Back in each other?s arms for good?

By Joseph Peter R. Gonzales

Paano Ba Ang Mangarap lead stars Jennylyn Mercado and Mark Herras are equally excited with the idea that they are working together again after a long time.

?I?m happy and flattered at the same time that our home studio chose us to headline this project. It only shows that they still believe in our teamup despite the fact that we are now leading separate lives. A lot of kibitzers say that there is still spark in our love team and it?s evident in our scenes together. They say that the kilig factor is still present which we see as a positive indication that the show will rate well,? Jennylyn said.

?It?s heartening to see the production team as well as onlookers get tickled pink whenever the scene requires us to be sweet to each other. It?s the same reception we got from the fans when our love team was just starting. It simply feels good,? added Mark.

Asked if there were changes in their work habits, Jen said, ?I noticed that Mark is more mature now. He?s more focused on his craft. He?s no longer the kiti-kiti type that he used to be. You can see his serious side this time which makes him more exciting to work with.?

?Actually, there?s no change in our working relationship,? Mark beamed. ?Jen and I have this built-in chemistry that even if we didn?t see each other for a long time, we?ll always feel relaxed instantly once we?re together again. With Jen, we don?t need to adjust unlike when we?re paired with other stars. And I must say she has grown a lot as a performer.?

Jen explained, ?I?m playing the role originally done by Vilma Santos. It?s no easy task since in the story she has to go through a lot to show a variety of emotions. We were given DVD copies [of the movie] before the actual taping so we could study the character we?re going to portray and I can say that Vilma?s portrayal of Lissa was splendid.?

For Mark, the role of Eric (Christopher de Leon in the original film version) is very demanding.

?That?s why I?m so focused on the character. I don?t want to disappoint Joel [Lamangan, the director of the show]. I always come to the set on time and prepared. It?s a different Mark viewers will see here!?

He has scenes where he goes topless and obviously, we saw an improvement in his physique. But the handsome heartthrob stressed this doesn?t mean he?ll go sexier in his future screen outings.

?In the first place, it?s not my plan to sport a sexy image in the coming days. The reason why I want to develop my body is because it?s needed for my job as an actor. Like here in the soap where I have a bed scene with Chynna [Ortaleza] and my chest is exposed. The scene calls for it and what a shame if my chest hasn?t improved yet even a bit, right? As I mature, it?s my responsibility to take good care of my looks,? Mark explained.

Ai Ai and Sharon in a movie?

That would be a casting coup, if it would push through. Ai Ai de las Alas revealed recently of the plan to make movie with the star we fondly call Mega?that?s Sharon Cuneta for Star Cinema.

?Actually, it all started during her last birthday special at the Araneta Coliseum. Remember, we performed a production number which became a hit with the audience? Ma?am Charo [Santos] and Tita Malou [Santos] enjoyed it a lot and instantly, they thought of coming up with a project for me and Mega. According to them, we have rapport,? Ai Ai related.

It seems the two are members of a mutual admiration society. ?We?re fine! For one, she likes me and I also like her. In fact, she told me that all of my films are stored in her iPod along with her own movies and other English titles. I hope we start shooting soon. I?m sure our combination will be a blast!?

Ai Ai?s only wish is, ?The public won?t get tired of me soon! I know that God has given me this comedic gift which is just like magic. I can?t explain why the public buy my antics and turn every endeavor I enter in this field a triumph. So I always pray that I won?t lose that magic in the passing of times because once they stop supporting your projects, that?s it.?

No hard feelings

According to Sarah Geronimo, she won?t feel bad if she wouldn?t bring home the Box-office Queen crown this year. She?s a strong contender as A Very Special Love, her first team-up with John Lloyd Cruz, raked in tons of money last year.

?Actually, the title is just a bonus. What?s more important is that the movie was received warmly by the public. I?m already happy with that fact. I will respect who will be proclaimed as this year?s Box-office Queen,? she says.

She and John Lloyd will be seen next in the light romance You Changed My Life in A Moment. Many are curious to know if during the course of the filming, she had a real crush on her leading man.

?Well, who wouldn?t? Since it?s our second movie, I got to know John Lloyd more. He?s really kind, easy to deal with, professional and of course, good-looking!?

Isn?t she afraid that the John Lloyd-Bea Alonzo fanatics will get mad at her?

?I don?t see the reason why. It?s just work. I?m not snatching John Lloyd from Bea. I?m sure Bea understands because that?s also the case when she gets to work with other leading men,? the Pop Princess states.