Katrina signs up with Octo Arts

Author: Aster Amoyo
Column: If I Know

Her success story is unique. The popularity she enjoys at present is the product of sheer hard work, dedication to her craft, focus and simply being herself on and off cam. A member of the maiden batch of GMA-7's phenomenal artista-reality search StarStruck, Katrina Halili worked her way to the top. She wasn't even part of the Top Four but this didn't dampen her spirit and willingness to make it 'BIG in the 'biz. Now, she has established her own niche' as one of the industry's hottest screen babes.

When most showbiz wannabes dream of snatching a lead role that will launch them to stardom, Katrina took another route: she made waves as a premiere screen antagonist. Who will forget her colorful portrayal as Angel Locsin's main nemesis in Darna and Majika? She also did well in the Dingdong Dantes undersea telefantasya Atlantika. And as Marian Rivera's tormentor in the highly successful Marimar, she really set the screen on fire.

But just recently, her home studio entrusted her a lead part via the remake of the drama classic Magdusa Ka. Filling in the role originally done by award-winning actress Dina Bonnevie in the mid-'80s, Katrina surprisingly turns in a sympathetic performance of the oppressed heroine. Though initially associated with contravida parts, the voluptuous star proves to be credible in her new role, something that can speak of her wide acting range.

With her considerable acting ability and body-to-die-for, it was no surprise why Regal Entertainment launched her in "Gigil" and cast her in meaty roles in their hit potboilers "Super Noypi and Shake, Rattle & Roll 9. " Definitely, her being a perennial contender for the top spot as the country's sexiest female celebrity in a leading men's magazine for the past three years further enhances her bankability and stellar stature. She simply sizzles, so to speak.

And as an attestation to her amazingly growing star power, movie production titan Octo Arts Films recently signed her up for a multiple contract deal. Her first project for the Orly Ilacad outfit is titled "One Night Only" where she'll share the spotlight with Roxanne Guinoo, Valerie Concepcion and Angelica Panganiban. Directed by acclaimed megger Jose Javier Reyes, this romantic comedy is intended for the forthcoming Metro Manila Film Festival in December. Aside from this, she's also set to do the remake of the Vilma Santos classic Miss X.

With this positive development, Katrina's career is really on a roll and there's no stopping her from accomplishing more.

<a_amoyo@pimsi. net>

Source: People's Journal