Inah Estrada and Akihiro Blanco definitely impressed the viewers with their initial team-up in Wattpad Presents latest week-long episode titled “The Nerdy Girl Turns into a Hottie Chick.”
“I’m glad that the public liked our offering,” says Aki. “I guess Inah and I have natural on- screen chemistry. It helped to make our acting more natural. Considering that it was our first time to work together, everything went fine. We were able to do what was expected of us.”
and Akihiro Blanco
“That’s right,” seconds Inah. “Our material is light, funny and romantic. I believe Aki and I delivered. We gave justice to our respective role.”
With Janice de Belen and John Estrada as parents, was Inah scared that people would compare her to them?
“Well, I know that it’s inevitable especially since they are both very good actors,” she states. “But they are supportive of me—that’s the good thing. They encourage me to just give it my best. My parents give me tips and I’m happy that I got their work ethics and dedication as artists. I know that I still have a long way to go but having them by my side gives me a good head start in the race, so to speak.”
Many are asking if Aki was intimidated on learning that he’d be paired with Inah?
“At first, I really felt the pressure,” he admits. “Well who wouldn’t? She’s the daughter of two seasoned performers. But Inah is easy to deal with. We jibed right away. I guess that helped to make our work easier.”
“That’s true!” adds Inah. “For one, Aki is fun to work with. He is a jester on the set. He is like a stress-buster. I really enjoyed doing this project with him, my first for TV 5!”
Some quarters are asking as well if Aki wouldn’t find his career progress slow since his Artista Academy days.
“No, I don’t feel that way,” he explains. “So far, I’m happy with the way management is handling my career. I’m a regular in Tropang Moko Unli Scoop with Ms. Gelli de Belen and Mr. Ogie Alcasid. I was also part of the highly successful Madame Chairman with Ms. Sharon Cuneta.
“I give my full trust to TV 5 when it comes to my career. They know what’s best for me. Actually, I like it this way, slowly but surely. At least, when I don’t have a regular show, they still give me exposure like this edition of Wattpad Presents.”
This is also the reason why he doesn’t entertain the thought of a rivalry between him and fellow Artista Academy alumnus Mark Neumann. Many pit them against each other.
“I know! But Mark and I, we’re good pals. There’s no rivalry between us. We’re happy for each other especially when one has a new project. So I hope people would stop comparing us with each other,” ends Akihiro.
*****
at GMA Network
Now that she’s back as a Kapuso, Ai Ai delas Alas admits her elation and pride.
“It’s simply overwhelming,” she says. “I spent nine years here before I moved to the rival network. Now, I feel happy and awesome. The bosses accepted me back with warmth. I’m touched that they never forgot that I was once a Kapuso. That’s why I promise to make everyone happy with my comeback here in the GMA lot!”
The A-1 comedienne pointed out that there’s no bad blood between her and ABS-CBN.
“Actually, everything went smoothly when I sought their permission. I thanked them for taking good care of me for fourteen years. I’ll forever be grateful for that.”
Among the GMA stars, who does she want to work with in the coming days?
“Well, there’s my twin sister Marian (Rivera)! I starred with in the film Kung Fu Divas. Among the males, I want Dennis (Trillo) who is not only good-looking but a good actor as well. I think I will also be doing a TV show opposite Ryzza Mae Dizon. I’m also part of the new soap titled Let the Love Begin headlined by Gabbi Garcia and Ruru Madrid. This early, I’m really excited!” reveals Ai Ai.