Geoff’s awaited homecoming

Author: Joseph Peter R. Gonzales
Column: Life & Entertainment

It has been long anticipated, and now Geoff Eigenmann is back as Kapuso.

The handsome star recently signed with the Kapuso network, his original home studio, before he embraced the Kapamilya culture and stayed with the network for several years. For his first project, he will share stellar billing with Sheryl Cruz and Marvin Agustin in the upcoming SRO Cineserye Presents: Ganti ng Puso.

“It feels good!” he says. “I’ve been looking forward to this day. I’m confident that GMA-7 will really take very good care of me no matter what. I know that they can handle my career very well and that all the projects they’ll be assigning me will showcase my acting skills. It’s really good to be back after five years.”

Yet, Geoff stressed there’s no bad blood between him and ABS-CBN and wants to correct the impression that he was, in a way, neglected by the network.

“What’s good is that, there were no burned bridges. Everything went well. I formally asked permission from them regarding my transfer. I did everything step by step. I’ve been with them since 2004. My contract expired in 2006.

“My last regular show for them was Lobo. In fact, I still have a pending project with them, a soap titled Moon River opposite Maja Salvador. Perhaps, they’ll just get another actor for my part. But the movie I’m doing for Star Cinema I’ll definitely finish [it]. It’s titled Estrella directed by Rico Ilarde. I’m with Maja, Shaina [Magdayao], and Jake [Cuenca].

“As to the question if I felt neglected, honestly, no. In fairness to ABS, maybe, they were just looking for the right projects for me. I also understand that they have many stars to prioritize under their stable. But I wouldn’t deny that during those times when I wasn’t doing any project, I felt sad and frustrated. So I took the opportunity to improve my physique and exercised a lot. It’s very good timing that GMA offered me a job which kind of rekindled my passion for acting.”

Many are excited with his entry into the Kapuso camp. Asked for his preferred GMA leading lady in future projects, Geoff revealed, “Actually, I’m open to working with anyone. The more people I work with, the more I will grow both as an actor and individual. But if possible, I’d love to work with Marian [Rivera], Iza [Calzado], and Sunshine [Dizon] who are all good actresses and also Maxene [Magalona] who I find very pretty. It will be great too if Heart [Evangelista] and I will be given a chance to star together in a show once again.”

Is he aware that the role given to him in SRO Cineserye Presents: Ganti ng Puso was first offered to JC de Vera?

“Oh yes! On my part, it doesn’t make any difference if I’m the original, second or third choice. What’s important is that the role went to me. When I read the script, I knew that it’s a good one. I’ll have to do my best to give justice to it.”

This early, many are already saying that he’s a threat to Dingdong Dantes, undoubtedly one of GMA-7’s prized properties. Incidentally, they only have one manager [Perry Lansigan].

“I don’t think there will be a competition between us. For one, he started earlier than I did in show business. I still have to prove my worth, work hard to achieve even half of his accomplishments. So I don’t entertain that thought.”

Geoff is simply glad that he has work again.

“As I’ve stated earlier, my moving back to GMA-7 rekindled my passion for acting. I was jobless for a long time so I missed the routine. It’s just relieving that I’m back doing what I love to do best,” he ends with a smile.

Sick but okay now

When Ai Ai de las Alas was recently confined at the hospital due to acute pyelonephritis and gastritis, Ruffa Gutierrez was one of her early guests. The two are hosting ABS-CBN 2’s morning talk show Ruffa & Ai.

“It’s good that she recovered fast and doesn’t need to undergo operation. Actually, I got scared because of what happened to her. Ai Ai is so hardworking. Before she got confined, she had a show abroad then had to report to our program the day she returned to the Philippines. Obviously, her stamina weakened,” informs the beauty queen-host-actress.

After seeing Ai Ai’s condition, Ruffa bought more vitamins for herself.

“Everybody knows that I’m a single mother and getting sick is not an option. My schedule is full. I’m doing Ruffa and Ai every day from Monday to Friday, then there’s my taping for Betty la Fea and on weekends, I have The Buzz. Apart from these, I also have other showbiz-related functions like pictorials and interviews. So, vitamin intake is essential. I also choose the food I eat and most importantly, I don’t deprive myself of sleep. It gives me that refreshing aura.”

What’s amazing about the statuesque beauty is that she is able to balance motherhood and show business.

“Yes, when it comes to my daughters Lorin and Venice, I personally attend to all their needs, like I wake up early in the morning to see if they’re okay. I’m hands-on in a way so I really need to be in top shape all the time,” Ruffa points out.

Doing a Jolie?

Asked about what kind of film she wants to appear in this year, Anne Curtis says she likes something a la Original Sin which top billed Angelina Jolie and Antonio Banderas.

“I’ve seen the movie and I liked it. Angelina’s role is both challenging and daring. I’m certain I can also do it. It will surely widen my range as an actress,” she states.

In the movie, Angelina had lots of sexy scenes with Antonio, including a breast exposure.

“I think that’s the only part I can’t do if ever!” (Laughs)

It’s obvious that after winning the Best Actress plum in last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, Anne became more challenged to portray roles that would bring her acting skills to the fore.

“I find it challenging to breathe life to complex characters on screen like a two-timing wife and yes, even a mistress. These are roles which will allow you to exhibit a wide array of emotions. And one more thing, considering my physical features, I can’t be believable in underdog roles,” says the lovely actress.

Getting to know each other

Many say that their three-week stay in Paris for the taping of ABS-CBN 2’s Lovers in Paris will be a good getting-to-know-you moment for KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual.

“That’s true although it’s not our foremost goal and provided it’s not on the romantic level. But it will benefit the show since it can help develop the screen chemistry between me and PJ. I was told that there are cases when the two leads are fighting which is a tough case for it affects the general working atmosphere on the set. I hope that ours will be like my love team with Richard [Gutierrez]. Chard and I are always okay with each other,” says KC.

On reports that Piolo wants to get close to her, she says, “I’m flattered! For one, he has lots of supporters. It’s not every day that a guy who has a huge fan base like him will take interest in someone like me.”

What if he pursues his intentions to court her in the course of their taping? “Our friendship might not flow naturally because I already know his intentions. I guess it’s just a normal reaction for a girl, right? How can your friendship with a guy run smoothly if you already know his intentions at an early stage? But to reiterate, it’s flattering to know that Piolo wants to get close to me.”

More important for KC at this point is how she’ll make her character endearing to the viewing public.

“Vivian [her role] is not the usual heroine in a melodrama. She’s both funny and sympathetic. She can still afford to smile while crying. It’s definitely a challenging part and I’m excited to do it,” ends the gorgeous lass.

Source: Manila Standard Today

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