Louise: The hard work pays off

MANILA, Philippines - Kapuso star Louise delos Reyes is elated that her latest starrer Kambal Sirena, which airs weeknights on the GMA Telebabad primetime block, has earned positive reviews on social media even with the threat of another show on the rival network with the same theme — sirenaserye.

“It’s overwhelming. I’m so happy because all our efforts are paying off. We are doing everything just to give viewers a show worth-watching,” Louise told The STAR during a recent pocket interview.

Giving life to a mermaid and portraying twin characters thrill her no end. She is aware how challenging the role is. She didn’t want to be a mere copycat of mermaid portrayals in the past that’s why she avoided watching mermaid movies.

“As much as possible, I want to have my own style. I also do my own stunts,” she claimed.

The GMA Artist Center talent said that when the Kambal Sirena project landed on her lap last year, it was the only time she became conscious of her physical health. Louise then enrolled in a circuit training program (to tone her body) even though she wasn’t really advised to do so.

“Hindi naman nila ako sinabihan but I think I have to be mindful about my health because before, I didn’t care about dieting. I always ate in fast-food outlets and I didn’t work out. I just played volleyball and badminton but I never went to the gym. I used to tell myself that ‘kaya ko naman (maging fit).’ I grew up always wearing clothes with long sleeves. Later on, I realized that I’m not a kid anymore na palaging nakasuot nang balot na balot like ‘ay, bawal po ako dyan.’”

To complement her workout regimen, Louise now goes for more fruits and vegetables in her diet, limits her servings of rice and bread, and avoids softdrinks and sweets.

The 20-year-old, however, admitted that she’s still not ready to pose for a men’s magazine even if she’s already comfortable wearing an almost topless costume in Kambal Sirena. “I’m not closing my doors naman po. I think, for now, it’s still not part of my plans.”

Kapuso hunk Aljur Abrenica is Louise’s new loveteam partner (according to rumors, they are also an item in real life). She said Aljur influenced her on the spiritual aspect since they have been paired. “Nahahawa nga ako sa kanya. Ako kasi I have the tendency to forget saying a prayer before every meal. But now, we make it a point to pray before the start of our take. I feel blessed the whole day, ang gaan sa pakiramdam,” noted Louise.

She added, “Aljur is very focused in the sense that he internalizes his character kung paano niya mapapaganda ang atake dito.”

“Nakaka-distract eh,” quipped Louise about Aljur’s prominent abs, adding that as much as possible she avoids staring at his body whenever they have scenes together.

Asked if Aljur is someone she can possibly fall in love with, Louise quickly said, “Yes, definitely! Because he’s very sweet, kung paano siya makisama sa akin, how he cares for me while on the set, inaalalayan niya ako even if he’s not expected to do so. Basta he’s caring.”