments of doubt coupled with that distressing thought of elusive stardom have totally vanished like smoke in thin air. You see, after having landed Kokak, a title role project on GMA 7, which recently-concluded with considerable high ratings in the afternoon block, Sarah prepares for another TV series that puts her acting to an acid test anew.

The huge show, as Sarah puts it, is titled Makapiling Kang Muli (formerly called Rancho Paradiso). It is a love story that requires her to pit talents mainly with Carla Abellana and Richard Gutierrez. Phillip Salvador, Mark Gil, Rio Locsin and Gloria Romero, on the other hand, are among the veteran stars in the cast who inspire Sarah to perfectly immerse herself into the character.

“It’s a challenge, of course, but I embrace it (the project) as a blessing,” says Sarah. “Honestly, the pressure was all over me when I learned about the new show, given the fact that I’d be working for the first time with most of them. But later, I found out that there’s nothing to worry or be nervous about. Everyone is kind and supportive.”

Sarah admits she felt awkward when she came face to face with Richard for the first time. “I guess, it’s because I never work with him yet but we got to talk na naman. He’s cool, very professional and nice.”

Although tapings haven’t started ‘til this day, the GMA Artist Center talent spends her time attending rigorous acting workshops in preparation for the dramatic scenes far different from the fantasy-drama soap she recently starred in. It was Pen Medina, she shares, who taught and gave pointers during their recently-held acting exercises.

“Aside from acting styles, we get to move comfortably and at ease with one another, nawawala talaga ‘yung ilangan.”

Horse-back riding is another must in her “to learn pronto” list. Together with Rio and Carla, they have started taking actual lessons in riding a horse in Tagaytay.

“I found out that you can’t just ride a horse kasi gusto mo lang. The horse should also feel comfortable with you, nangingilala sila. So, if a horse bows his head, then that means you’re welcome.”

It didn’t take long, Sarah adds, that she and Heaven Sent (a male horse) get along just fine. “Masaya. Everything went well and it is also Heaven Sent that we will be using during tapings.”

Her parents, Abdel and Esther, are equally happy as regards to their daughter’s acting career. Her dad, who is in Switzerland most of the time, looks forward to the start of the show. “Excited s’ya kasi may bago na naman daw s’yang aabangan sa Internet,” Sarah quips.

Aside from acting, it is singing that gives Sarah a different high. Just recently, she had a Valentine concert in Geneva, her hometown in Switzerland, with Enzo Pineda and Derrick Monasterio.

“I also love singing that’s why I do practice every week and every time I sing in Party Pilipinas, wow, it makes me happy.”

She, too, plans to continue her studies as soon as her schedule permits.

“I’m thinking about taking up psychology or a filmmaking course in college hopefully next year.”

How does she feel now that everything is turning out rosy for her?

“I appreciate all the blessings that I’ve been receiving and I thank God for making things happen for me. I hope and pray that I can live up to the challenge of being in showbiz,” she replies.