Not going sexy

Just because most female stars today pose for men’s magazines and show every curve in their body doesn’t mean Roxanne Barcelo will follow suit.

The 22-year-old singer-actress has opted to remain wholesome in spite of the irresistible offers to go bold and daring in glossies for instant stardom.

“Everyone is telling me to go sexy to boost my career and change my image. I am not saying it’s not right but that kind of offer is not aligned with what I want to do,” Roxanne says.

Her decision is doing Roxanne a lot of good. She finished her Communication Arts course at Miriam College without a hitch. For the past two years, she has become in demand to sing in corporate shows and has starred in a children’s musical show.

“I enjoy interacting with kids because it brings out the child in me whenever I’m with them,” Roxanne offers.

This televiewers will see when Roxanne, whom kids call Ate Ann joins puppets Bi and Bo in an educational show titled Batang Bibbo! starting today and every Saturday thereafter, 8:30 a.m. on GMA 7.

Meat processing firm CDO-Foodsphere, Inc. teams up with the Kapuso network to present a program for pre-school children aged between three and six. The 30-minute educational show aims to develop the social skills and language development of children through entertaining and enriching methods that are curriculum-based and age-appropriate.

Asked how it feels hosting the show, Roxanne replies, “I don’t feel like acting at all as I see myself having a purpose — teaching kids while singing. The children will surely be having a lot of fun while learning new things.”

Ate Ann, Bi and Bo will bring kids to a magical learning place called Bibbolandia where they will meet new friends, discover new things and develop new skills that help enhance their physical and mental abilities. Combining puppetry, songs, animation, storytelling and live action, Batang Bibbo! also seeks to promote the proper use of Filipino. It also highlights constructive interpersonal skills like sharing, helping, honesty, confidence and sportsmanship.

“We also encourage parents, the ates and the kuyas to watch because it will teach them how to impart to the young the proper way of dealing with other children,” Roxanne says.

Aside from hosting, what else does she want to do now that she has been given a new break?

“I learned planning is sometimes difficult especially when you’re not in control of the whole situation. I can do everything as long as it conforms with my values,” Roxanne answers.

And after two years of being away on the TV spotlight, does she think the time has come for her to shine?

“I believe in the saying, you reap what you sow. Although it may take sometime before getting your harvest, it will surely bring a lot of good and satisfaction. Hopefully, this (hosting) will be the start of rosier things to come,” Roxanne offers.