Maja all set for her sexiest role yet

MANILA, Philippines - When Maja Salvador was tapped to play a sexy dancer named Mia Sandoval in the latest ABS-CBN drama offering Bridges of Love, no ifs and buts were heard from her. Neither her being a second choice for the role made her want to back out from the show. The Kapamilya actress wholeheartedly accepted the project with her mind solely focused on the new acting task.

“I am lucky that the role was given to me because the show is a big project of ABS-CBN,” says Maja on portraying the character that she considers her most daring and “bravest” career move so far. She has been around showbiz for over a decade now.

According to Maja, the role was originally meant for Anne Curtis who was then tied up with a lot of showbiz commitments, among them were Dyesebel. “Actually, many other actresses were considered for the part until it was offered to me and I gladly accepted it. Lagi din naman ganun, I always did roles na second choice ako but so far ‘di pa ko nagkamali sa pag-tanggap ng role. As I’ve said, this is a big project and I’d like those types that are challenging.”

Besides, the second choice always turns out to be the better choice. In fact, even her co-star Jericho Rosales swears that Maja is perfect for the role.

“First choice doesn’t always mean the best choice,” says Jericho. “Maja is the best choice for the role.

“It’s tough to show a different side onscreen. It’s not a role na pwedeng dalhin ng kung sino lang and the role (Mia) requires depth at kaya ni Maja ’yun… it’s a whole new thing. There’s so much strength in the character.”

The drama series’ teaser alone visibly reflected Maja’s ability to plunge and lose herself in the character. In it, Maja is seen in a two-piece bikini while performing a sexy dance number. It was her first time to do such an act for a TV soap.

“I may be used to dancing onstage like in ASAP but it’s a different feeling when you have to do a sensual dance before an all-male audience with their eyes fixed on you,” shares Maja. “Good thing, our director (Richard Somes, one of the three directors) and the staff always make sure that only those who are involved with the scene can stay inside the club. Nakakailang rin kasing gumiling ng maraming nakatingin.”

But Maja hastens to add that her character is not all about being sexy. The story behind her character’s fully made-up persona can certainly make anyone cry buckets. Thus, expect Maja to pit acting talents with leading men Jericho and Paulo Avelino. 

Asked to comment on Maja’s acting, Henry Quitain of Star Creatives, the production outfit handling the show, replies, “After The Legal Wife, she was suddenly elevated to a different level and it is seldom for an actor who has the capacity to handle an edgy role that would still be acceptable to the viewers. Maja is one of those actresses who has the ability to make an emotional connection with the audience; kaya n’yang magpa-empathize sa audience.”

Paulo, too, has nothing but praises for the 26-year-old actress. “I’ve watched Maja in Thelma but it’s a lot different when we shot a scene together in the bar. I noticed her range (as an actress); ang lawak pala ng range na kayang gawin ni Maja.”

And what did Maja discover from Jericho and Paulo as actors? Maja says Jericho has already proven his mettle in acting particularly in his role as Adrian in The Legal Wife where they share top billing with Angel Locsin. In their new teleserye, Maja has observed that Jericho has become more intense.

As for Paulo, Maja notes, “We’ve worked together in Status: Complicated but we never got the chance to do a scene together. That’s why, I’m excited at what I can learn from Paulo. Di ba kasi bilang artista marami ka ring natututunan sa artistang kasama mo.”

(Bridges of Love also stars Edu Manzano, Carmina Villarroel, Max Eigenmann, Antoinette Taus, Maureen Mauricio, Lito Pimentel, John Manalo, Janus del Prado, William Lorenzo, Joross Gamboa and Malou de Guzman. It will air weeknights beginning March 16.)