The hidden aces up Rica’s sleeve

Rica Peralejo’s schedule is so tight she is actually thankful Viva Films scheduled a presscon for Hibla that evening.

"At least, I can go home and sleep earlier tonight," she beams.

The sexy star is all over primetime TV. She amazes everyone with her skills in tumbling on ABS-CBN’s OK Fine, Whatever with Aga Muhlach and Bayani Agbayani.

"It has gotten to the point where people I pass by actually ask me, ‘Isang tumbling naman diyan, o!’" says Rica.

She also hosts A.S.A.P. and plays a pivotal role in the soap Kay Tagal.

"Just about the only places I go to these days are TV and movie sets. I’ve even given up shows abroad (e.g. the US and Dubai) as a Ginebra endorser because my schedule can’t take it anymore. Even my friends feel I’ve been neglecting them," she adds.

Rica is so busy she hardly has time for boyfriend Bernard Palanca, who happens to be her co-host on A.S.A.P. "But we’ve agreed to see each other when my taping gets packed up," reveals Rica.

This is why it takes a lot to convince her to squeeze in a movie in her packed schedule. Rica has even turned down a movie script earlier this year because she feels it will cast her in the same tired old role of a vamp again.

Hibla is an exception. Here, director Yam Laranas turns the erstwhile temptress into the exact opposite of her stereotype image. For a grand change, Rica turns naive as a barrio lass whose conservatism and idealism frustrates her boyfriend (Antonio Aquitania). It’s a far cry from the Rica of Balahibong Pusa, which made her a full-blown sexy star.

"I said yes right away the first time I read the script. This was totally different from what I’ve been doing. And I don’t mind being the second choice for the role of Isabel, the weaver," Rica, voice bubbling with excitement, beams.

But she would have balked had the offer been for the role Maui Taylor is playing in Hibla–that of a town lass gone wild after her mother runs off with another man. It would have cast Rica in the same old aggressive role she’s been doing for the past years.

She is learning a lot by studying the career paths of the veterans. Rica observed that those who chose to repeat the same tired old roles over and over, have since faded away from the scene. People grew tired of watching them in stereotype roles and they soon lose their luster. The mere thought makes Rica cringe.

This is the same reason Rica loves her TV soap. She can play around with the character, giving it a thousand and one nuances. Nothing need remain the same in the way she delivers her lines. And her character can be as interesting as she makes it.

"And you can get various reactions in a matter of just one minute. Just thinking about it gets your creative juices going," Rica gushes.

Besides, the soap and other nonsexy roles help Rica prove what she has been raring to show ever since: that she is more than just another pretty face and beautiful body. In other words, what you see is just the tip of the iceberg, for now.

"I can do other things, like sexy comedy," she asserts. "I’m a comedienne in real life." She also started out as a singer, remember?

Rica Peralejo need not be afraid of being idle. All she need to is show the hidden aces up her sleeve.