Princess Punzalan is back in Kapamilya grounds via the prime time soap The Story of Us top-billed by Kim Chiu and Xian Lim.
“Yes! I’m really excited. It’s a nice development since I missed working with ABS-CBN. Imagine, 15 years after Mula sa Puso! That’s quite some time already. It just feels good to be back,” she avers.
Her Selina character in Mula sa Puso is simply unforgettable and became the yardstick in portraying the modern villainess on screen.
“Wow! Thank you. I must admit that until now, that character is still associated with me everywhere I go. That’s why when ABS sent me a character sketch of the role I would portray in The Story of Us, I felt super-excited. Apart from the fact that I miss acting before the cameras, I was looking for a new challenge after my iconic portrayal of Selina.
“It’s good the Kapamilya management thought of casting me in The Story of Us. I’m the mother of Bryan Santos in the soap. It’s a ‘contravida’ part but I’ll attack it in another way. That’s where the challenge lies. It should be a fresh take that would stir excitement among viewers.”
People are curious if she didn’t feel rusty in breathing life to a bad character again considering that it’s been a long time ago since she did Mula sa Puso.
“Oh, I didn’t. Actually, I’m already used to the public’s expectation that whenever I have the opportunity to act on screen despite my current status in which I’m based in the States, it will always be a villainess part. I’m just so happy to be part of the soap. Everybody knows that acting is my passion. I’m grateful to be given the chance once again to share my talent with the audience.
“In fact, I told my husband that it’s different when you’re passionate about something. In my case, acting is my first love. It doesn’t matter if you lack sleep due to the taping schedule which at times reaches until the wee hours of the morning. If I really want to do a project, I will amidst the inconveniences or challenges in exchange.”
Speaking of her husband, Princess reveals her marriage was the reason why she had to temporarily leave the ‘biz then.
“That’s right. There are various times or seasons in our lives. When I married him during those times, I opted to shy away from the limelight to concentrate on being a homemaker. I had to prioritize it so I migrated to the US. But once in a while, I take vacations in the Philippines and accept guest stints in some shows. The last before this one is GMA’s Yagit.”
Until when will she be in the country with her inclusion in The Story of Us?
“I can’t really say at this point but definitely, it’ll be longer since I’m doing a soap opera which lasts for months.”
Lastly, how is it working with Kim and Xian?
“I only have good words for them. They’re serious with their craft. Actually, I love the whole production because everyone is so professional. Our working atmosphere is so positive and light,” ends Princess.
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Jona officially sheds light on the issue that she is the root cause why her group La Diva (along with Aicelle Santos and Maricris Garcia) was disbanded.
“Well, I guess there comes a point when you feel you need to grow as an artist. You have to move on to better your craft. So, I arrived to the decision that I would go back to being a solo singer. But actually, it was the management’s decision as well since for some time, we became stagnant. I think, it bore positive results for the three of us considering the opportunities which came our way after that,” she states.
Would she say she’s still friends with her two former group mates?
“Of course, although we’re not as close as before when La Diva was still intact. On my part, I’ve never and will never say anything offensive against them. I respect both Aicelle and Maricris.”
The talented songstress, who just turned Kapamilya is glad with this new phase in her career.
“I’m thankful because they’ve lined-up projects for me right away. I sang the theme song of the new soap We Will Survive starring Ms. Pokwang and Ms. Melai Cantiveros. I’m also one of the official interpreters in the upcoming Himig Handog plus my maiden album for Star Records is already in the works,” says Jona.
