Acting nice, then with spice
Young celebs bid tweetum goodbye
Six years after “Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts” bid viewers sayonara, its stars Bea Binene, Derrick Monasterio, and Kristoffer Martin reunite on the small screen for special roles on “Dragon Lady.”
Bea plays Almira, a beautiful and smart woman who is determined to fulfill her dream of having her own business.
Derrick is the son of a wealthy Chinese family. His subservience to his parents and lack of willpower to fight for his sweetheart caused their break-up.
Kristoffer as Bryan is Almira’s loyal friend who loves her unconditionally. They eventually marry.
The three play significant characters in the lives of Celestina Sanchez (Janine Gutierrez) and Michael Chan (Tom Rodriguez).
In an interview, the young stars were asked how different their roles here are from those on shows they’ve done before.
For Bea, it’s her first time to do a mother role.
“And the story is different. My character got raped, impregnated. It’s far different from the love story and family drama shows I did before,” she said.
Kristoffer thinks the challenging part is working again with Bea and Derrick.
“I believe we all have matured. I mean, we’re not anymore the teenagers so I want to see through our characterizations how we have evolved.”
Derrick has intimate scenes with Bea.
“Fortunately, it was easier than expected because we’re already comfortable with each other, so we were able to tell each other when we felt something was wrong,” he shared.
Bea cleared, though, that those can’t be called bed scenes.
“We’re just literally in bed and doing scenes while we’re that close to each other,” she explained.
“Dragon Lady” airs its pilot episode today on GMA Network.
Reminiscing
Derrick remembered that back when they were younger, they didn’t seem to have firm plans.
For instance, he only joined show business so he could earn money to buy nice shoes and a car.
“But now, after some years, our priorities have changed, even our outlook in life,” he related.
The young actor-model never imagined he’ll be regarded a hunk as “I was really conservative in school.” Bea echoed what Derrick said. “My point of view in life has really shifted. Before, I was only thinking about my career and how to stay in the business for as long as I can,” she explained. “Recently, however, I realized there’s so much more that life can offer.”
She is currently finishing her studies while managing her coffee business.
“Now, I know what I want and what I need to do.”
How else has “adulting” caught up with Bea? Well, the actress said that before, it was okay for her to work 24/7 nonstop even without sleep.
These days, no way. A cat nap between tapings, she said, does wonders.
Long run
Asked if they had ever thought of leaving show business at times, Kristoffer mumbled, “Who hasn’t?”
“But I believe God will not put you somewhere just for nothing,” he said. “Everyone has a purpose and you just have to wait for your time, for your turn. Just be patient.”
So what is his purpose?
“I still don’t know. I’m still finding that purpose but right now, I’m just so passionate with my craft. I want to act and do so many films. I’m at the point in my life that I want to prove myself and to be given the opportunity I deserve.”
Bea agreed with Kristoffer. She said there are also times when she thinks if she still has a place in the industry, given that there’s a new rising star every minute.
“I always tell myself to think of ideas on how to give anything I do with a distinct flavour. How do I stand out?” she said. “Doing this gives me the reason to stay because I make the audience watch out for my next projects.”
She gave a shout-out to her supporters.
“As long as there are people who believe in me, whether it’s GMA, my family or my supporters, I’ll keep going,” she noted. “I am where I am now because of them.”