The President’s term ends today. We are not referring to President Aquino, but to President Leonora Clarissa Jacinto – the character that Eula Valdez plays in the morning teleserye “Princess in the Palace” which airs before the top-rating noontime show “Eat Bulaga.”
Eula is a staunch supporter of incoming President Rodrigo Duterte. In fact, she nearly shaved her head when the long-time Davao mayor said he will back out of the presidential race. She also voted for Senator Alan Peter Cayetano who lost the vice-presidential post to Leni Robredo. The actress added that she admires what he has done in Davao.
The Gawad Urian 2014 winner for “Dagitab” is part of the new show “Calle Siete” which replaces “Princess in the Palace.” In “Calle Siete,” she is reunited with Christian Vasquez who plays her husband and Ryzza Mae Dizon who plays their neighbor in their area called Mabuhay Compound.
“I am just lucky to be a part of this new show,” said Eula who denies she is an exclusive artist of APT Entertainment, the sister company of TAPE, Inc. that produces “Eat Bulaga.”
She is happy to be in the show even if her partner Rocky Salumbides, who is in “Princess in the Palace,” is not. “Baka mamaya sabihin na naman nila package deal kami. Wala naman problem kung di siya kasali. Baka magkaproblema lang kung isasali siya,” said Eula.
She also welcomes having a cut-off for working hours spent in shootings and tapings. “I am willing to adjust my schedule even if I have a cut-off time. I appreciate that they ask me if I am willing to extend my working hours. I understand it naman if there is really a need for it to finish a scene. I am also happy if we get to finish work early since everyone gets home early as well.”
“More than anything, people who have work like ours need to sleep and rest. Yung iba kasi kaya napapabayaan ang health nila, komo puyat, dinadaan na lang sa pagkain. Naririnig ko yun sa kanila, pag puyat sila sasabihin nila kain tayo. Pero hindi tamang pagkain. Feeling nila pag pagod at puyat sila, kailangan kumain. Actually, kung kailangan magpahinga, kailangan matulog kasi yun ang kulang.”
She has yet to get a movie offer. And she doesn’t mind if a show she’s part of is aired on the primetime, daytime or morning slot. “What is good is that we have work,” said Eula.
In “Calle Siete,” she plays the role of an OFW named Sheila who is married to Mark (Christian), also an OFW. They come home after working abroad to build their dream house. But since their Lola Nitz (Gloria Sevilla) is in danger of losing her property, Sheila and Mark decided to use their money for their dream house to help Lola Nitz out of her financial woes. That’s when Sheila becomes the administrator of Mabuhay Compound, where a lot of good stories abound.
Eula says “Calle Siete” is a lighter acting assignment compared to “Princess in the Palace.”
“I am a simple housewife, no longer the President of the Philippines,” she said.
“Calle Siete” starts airing on Monday, June 13 at 11:30 a.m. before “Eat Bulaga.” Directed by Monti Parungao, it is a show that will tackle neighborhood issues and nosy neighbors for some good vibes every morning.
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