Why Anne can’t leave for US audition

MANILA, Philippines - “That was actually a pleasant surprise,” Anne says about the news that recently broke out that she got the approval of Bryan Fuller to do a cameo role in the second season of Hannibal. “I almost collapsed when I learned Mr. Bryan’s response (on Twitter), ‘Would love to! Anne is amazing!’”

Her name was suggested to the American screenwriter and TV producer via Twitter by Joyce Ramirez who heads Publicity Asia, responsible for the local promotion of the said US TV series now airing on cable channel AXN.

However, Anne cannot afford to leave the country that easily, knowing the tons of showbiz commitments she needs to fulfill, add to that her recently-sealed  endorsement deal for Wrigley’s Doublemint. “It’s flattering to hear such kind words. Nakakatuwa at nakakakilig. But I haven’t auditioned for anything yet. If given the time, I would go there and audition for it. I think, we all know that even for TV cameos, you have to audition.” And in her case, she has to take a leave first and fly to the US before she could audition.

“Unfortunately, with my commitment with Showtime, it would be impossible. Hindi pa siguro time.”

Besides, Anne deems it would be a giant leap to leave everything she has here to audition for the cameo role. The local showbiz scene remains to be her priority. Having been around in showbiz for 16 years now is also something Anne values. “It took me 16 years to get where I am today, it’s too hard for me to take a risk although it’s one of my dreams (to appear on a US TV series.) Siguro hindi pa muna, ang saya-saya pa dito sa Pilipinas.”

What Anne assures is her presence will continuously be felt by the viewers — be it on TV or in the movies. A megadose of high-octane positivism is all over her. No wonder, the madlang people in Showtime look forward to seeing her every day in the show in “consistently enthusiastic mood.” Still, there were days when that “lazy, feeling down moments” set in.

“I don’t know why,” regarding her high-energy feeling. “Probably, I got it from my mom. But there are days na medyo walang energy or I’m feeling a little sad, maybe I have personal problems. But I think Showtime also has a big effect on my life because it’s like a school that you go to every day and the laughter there is so infectious. Lahat ng kasama mo tawa ng tawa na kahit puyat ka mawawala talaga.”

Her fun, positive outlook fits her to be the endorser of Wrigley’s Doublemint. In a press statement, senior product manager Mary Rose Zamora stated, “She starts the fun and positive vibes in a group. She truly exudes the Doublemint positivity and confidence.”

Another proof that Anne could instantly rub her positive vibes on almost everybody is the four million who follow her on Twitter. Anne is thankful to them no end for tirelessly connecting with her. “It’s also a great way of getting instant feedback from my followers; kung napanuod nila yung Showtime or my movie. And when I have the time naman, I really try to connect with them.”

Possessing such a lovable persona, it would be hard to imagine that she, too, has been receiving negative comments in micro-blogging sites. But Anne is not the type who would react violently. She still keeps her cool when dealing with them. “As I always say, learn the art of dedma (read: To ignore). I don’t mind if it’s about me but when it comes to my family medyo pumapatol ako but (in a ) very light and charming (way). As much as possible, I try to avoid it na rin because those negative remarks come with the industry. You open yourself to the public when you created an Instagram or Twitter account. You just have to learn to block, delete or report abuse.”

Asked what more she wishes for, now that her career is in full swing, Anne  replies, “To do a concert again hahaha. There are so many things in life that I still want to do. Outside showbiz, yung sarili kong business naman which is something related to fashion or lipstick, mga ganun.

“Actually, I was able to fulfill one of my dreams this year. I enrolled again in an open university in Australia. In open university, it depends on what topic or what subject or bachelor you wanna take up that will put you in the right college. I did English Literature and then in the upcoming sem, I’ll be doing Early Education so Bachelor of Education. Yes, I want to be a pre-school teacher one day.”

With her tight schedule, Anne is aware it would be impossible for her to finish in four years but she is not one to lose heart. “That’s the whole point as it (the open university) encourages you to continue to pursue your studies kahit na in the long run ilang units na lang yung kukunin mo. To graduate in college is one of my dreams.”

Hopefully by June, Anne relates, she will be starting work for a new movie. It is a Chris Martinez film titled The Gifted. That’s all she could share for now, “baka kasi maudlot,” she reasons.

Come July, Anne will showcase her acting skills on Cinema One as its featured artist for the whole month. Included in the roster of movies to watch out for are such hits as Wag kang Lilingon, All About Love, Babe I Love You, Ang Cute ng Ina Mo and No Other Woman.