Michelle Bayle hitches her wagon to a star

Fil-Canadian Michelle Bayle goes by the dictum "slowly but surely" in her bid to carve a niche in show business.

She content herself guesting in TV soaps in the past several months until she landed a regular appearance in ABS-CBN’s Pangako Sa’Yo.

It was Dave Fabros of ABS-CBN Talent Center who discovered Michelle when she was crowned Star Teens Canada 2000 where Dave was one of the judges.

When Dave asked Michelle to join showbiz, she left her family, her studies (Advertising at Humber College) and her boyfriend of two years in Canada.

"Although we’re miles apart, my mom keeps on reminding me everytime we talk on the phone to always pray, share my blessings and work hard to achieve my goal," says Michelle, who is the daughter of Arthur Bayle and former Miss Manila, Maricel Quintos.

Michelle was introduced to the public on A.S.A.P., where she flaunted her dancing skills. She was the first Filipina to become a member of the Professional Cheerleading Squad for the National Canadian Football League.

Television became a challenging avenue for the 21-year-old Michelle. She has appeared on several ABS-CBN shows such as Tabing Ilog, Okatokat, Star Studio and others.

According to her, though acting was a part of the curriculum in Canada, workshops conducted here were a big help.

With her beautiful face and curvaceous body (vital statistics: 34"-24"-36"), Michelle was featured on FHM magazine and has become endorser for Ponds and Kyowa.

Michelle’s first crack on the big screen was in Star Cinema’s Bakit ‘Di Totohanin? with Piolo Pascual and Judy Ann Santos. It was followed by Sanggano’t Sanggago with Eddie Garcia and Bayani Agbayani as the main stars. She is currently shooting Sweetheart again with Piolo under Regal Films.

Michelle, who dreams of becoming a versatile actress, wants to be comfortable in action, drama and comedy.

These days, she displays her comedic flair in Attagirl and grooves every Wednesday on Magandang Tanghali Bayan. She has also become a familiar face every 7:30 p.m., playing Felicity on Pangako sa ‘Yo with Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa.

How does she feel now that she has been getting the breaks on TV and film? "I’m happy that my perseverance to be a good actress has paid off. Working hard and taking one step at a time works wonders," she says, adding that she is making her mark slowly but surely.

Michelle exudes sensuality, even if she is just wearing casual clothes. According to her, she would agree to do a flesh-baring project provided it has a good story and will showcase her dramatic ability.

Besides the regular projects, Michelle has managed to squeeze in several out-of-town shows. She will be in Bohol on Feb. 10 and in Pampanga on Feb. 15.

Singing is another talent that Michelle possesses. She will be soon releasing an album under Viva Records.

Asked if she finds Jericho attractive, Michelle answers,"He is good looking and he acts well, but we’re just friends. Pare ko yan eh," adding that it is Piolo whom she finds attractive because of his angelic face.

These days, Michelle is focused on her career, not on a serious relationship which she had in the past.

"Career muna. Love can wait," she declares.