Eunice turns on the charm

Since she appeared on GMA 7’s Bakekang as the young Charming, shedding copious tears in every heart-wrenching scene of the teleserye, eight-year-old Eunice Lagusad’s life has never been the same again.

Instant public recognition, requests for autographs and poses with her are some of the things that amaze her. Eunice never experienced them after she won in a talent search in the other network’s afternoon show years back and appeared on a soap when she was four. Her career on GMA started when she played young Alwina’s friend in Mulawin.

Eunice’s supposed short stint in Bakekang was extended due to televiewers’ clamor to see more of her and the everyday grief of a child yearning for a mother’s love.

These things, however, haven’t changed Eunice, contrary to reports that her head is now bigger than her hat. It only made her a better performer who promises to be more endearing to the public.

"I am happy with what’s happening to me," she says.

Indeed, there’s always sunshine after the rain. Most people know about the harrowing experience she and her mom Regina went through in the hands of Eunice’s dad.

"I don’t want to talk about it kasi po nakakalungkot," she says.

The sad experience seems to strengthen Eunice more as she swears to perform much better on Princess Charming, which premieres today at 3:45 p.m.

The afternoon dramaserye is the story of two girls, Princess and Charming, played by Crystal Reyes and Eunice, respectively. They live in two different worlds but have the same hopes and dreams and an overwhelming love for others.

The child actresses, who were seen as the young Crystal and young Charming on Bakekang, will again touch viewers’ hearts via dramatic scenes along with co-stars Zoren Legaspi, Carmina Villarroel, Lotlot de Leon, Chanda Romero, Dexter Doria, Allan Paule, Mel Martinez, Mark Herras, Jackie Rice, Arci Muñoz and Jade Lopez.

In fact, the video clip shown in a presscon held recently proves it is another tearjerker. It also shows how Eunice has become more effective in getting the viewers’ sympathy every time her contravida co-stars like Mylene Dizon and Joy Folloso torment her.

Asked what makes her cry easily, Eunice says, "I just think about the (dressed) chickens sold in the market. Kinakatay. Kawawa sila di ba?"

Beggars and streetchildren also sadden Eunice. Everytime she sees one, she never fails to give something to them.

"I share my blessings," she says.

The Grade 2 pupil of Immaculate Conception Academy never asks anything in return but the act of kindness resulted in more TV guestings. She is also part of QTV 11’s Ay, Robot!

"I save my money in the bank," she says referring to the fruits of her labor.

And although busy with work, Eunice, Joy and Crystal still play with things ordinary girls their age usually do during their free time on the set.

"We play nanay-tatay, sometimes habulan," she says.

Eunice also devotes time reading books to catch up on her lessons in school as she is determined to finish school and become a doctor someday.

"I came from school today," she says when asked why she came late.

Taking her studies and career seriously has not prevented Eunice from living up to her screen character – charming.