ROCHELLE PANGILINAN turned 29 on May 23 and she celebrated her birthday at the grand presscon of “Amaya” where she plays Marikit, title roler Marian Rivera’s half sister who’s her rival over Sid Lucero as Bagani. “O, bongga ang birthday celebration ko, di ba?” she laughs. And what’s her birthday wish? “Maging number one sa rating ang ‘Amaya’ at ma-extend kami up to the 3rd and 4th season.”
Didn’t she have any second thoughts playing villain to Marian when she did lead roles in “Daisy Siete” before? “None. Nagkontra na rin naman ako sa kanya before in ‘Darna’ as a manananggal. And I feel so proud to be part of a show this big. On my first taping day, ako mismo, nalula sa mga ginastos dito. Properly explained naman why I resent Amaya as she’s our dad Raymond Bagatsing’s favorite kahit anak lang siya sa labas sa isang alipin, when I’m the legitimate eldest daughter sa legal wife na si Gina Alajar. I also prepared for my role dito kasi topless kami kaya nag-diet ako’t nag-exercise para okay ang figure ko.” Now managed by Perry Lansigan, Rochelle also doesn’t hide that she’s playing beautiful music with Arthur Solinap. Any wedding plans? “None yet. Pareho kaming marami pang pangarap para sa pamilya namin.”