In Hollywood, stars can either be bida or kontrabida without losing their star power. But in the Philippines, those who play support roles after portraying lead characters are often called laos (has-been).
This doesn’t bother Toni Gonzaga at all. She doesn’t mind playing a supporting character, even if she has already landed lead roles. What matters more to her is that she breathes life to her character the best way she knows how.
“I don’t accept a project just because I’m the bida (lead) but because I’m convinced it’s a good role,” Toni says.
That’s why, when the brains behind ABS-CBN’s Maging Sino Ka Man Ang Pagbabalik offered the Onay Dimaano role to her, Toni felt honored. She thinks the character is tailor-made for her. Onay, after all, is as smart and funny as Toni is.
“I’m honored but at the same time scared because initially I didn’t know how I would blend with the group. The strong bond between the whole cast and staff is already there,” Toni states.
Yet her worries melted away when she found the group easy to work and get along with. Toni appreciates the warmness of everyone — from director to crew. Besides, two of the soap’s main stars, John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, are among her Sunday barkada on ASAP ’07 and she has nothing but praises for Anne Curtis and Sam Milby.
Is there a competition in terms of acting considering Toni is as good as the four main stars?
“You can’t avoid competition but I didn’t agree to be part of the show to compete. They already have their trademark characters. I’m here to play my role and give what is expected of me,” Toni replies.
Will televiewers see her pitting dramatic talents with either John and Bea or Sam and Anne?
“No, my character provides the comic relief. I will try to lighten up the mood since the soap is too heavy and serious,” Toni says.
Starting tonight, televiewers will see Toni play the streetsmart and funny Onay, who grew up under the care of her grandfather played by Lou Veloso. She will enter the lives of JB, Celine, Eli and Jackie as the story gets more interesting.
In real life, however, Toni is not as secretive as Onay. Hers is a life known to the public not because she has been voted kagawad of their barangay in Taytay, Rizal but because Toni believes honesty will make her gain the people’s trust. This is why she gives straight answers to questions about her career and love life.
“What’s the point of lying when sooner or later people will find the truth? It would be better to be honest not because the members of the press or fans are supporting you. It’s the right thing to do,” Toni reasons out.
For instance, Toni didn’t deny her romance with director Paul Soriano. Until this day, she doesn’t hesitate to admit that direk Paul is welcome to visit her at home. But she denies reports that her mom is against the young director since he stays in their house until the wee hours of the morning.
“That’s not true. May curfew nga yun (direk Paul) eh because he knows I have taping the next day. He usually brings me food,” Toni shares.
Toni is also busy hosting PBB and Entertainment Live. She was recently named Best Female Host at the Aliw Awards. She is also preparing for a concert first week of February to be produced by Star Records. Also in the works is Big Love, another movie with Sam Milby.