Justin Gonzales Got Break in Maria la del Barrio

Newcomer Justin Gonzales shared that he was so surprised when he learned that he had a role in the teleserye Maria La Del Barrio as the childhood friend and secret admirer of lead star Erich Gonzales. In an interview with ABS-CBN.com, the 19 year-old said he hopes more people will take notice of him in this teleserye. “Sobrang masaya and excited pero at the same time kinakabahan kasi malaking role. I just hope other bigger opportunities will come. Lagi naman akong nagdadasal for more blessings. I trust naman ABS-CBN that they know what’s best for me. Every time naman na binibigyan ako ng work I always give my best.”



He added that to be paired with Erich is such a big honor and he currently enjoys spending time with the actress on the set. “Nakilala ko siya nung nag-guest ako sa Magkaribal. Hindi kami masyadong nakapagkwentuhan dun. But here in Maria La Del Barrio since laging magkasama ‘yung mga characters namin mas madalas ko siyang makausap sa set. She’s fun to be with.”



Justin had done a few guest appearances in various ABS-CBN programs like in a couple episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya. He was discovered by Star Magic when he used to be a part of an all-male dance group that used to serve as back up for Joross Gamboa and Gerald Anderson. “I was a backup dancer of Joross, magkasama kami ni Gerald noon. Before pa nun mag-PBB si Gerald. Then after mag-PBB ni Gerald, ‘yung grupo nag-backup naman for him. Dun ako na-discover ng manager ko ngayon and he recommended me sa Star Magic.”



As he aspires to someday follow in the footsteps of Gerald and other Kapamilya hot leading men, Justin doesn’t want people to think that he is intentionally emulating his good friend. “Gerald is Gerald na. I want to achieve rin kung ano ‘yung na achieve niya pero gusto ko rin magkaroon ng sarili kong name.”



Justin explained that he feels he is at the right age to do kissing scenes should it be required in Maria La Del Barrio. But if he has to take his shirt of for a scene, he said he needs time to work out. “Open naman ako for kissing scenes. Pero kung maghuhubad hindi pa ready ‘yung katawan ko kasi payat pa ako ngayon. I need to start working out muna.”



Source: www.abs-cbn.com

Jake Roxas on Maria la del Barrio

Jake Roxas started out in showbiz during the late ‘90s doing teenybopper roles. He was said to be on his way to leading man status just like Richard Gomez and Aga Muhlach, but his career took a sudden setback and he faded away from the limelight.



After staging a comeback with Imortal, he’s now part of the upcoming teleserye Maria La Del Barrio top-billed by Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee. During the press conference of the drama series, Jake said he never regretted his decision to leave showbiz to become a family man. “Wala namang regret. May pinili kasi akong iba kaya hindi ko narating ‘yun. Hindi ko ginamit ‘yung aking baraha at pinili ko ‘yung mas maayos. Happy naman ako na nandito na ako as Kapamilya. Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa kanila. Natutuwa ako na natutuwa sila sa trabaho ko at nabibigyan pa rin nila ako ng trabaho.” Jake now has three kids aged fifteen, ten, and nine years old.



He explained that he wanted his kids to grow up with him always present instead of him being caught up in showbiz commitments. “Laki kasi ako sa lola. Nasanay akong wala ‘yung magulang ko. Ayoko namang mangyari rin ‘yun sa mga anak ko. Kaya iniwan ko ‘yung showbiz para makasama ko ‘yung mga anak ko.”



But he eventually missed acting, and when he decided to come back, he was fortunate enough to get help from Direk Chito Roño who got him two teleseryes. “Nung ready na ako mag-showbiz uli, I was lucky kasi nakita ako ni Direk Chito at inalok niya ako ng role sa Magkano ang Iyong Dangal?Sumunod dun ‘yung Imortal, at ngayon kasama ako sa Maria La Del Barrio. Mas happy akong magtrabaho ngayon kasi tunay acting ang gusto kong ipakita.”



Jake was asked to clear up the rumor that the reason he went missing from the limelight for a while was because of his attitude problem. The actor explained, “Nung time na ‘yun kasi, ‘yung manager ko galing sa advertising. Wala kami masyadong kakilala sa showbiz. E may mga natapakan, kaya ayun napaginitan kami. Hindi ko pa alam kung paano maglaro dati so maraming nambato. Bata pa ako nun. Pagbalik ko, humingi na rin ako ng sorry. Kaya ngayon nakabalik na ako.”



Source: www.abs-cbn.com

Enchong Dee Aims to Gain People's Respect

Sa The Buzz ay very general si Enchong Dee sa kanyang sagot nang tanungin siya ng host ng show na si Charlene Gonzalez hinggil sa taong nagpapasaya sa kanya ngayon. “Of course my family and some other people,” pa-safe na tugon ng aktor na gaganap bilang si Luis Fernando sa Filipino adaptation ng Mexicanovela hit, Maria la del Barrio. Nali-link ngayon si Enchong kay Julia Montes pero itinatanggi ng dalawa na sila na nga.



Sa buhay nga raw niya ngayon, kung mayroon pa siyang mahihiling, ito ay respeto mula sa ibang tao. “I always tell them you don’t have to admire me, hindi mo naman ako kailangang magustuhan. Kailangan ko lang ng respect ng isang tao kasi bilang artista ginagawa mo ‘yung trabaho mo, ginagawa mo ‘yung best mo. Ang sini-share mo ‘yung kalahati ng buhay mo sa kanila.”



Nang tanungin kung ano ang hindi pa alam ng tao tungkol sa kanya, ang sagot ni Enchong, “I’m very normal.” Pagbibigay niya ng halimbawa may mga araw daw na kapag walang ginagawa ay nasa bahay lang siya at buong araw na hindi siya naliligo. “’Yung mga ganong bagay na you get to show the people hindi porket andito kami sa estadong ito kumbaga extraordinary na kami.”



Kahit nga unti-unti nang may napatutunayan si Enchong sa showbiz, patuloy pa rin ang pagiging achiever niya sa akademya. Pagka-graduate kasi niya ay nag-enroll si Enchong ng post-graduate studies o masteral degree pero hindi niya ito maipag-patuloy dahil sa kanyang hectic ng showbiz schedule. “Gusto ko talagang mag-stay sa school. Sabi ko nga if I’m not doing what I’m doing now, I’m probably a teacher. Gusto ko ang environment ng school. Kelangan ko lang talagang i-stop because of the schedule kasi once you get a low grade, hindi mo na siya pwedeng mabawi.”



Sa isang nakaraang interview ay nabanggit ng aktor na bukas siya sa mundo ng pulitika pero sa ngayon, hangga’t nakatutulong raw siya sa kapwa ay hindi pa niya kailangang sumabak dito. “Mahirap ang mundo ng pulitika. Ang sabi ko nga my purpose of (wanting to enter) politics is to help other people. Baka naman pwede ka naman makatulong sa ibang tao na hindi pumapasok sa politics, ‘di ba mas maganda?”



Simula sa August 15 ay magsisimula na sa primetime bida ang teleserye nila ni Erich Gonzales na Maria la del Barrio. Inusisa ni Charlene kung bakit hindi sila nagkatuluyan ni Erich. Ipinaliwanag ni Enchong na ayaw niyang maapektuhan ang trabaho nila. Siya raw kasi ang tipo ng tao na very transparent at alam niyang kung mayroon silang ‘di pagkakaunawaan ni Erich ay lalabas ito sa kanyang pag-arte.



Source: www.push.com.ph

Angel Aquino on Maria la del Barrio

Angel Aquino is up for another kontrabida role in the upcoming teleserye Maria La Del Barrio. In last year’s drama Magkaribal, Angel made a mark among viewers as the greedy fashion queen Vera. The model-turned-award winning actress told reporters during the press conference of Maria La Del Barrio that when she accepted the role in Magkaribal, she never expected that she would receive rave reviews for her portrayal. “Kasi kapag tumanggap ako ng project o ng role ginagawa ko lang. Sa Magkaribal, hindi ko inasahan na magiging ganun katindi ‘yung reaction ng mga tao kay Vera.”

Now as Victoria in Maria La Del Barrio, an adaptation of a hit Mexican telenovela, Angel promised to give her best so as not to disappoint all the fans who loved her in Magkaribal. “I promise na ibibigay ko talaga lahat for the character. Kung hindi man niya mahigitan si Vera sa mapantayan man lang. Sana magustuhan ninyong lahat.”

As the villain in the teleserye, Angel did a scene where she had to push and slap Ai-Ai De Las Alas. The former confessed that at first she was very nervous about having to hurt the comedienne. “Nung una kinakabahan ako kasi akala ko masasaktan ko talaga siya. Pero game naman siya. Sabi niya ‘wag ko na raw intindihin siya, na gawin ko lang kung ano ‘yung kailangan kong gawin for the scene. Kahit papaano na relax ako. At least I know na hindi niya ako idedemanda kung sakaling nasaktan ko siya, ha ha ha!”

Maria La Del Barrio is top-billed by Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales with whom Angel also got to work with in Magkaribal. Having established a friendship with the two, the dramatic actress shared her observations on how the young stars act on the set. “The two of them have always been professional. When they get to the set at kailangang gumawa ng eksena, they get into their roles. Pero pagkatapos nun para lang mga batang may mga sariling mundo. Si Erich nanonood ng DVD, si Enchong naka-iPod.”

Angel was further asked if she thinks romance was blossoming between Enchong and Erich. The actress said she believes the two are just friends and added that for now, it is better if they will remain as such. “Mas enjoy akong nakikitang friends sila kasi walang friction on and off the set. Mas na-appreciate ko ‘yun. Kapag naging mag-on kasi sila, kapag nagka problem sila, mas mabigat ‘yun para sa aming lahat. Mas maganda yatang magkaibigan lang sila and I believe friends lang talaga sila ngayon.”

Source: www.push.com.ph

Assunta de Rossi on Maria la del Barrio

Last seen in an episode of Maalala Mo Kaya, Assunta de Rossi now plays the role of Sandra Hernandez, mother to Maria Hernandez in the local adaptation of the Mexican blockbuster telenovela Maria la Del Barrio. The series, which is set to start airing on August 15, is directed by Rory Quintos and Richard Somes.

“I’m very honored. I’m so happy kasi ang ganda ng project na ito. Ang ganda nung role at siyempre magaling ang director. Thankful naman ako na hindi ako pinabayaan ni Direk Rory. Talagang tinututukan naman niya ako. hindi niya ako titigilan hanggang makuha ko yung gusto niyang emotions so okay naman, maayos lang,” she said.

The 28-year-old actress said she is not bothered by the fact that she is now being offered motherly roles. “Okay lang. Siguro mukha na akong nanay (laughs). Kasi ako naman never naman ako naging mapili sa roles eh. Basta okay sa management, then it’s okay with me. Wala namang rason para tanggihan ‘di ba? Sa bawat character naman na ginagampanan ko, iniiwan ko na sa audience for them to judge if they think kung bagay sa akin yung role. Kung okay kasi ibig sabihin nagagawan ko ng hustisya yung role ko. Kung sasabihin naman nila na hindi bagay at masyado naman akong bata, eh ‘di okay din po kasi it means I’m hot (laughs). So it’s a win-win situation, mukha akong nanay o hindi ako mukhang nanay, okay lang. At least hindi ako mukhang tatay (laughs). Charot!” she shared.

Although she admitted she has not been actively pursuing showbiz for the past year, Assunta said there is no truth to rumors saying she has been unhappy with her marriage to Negros Occidental representative Jules Ledesma. “Wala na akong masasabi pa sa personal life ko kasi unang-una, sobrang positibo, baka ma-kornyhan pa kayo at saka nobody cares din naman. Na-trauma na kasi ako from last year, sa dami ng inimbento, sa dami ng nagsinungaling. Hindi na. When it comes to my personal life parang you’re saying something na positibo tapos binabaliktad pa rin. I’m avoiding it na talaga. Hindi na ako nagku-kuwento kahit kelan. What’s the point, you say something nice, pero babaliktarin nila,” she added.

The Fil-Italian beauty admitted says she also does not feel that her life is incomplete just because she does not have any kids yet. “God is what makes you happy, not kids. It’s not the solution to everything. Not even money, so it’s really faith in God. When you have faith in God you can have everything. Hindi ka magkukulang sa buhay mo, akala lang yun ng tao. Yun ang tingin ng tao pero para sa iyo, punong-puno ka na eh. We’re so blessed,” she shared.

Although Assunta admitted she has other things she wishes she had also tried to accomplish in life, the Maria la Del Barrio actress said she has no regrets about the decisions she has made. “Ako hindi ako tumungtong ng kolehiyo. And that’s not something I’m proud of. Pero proud ako sa pagkatao ko. Dahil nag-iisip muna ako bago magsalita. At nagri-research muna ako bago mag-comment. Yun lang. It’s not about being super duper intelligent, it’s about your heart, kung ano yung intention mo. I’m thankful na pinalaki ako ng magulang ko na ganun kasi ang magulang ko mababaw lang naman ang kaligayahan nila eh. Apat kaming babae, isa lang naman ang gusto nila para sa amin, na huwag lang maging hayup ang pag-uugali. Yun lang,” she explained.

Assunta said she and her family are currently happy raising her pets for now. “Counted ba ang Yorkshire terriers kasi yun ang nagbibigay ng happiness sa amin. Dalawa sila. I have two boys, Mio and Tazio at mahal na mahal sila ng mga anak ko na parang mga kapatid nila,” she said.

Now that she is going to be seen on Maria la Del Barrio, Assunta said she is enjoying being back in the limelight and at the same time, taking care of her family. “Ako naman kasi, I can have the best of both worlds. Masuwerte ako sa ganun. So parehong masaya. Masuwerte ako sa personal life, parehong masayasa pagiging artista. Hindi na ako naniniwala na hindi lahat mapupunta sa iyo eh. Actually you can. Nasa sa ‘yo naman yun eh. Yung mga tao na nakapaligid sa iyo. Ako naman, that’s me. Yun na yung style ko. Hindi naman ako nakikipagtalbugan sa iba,” she shared.

Source: www.push.com.ph

K Brosas Prefers to be Kapamilya

K Brosas is very happy to be part of the upcoming primetime teleserye Maria La Del Barrio which will be top-billed by Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee. In this series adaptation, K plays chambermaid Carlota who is always irritable towards Erich’s character. “Magugulat kayo sa role ko rito. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa napakaganda po na role na ibinigay sa akin. Ako po ay mayordoma sa bahay. Kapag pumasok si Erich, wala po akong ginagawa kundi itulak siya, batukan o hilahin,” she told reporters during the press conference for Maria La Del Barrio.

But the twist with her kontrabida role is that she still gets to incorporate her being a comedian. “Ang nakakatuwa kasi, kahit kontrabida, nakakatuwa pa rin siya. So, comedy pa rin. Pero hindi naman 'yong tipong hahampasin niyo ako ng paying kapag nakita ako. Funny lang talaga siya.”

The stand-up comedian/singer said she doesn’t get tired whenever she is hired to play the funny sidekick on TV or in movies. “Hindi naman boring. Paiba-iba rin naman talaga ‘yung atake sa role. Comedy pa rin siya pero dito iba kasi may pagka-kontrabida naman. Siyempre lalabas pa rin ‘yung pagka-K Brosas ko. Tsaka rito nacha-challenge ako kasi ‘The Rory Quintos’ ang direktor namin. Kapag may eksena ako, may banat agad dapat ako na punchline. Kapag ayaw niya ‘yung joke ko, ipapaulit niya ‘yung eksena. So dapat talaga galingan ko.”

K was asked by reporters why she was still often seen doing guest appearances on other networks. She clarified that she is not an exclusive talent of ABS-CBN, and she is only on a per project basis as agreed by the network and her manager Boy Abunda. “Hindi naman po ako exclusive. I'm so thankful naman dahil wala pa rin namang nagbabawal sa akin. Kapag dumating ang oras na pagbabawalan...sana naman hindi.”

But she wasn’t shy to admit that she would want to have more projects with ABS-CBN and soon be an exclusive contract talent. “Sana gawin nila. Nagpaparinig lang naman tayo, ha ha ha!”

K explained that she feels more happy and fulfilled doing projects on the Kapamilya network. “Kapamilya talaga ako. Mas proud ako rito. Dalawa ang show ko kaya rito. May Maria La Del Barrio ako at may E-Live pa, e ang saya saya ko kaya dun kahit saglit lang ‘yung show. Sa dalawang show na ‘yun I’m given the chance na ipakita ‘yung iba’t ibang galing ko, ‘yung isa as a host dun naman sa isa as an actress/comedian.”

Source: www.push.com.ph

Enchong Dee Defends Erich Gonzales on Attitude Rumors

Erich Gonzales continues to be hounded by rumors concerning her attitude behind the camera. As she marks her return to primetime as the title character in the upcoming ABS-CBN teleserye Maria La Del Barrio, her long-time ka-love team Enchong Dee came to her defense.

At the press conference of the new drama series set to premiere on August 15, Enchong told reporters, “Hindi lang naman si Erich ang nachichismis na ganyan. Minsan isang kwento lang ang marinig o isang picture lang ang makita natin, naikakahon na ganun na 'yung mga artista. Unfair din naman sa aming mga artista. Sana mas kilalanin pa kami.”

Being the one who spends more time with Erich particularly during tapings, Enchong attested to how the actress became very focused and hardworking for their latest project. “I can tell na dito sa Maria pinakamasaya si Erich. Nasisiguro kong magiging successful ito because siya and Direk Rory (Quintos) ang nagbibigay ng lahat para mapaganda 'yung show.”

Maria La Del Barrio is based on a Mexican telenovela which was top-billed by famous actress-singer Thalia. For Enchong, starring in a remake of a very successful series comes with instant pressure. “Sobra ang pressure na nararamdaman namin ni Erich. Noon pa man alam na namin na ang Maria La Del Barrio ang isa sa mga pinaka-successful na telenovela sa Mexico. Kapag ginawan mo siya ng version you have to live up to the expectation of the public.”

The teleserye was initially planned to air last summer, but the production team decided to take some time to improve on the story with the permission of course of Televisa, the producers of the original Maria La Del Barrio. Now that the remake is finally scheduled for release, Enchong shared his excitement since the request of their fans will be finally granted. “Naghintay talaga kami kasi 'yung mga fans namin laging nagtatanong kung kailan ba ipapalabas. Finally maipapalabas na siya kaya sobrang saya namin. Thankful din kami dahil at least nabigyan kami ng sapat na panahon para makapaghanda ang siguraduhing mapaganda namin 'yung programa.”

Source: www.push.com.ph

Enchong Dee More Confident Now on Being Sexy

ABS-CBN’s upcoming teleserye Maria La Del Barrio debuts on primetime television this August. Lead stars Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales play lovers separated by social classes and well-kept secrets. Having been paired in three teleseryes and one hit movie, the two said they are now more at ease with doing intimate scenes in front of the camera.

At the press conference for Maria La Del Barrio, Enchong said, “Tuwing may gagawin kaming eksena tinatanong ko muna si Erich para malaman ko kung okay lang ba 'yung mga gagawin ko. Siyempre kahit gaano ka sexy itong current project namin, we have to make sure rin na sa next project meron pa kaming ipapakita na bago.”

The 22-year-old actor also shared that he is now more comfortable appearing shirtless on-screen. “Pinaghandaan din namin kasi ine-expect ng marami na medyo steamy ang ilang eksena dito. Ngayon masasabi kong mas confident na akong gumawa ng mga ganito unlike dati na medyo nahihiya pa.”

He said he is thankful that he was given enough time to work out and observe a strict diet so he could get into perfect shape for his role as the handsome heir Luis. “Nakatulong na maraming panahon ang naibigay sa amin. Nung una kasi, ma-rice pa ako, ha ha ha! Habang tumatagal, paunti na nang paunti. Kaya dun sa teaser ni Luis medyo iba 'yung katawan niya kaysa sa actual na mga eksena.”

Now that he is about to portray his biggest role yet on primetime television, Enchong was asked if he thinks he has already surpassed the likes of Gerald Anderson and Jake Cuenca as the sexiest leading men in showbiz. “Ayoko nung may papalitan, may uunahan. Trabaho lang. Hindi naman kailangan na lagi may competition,” he clarified.

Source: www.push.com.ph

Erich Gonzales Excited on Playing Maria la del Barrio

With the August 15 TV premiere of the Philippine remake of the hit Mexican drama Maria La Del Barrio, Erich Gonzales admitted she was very excited about finally seeing how one of her biggest projects turns out. “Lahat ng hirap, pagod at puyat namin worth it naman and masayang-masaya kami sa naging outcome. Sana talaga suportahan ng mga tao ang Maria La del Barrio. Talagang pinaghirapan namin lahat yun,” she said.

In the series, Erich plays the role of Maria Fernandez, a naïve yet strong-willed girl who dreams of finally meeting her Prince Charming after leading a happy yet poverty-stricken life. Playing the role of Erich’s love interest on the show is Enchong Dee, who has been Erich’s perennial onscreen partner. As revealed in the teaser trailer shown to the media during the event, Erich and Enchong had a lot of kissing scenes in the series, a noticeable change from their past projects together. But Erich is quick to say that the show is not going to be all out provocative. “Hindi siya yung sexy na bastusin. Iba siya. Funny rin ito at may comedy din kaming dalawa dito. Siyempre hindi rin naman papayagan ng ABS-CBN at ng management na gumawa ng something na hindi naman kapala-palabas,” she said.

The 20-year-old actress admitted that she and Enchong already filmed a somewhat intimate scene for the series. “Doon kasi nasa trailer yung scene na yun na parang pumatong siya sa akin tapos parang mahihila yung damit ko. Nasa highway kami nun sa Tagaytay. Andami-daming mga sasakyan dun pero masaya ako dahil kumportable ako kay Enchong tapos si Direk Rory B. Quintos din tinanong din niya ako kung okay na ganun,” she explained.

The pretty morena also admitted that she and Enchong have become so close to the point that she is comfortable doing any kind of scenes with him already. “With Enchong wala po talagang hesitation, walang awkwardness, wala pong ganun. Basta with Enchong kasi, madami na kaming projects na napagsamahan and sa bawat project na iyon, mas lalo lang naming nakikilala ang isa’t isa. Talagang nag-go-grow kami and wala ng kahit anong inhibitions. Hindi siya nag-te-take advantage. Napaka-gentleman niya. Perfect gentleman. Basta napaka-maalaga ni Enchong. Hindi siya nambabastos,” she shared during the Maria La Del Barrio presscon held last July 27 at the Dolphy theater inside the ABS-CBN compound.

Erich also revealed the agreement she and Enchong had when they were first paired together as a love team. “We made a promise talaga na hindi kami ma-i-in love sa isa’t isa and tutuparin namin yung promise na yun. Dahil mahirap magtrabaho na may involved na boyfriend-girlfriend, ganyan. So happy naman kami at okay naman kami sa trabaho,” she admitted. But the Maria La Del Barrio star did admit that there is still the possibility of them ending up together off-screen as well. “Napaka-lovable naman ni Enchong. In this project, naging sobrang close kami. Hindi lang kami ni Enchong pero lahat talaga sa show kasi sabay-sabay kaming kumakain, ganun,” she said.

Source: www.push.com.ph

Ian Veneracion Back as Kapamilya

Actor Ian Veneracion is back with ABS-CBN after 8 long years.

Veneracion will be part of the series "Maria La del Barrio" with Erich Gonzales as the lead star.

"I'm very happy, I'm really happy to be back on ABS-CBN, " Veneracion told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Veneracion's last project with the Kapamilya network was the show "Darating Ang Umaga" in 2003 with Eula Valdez and Vina Morales.

The actor, known for his performances in action movies, also shared his excitement to be part of "Maria La del Barrio." In the series, he will play Fernando de la Vega, father of Luis Fernando (played by Enchong Dee).

He said he got the role with the help of the show's director Rory Quintos.

"May project si Direk Rory at nire-request niya ako for the role of Fernando de la Vega. Nag-enjoy kami talaga at nag-bond kami talaga. Si direk, magaling siya director, mino-motivate ka niya," he said.

Veneracion said playing the role of a father role is not a problem for him.

As a real father to 3 loving kids, he's happy that he's been tapped for such a role.

"Now I'm happy...nagmamature ang roles ko, I'm doing a father role...Kung ano ako in real life, nag-go-grow din ang character ko," Veneracion said.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Enchong Dee Admits Being Attracted to Erich Gonzales

Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales are set to pair up in their third teleserye, Maria La Del Barrio which will air this August. Dubbed as one of the hottest love teams of today, Enchong and Erich have legions of fans around the world who wish that the romantic on-screen chemistry would also be translated into real life. At the press conference of Maria La Del Barrio, the young actor said he understands if fans feel that way. “Naiintidihan din naman namin kung bakit paulit-ulit kaming natatanong kung may relasyon ba talaga kami. Siyempre may mga fans kami na umaasa rin.”

But Enchong has decided that it’s best if he and Erich would just be friends for now. “Lagi kong sinasabi na para sa akin, mas maganda kung lagi kaming magkasama bilang magkaibigan. Mas maganda 'yun kasi we are making sure na kahit may mga sarili na kaming mga pamilya we are still friends.”

The 22-year-old swimmer-turned-actor added that he and his ka-love team are both focused on their careers. “Napagusapan na talaga namin na trabaho lang muna sa ngayon. Mahirap kasi kapag nahaluan na ng relasyon. Ngayon nga lang kapag may dinaramdam kaming problema, naapektuhan talaga 'yung eksena namin.”

Nevertheless, Enchong remained opened to whatever may happen in the future, if romance is really in their destiny. “Hindi pa rin natin masasabi. Kahit sabihin naming hindi, malay niyo next year kami na pala. Hindi kami nagsasalita nang tapos kasi hindi mo malalaman.”

A love team like Enchong and Erich has to deliver convincing portrayals as lovers on screen. This job becomes an easier task for the actor because as he confessed, he feels a bit attracted toward Erich. “I think nasabi ko na before na it would be hard to have an instant on-screen chemistry kung walang kahit konting attraction. Human being lang naman tayo, he he he!”

Enchong was again asked about the rumor linking him to Mara Clara actress Julia Montes. He denied that they have a secret relationship or is even courting Julia. Furthermore, Enchong dismissed speculations that since for now there’s no hope that romance will blossom between him and Erich, he is in a desperate search for other girls. “Ang pangit naman na dahil lang hindi ako nagustuhan ni Erich hahanap ka na ng ibang tao. Hindi 'yun ang tamang dahilan para magkagusto ka sa isang tao.”

Source: www.push.com.ph

Erich Gonzales Excited and Nervous as Maria la del Barrio

Erich Gonzales shared that she is both excited and nervous about the "Maria la del Barrio" remake, the newest program on ABS-CBN's primetime block.

Here, she plays the character of Maria, a poor young lady who falls in love with the wealthy Luis Fernando, to be played by Enchong Dee.

It will premiere on August 15.

"'Yung nerbiyos, 'yung pressure, 'di nawawala 'yun pero worth it po talaga at masaya kami sa outcome. So sana po ay suportahan nila at panoorin ang 'Maria la del Barrio,' pinaghirapan po namin ito," she said.

Gonzales first announced that she will be doing this project in December last year.

The show got delayed since they had to wait for the approval of Televisa, the producer of the original "Maria la del Barrio," among other reasons.

"Naging matagal kasi maraming inayos at in-adjust sa script tapos maraming dinagdag. Kagaya ng sinabi ni direk Quintos (Rory Quintos) ay hinintay pa ang approval ng Televisa," she said.

ABS-CBN's remake of "Maria la del Barrio" also stars Paw Diaz, Jake Roxas, Katya Santos, Gio Alvarez, Atoy Co, Jane Oineza, Badjie Martiz, K Brosas, Ian Veneracion and Angel Aquino.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Maria La Del Barrio Premieres This August 15 on Primetime Bida

“Maria La Del Barrio” will feature two of the hottest stars in the industry today, Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee, as they give life to the characters of Maria Hernandez and Luis Dela Vega.

Under the direction of Rory B. Quintos and Richard Somes, “Maria La Del Barrio” delve into the lives of Maria and Luis as they search for true love, even amidst their pasts and their conflicting present lives.

Sharing the limelight is Angel Aquino, who was part of the hit soap opera “Magkaribal. She will portray the role of Victoria Montenegro-Dela Vega, mother of Luis Fernando. Ian Veneracion plays as her husband who has a past with Assunta de Rossi who plays Maria’s mother.

Comedy Queen Aiai delas Alas takes on a very special role as Casilda, Maria’s adoptive mother.

“Maria La Del Barrio” also serves as a comeback for Paw Diaz on the television scene. Paw, a batchmate of Erich and Arron Villaflor in Star Circle Quest, will portray Soraya’s character, the woman who will stand between Maria and Luis’ romance. Arron, on the other hand, plays the role of Vladimir who has a soft spot in Maria’s heart.

Other cast members include Jake Roxas, Katya Santos, Gio Alvarez, Atoy Co, Jane Oineza, Badjie Mortiz and K Brosas.

Shot in scenic Tagaytay and Cavite, and with a script led by Denise O’Hara and Henry Quitain’s team, “Maria La Del Barrio” promises a whole new viewing experience. “Pinaghirapan po namin ang bawat eksena at mas pinaganda pa para mas lalo ninyong ma-enjoy ang panonood,” Erich expressed.

“When I learned that I’ll be working with Erich again, sobrang natuwa ako siyempre. Masarap siyang katrabaho,” Enchong shared.

Witness how fate and love twist the life of Maria and Luis in “Maria La Del Barrio,” premiering on August 15 on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

Maria la del Barrio Premieres This August on Primetime Bida!

Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee are going back on Primetime Bida!

ABS-CBN's remake of the hit Mexicanovela Maria La Del Barrio is going to hit Primetime Bida this August and not as part of the afternoon block Kapamilya Gold as it was previously announced.

Don't miss Erich Gonzales and Enchong Dee on Maria la del Barrio!