Astigs braves Camsur waters

PILI, Camarines Sur — The bright, sunny Friday morning of April 18 was filled with excitement and anticipation as I joined other members of the entertainment press in tagging along with the production team and young stars of ABS-CBN Star Magic. They had a two-day location taping for the last two episodes of the youth-oriented show Star Magic Presents Astigs in this town where local and foreign wakeboard enthusiasts flock for its famous cable wakeboarding park.

Among those present from the cast of the first season to the present were Empress Schuck, Valeen Montenegro, Megan Young, Lauren Young, Angelo Patrimonio, Victor Basa, Alfonso Martinez, Raphael Martinez, Martin del Rosario, AJ Perez, Chris Gutierrez, Joaqui Mendoza, John James Uy, Jessy Mendiola, Isabel Abiera, Enchong Dee, Rodjun Cruz and Ahron Villena.  

CamSur Gov. Luis Raymond “L-Ray” Villafuerte welcomed our group and gladly had his acting debut when the camera started grinding for a scene where Astigs stars Victor, Dino Imperial, Megan, Diane Medina, Valeen and Alfonso were supposed to wakeboard. The governor greeted them and invited everyone to experience wakeboarding at CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC), cited in an international magazine, Wake, as The Best Wakeboarding Site.

In between takes, all had fun trying the thrilling watersport. Zia Marquez, Archie Alemania, Nene Tamayo and Jason Abalos never seem to give up in the challenge posed to every rider in getting through the course.

“My dad (Joey Marquez) and I were here just recently and I really love to learn how to wakeboard because it’s really fun,” Zia says.

Jason just laughed off the funny remarks about the number of times he fell than reaching even half of the course. PBB Teen’s Mikey Lee kept on giving him tips on how to ride.

Gov. L-Ray shares a lot of celebrities have come to CWC to enjoy the cable wakeboarding and most of them keep coming back for the fun watersport adventure. Aga Muhlach recently visited the place with his family and the governor relates how Aga really appreciated CWC nestled inside the 200-hectare land that also has swimming pools and offers hotel accommodations and spas at Villa del Rey. Angel Locsin also came for a one-of-a-kind ride experience.

Come July 1 to 6, the best riders in the world will converge as CWC hosts the biggest wakeboard event which will be participated in by more than 20 countries.

“I really wanted to promote tourism in this province and at the same time generate more jobs for our people,” Gov. L-Ray says.

That is why directors Erick Salud and Jojo Saguin made sure they capture the charm of the place for televiewers to see while watching how the show ended on a happy note.

Although the time has come for Astigs stars to part ways, everyone was happy and thankful for becoming part of the show that lasted for one and a half years.  Friendships were developed, and the group became one big, happy family. Most importantly, the young stars’ acting skills were honed in the best way direk Erick and Jojo know how. Both directors are too glad their efforts were not in vain as most of the young stars showed marked improvement.

“Their acting is slowly getting noticed. They are now even part of other shows and I’m just too happy for what they are now. The show has really been instrumental in developing the kids,” direk Erick says.

Young stars like Dino display acting flair on Prinsesa ng Banyera. AJ and Lauren show their worth as part of Lobo. Empress proved her worth on Lastikman. Megan did a good job on Maalaala Mo Kaya, Enchong delivers a convincing performance while Chris can put you in stitches.

And while acting seems to be innate to some, there are still few who need further honing.

“If Victor has improved a lot, there are some who need to have an initiative to learn the craft on their own, especially now that the show is folding up. Sad to say, there are a few not meant to be part of showbiz,” direk Erick says without revealing the names of those he is talking about.

Direk Jojo, for his part, adds they give chances to those who cannot deliver easily by giving them light roles.

And what will the directors miss the most after shooting the farewell episode?

“The fun of being surrounded by these young, happy kids. Even if they are full of kakulitan, there are things to learn from them,” direk Erick replies.

Astigs, which airs Saturday mornings at 10, will have its final two episodes on May 3 and 10.