“Naku, tigilan na yan as it’s not true. There’s nothing wrong with being linked to Derek as he’s A-list, he’s hot, but there’s really nothing going on between us. Ni hindi pa nga kami nakapag-holding hands,” she laughs.
So why were they linked? “Kasi nga, nataong pareho kaming nasa London, may nag-conclude na magkikita kami doon. We did see each other, but only once. We’re supposed to have dinner with his manager, Joji Dingcong, but I came late. Tapos na sila, so we were just together for about ten minutes and goodbye na. I first met Derek sa Star Magic Ball in 2009, then sa TV5 na when he moved and I interviewed him. Pinakamatagal kaming nagkasama sa States when TV5’s international arm was launched. Nagkasama kami pati sa shopping, then people assumed kami na nga. When I saw him in London, tawa kami ng tawa. Even my mom called me, Hoy, ano? Magkasama raw kayo diyan ni Derek araw-araw. I assured her hindi kami magkasama at all.”
Is she accompanying her mom for stem cell therapy in Germany come October? “No, it’s Richard who’s going with her. I can’t leave because ‘Enchanted Garden’ is extended up to 15 weeks. When I left for Europe, ginawa nila kong puno, so ayoko namang mangyari uli yun.”
Why did she agree to play the villain, Queen Valeriana? “Why not? I took it as a challenge. Goddess of water ako rito na dahil sa pag-ibig kay Zoren Legaspi, naging masama. But I will be redeemed in the end. It’s a difficult role, huh. I’m such a jolly person so it’s hard for me to be so matapang and mataray. Nakaka-stress. Naaawa nga ako doon sa little kids na inaapi ko in the show. I say sorry to them after each take.”
Who’s her peg as villain, her mom? “Naku, si Mommy naman is all bark, no bite. Valeriana is ruthless, all bite, so I have to change my character to be credible as her. But I love ‘Enchanted Garden’ kasi it fosters caring for the environment. Maganda rin ang bonding namin ng whole cast and staff so I’m glad we’re extended.”
Does she miss hosting a showbiz talk show like ‘Paparazzi’? “Of course, I miss it. Sa daldal ko ba namang ito. But I have no regerets leaving it. O, where is it now, di ba? I’m sure in the future, mabibigyan uli ako ng ganyang show.”