Teen girls out to say, LUV U!

MANILA, Philippines - It seems like only yesterday when they were seen clowning around, tickling funny bones and showing off their flair for acting on ABS-CBN’s Goin’ Bulilit, the longest-running kiddie TV gag show that consistently enjoys a sat- isfactory audience share for eight years now. Sharlene San Pedro, Alexa Ilacad, Mika dela Cruz and Sophia Baars bid the show goodbye two years ago as they welcomed teenhood.

But don’t ever think they now belong to the group of former child stars who have the reputation for losing stardom on the day the baby fats melt away. Their showbiz hiatus was only tempo- rary as the four girls, including three other Bulilit alumna Nash Aguas, Jairus Aquino and Kobi Vidanes, make their presence felt as they add spice and fla- vor to LUV U, the Kapamilya network’s Sunday teen show.

In fact, most teenagers who were able to watch the Bida Kapamilya Caravan Day at SM Skydome last July 6 clearly displayed how they missed them. Deaf- ening shrieks and wild cheers greeted the teen stars as they ascended on stage. The show was among the many treats of the Kapamilya network in celebration of its 60th anniversary. That Saturday afternoon was also filled with laughter with the performances from the cast of Goin’ Bulilit, Banana Split Extra Scoop and Toda Max.

Alexa, Sharlene, Mika and Sophia have bloomed into fine young ladies. They no longer run around the set nor play with their Barbie dolls. What remains are the girly talks and sweet giggles normal for any teen-aged girl. Although busy with work, all four still try to find time for their studies.

“We still go to school like ordinary teenagers. The only difference is that we have a lot of catching up to do but it’s okay because we know that education is important,” Mika says.

Mika is currently on Grade 9 at St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City. Sharlene attends her third year high school studies at His Sanctuary Chris- tian Academy, Sophia at V. Mapa High School and Alexa is Grade 9 at Living Heritage Academy under its home school program.

The STAR recently sat down with the girls while they were on a taping break on the set of LUV U.

Coming from a kiddie show, did you have to do lots of adjustments now that you are in a teen show?

Alexa: For me, I just need to prepare for my new role unlike before that we were just like playing on the set. Here, I need to be more conscious with my act- ing like the way I deliver my lines. But when it comes to my co-stars, there’s no need to adjust because we know each other very well.

Mika: (giggles as Alexa teases her for her pink lipstick) It’s good that we were already trained to portray different roles in Goin' Bulilit — na may role kami dun na nanay, may crush na arteng pang mature na din so I think the only adjust- ment is to effectively show kilig mo- ments needed for loveteam. I’m now 14 years old so medyo aware na din naman; normal naman kiligin sa crush.

What are the challenges of portraying your character?

Sharlene: My character Shirley Ber- nardo is close to the real me — probinsyana na may konting pagka-boyish kung kumilos — the only thing challenging for me is to give the right emotion when facing some teenage problems. LUV U will not only focus on young love but it will also tackle teenage issues like school and family problems and dealing with peers.

Mika: I find Marge too tough on herself because she always likes to be the best so yun ang challenge — to show how pressured she is when it comes to school work. In real-life kasi chill lang ako.

Alexa: Voice intonation. I sometimes find it hard to deliver my lines with a se- rious tone. Nadala ko pa yung pambatang bitaw sa Goin’. It’s also hard to keep my- self from laughing especially when Kuya Bentong and Kuya Smokey (Manaloto) are around.

It’s normal for teenagers to have a crush, is there anyone that makes you blush?

Mika: Yes! Mario Maurer and Coco Martin.

Alexa: For me, it’s Enchong Dee.

Sharlene: Kuya DJ (Daniel Padilla) ang galing n’ya.

Sophia: Lee Min Ho (The Korean star who recently visited Manila).

Name the actors whom you look up to.

Mika: Angelica Panganiban (then shows a picture of Angelica on her celfone) Sobrang idol ko s’ya. Also Angel Locsin and of course, my ate Angelika (dela Cruz). Sa guys, John Lloyd Cruz and Coco Martin.

Alexa: I like Dawn Zulueta and Gina Pareño. Among the new stars, I admire Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes and Maja Salvador.

Sophia: My favorite is Vilma Santos. I always watch her movies.

Sharlene: I like ate Judy Ann Santos’ acting style and from the present gen- eration, Kim Chiu, Kathryn and Julia, mga kasabay namin sa Goin’.

Aside from acting, is there any other talent you would like to show?

Mika: My singing talent. Actually, I started as a singer but I wasn’t able to pursue it so I wish to show my ability to sing once again.

Alexa: I look forward to the day that I will be able to show my talent in sing- ing and dancing.

Sophia: Singing. I just discovered lately that I’m good at it.

Sharlene: Playing the guitar just like Yeng Constantino. I know how to play with my guitar some of her songs like Hawak Kamay and Chinito.

Is there competition among you?

Mika: Meron, paunahan kaming pumayat (laughs). Aside from that wala talaga; we’re friends.

Going back to LUV U, what do you think televiewers can expect from the show with you as new members of the cast?

Sharlene: They can pick a lesson or two in every episode as we will tackle the different issues teenagers are dealing with. They will also see the fun side of being a teenager.

Alexa: I’m sure most of them can relate to the show as we will let them realize that if there are things that they don’t understand like di sila napansin ng magulang, don’t ever think they don’t love them anymore.