Carmen Soo: Shuttling between Malaysia and RP

MANILA, Philippines - Carmen Soo will be shuttling between Malaysia and the Philippines more often these days as she officially becomes the latest addition to ABS-CBN’s Star Magic family. After the hit soap Kahit Isang Saglit, Carmen gets a cameo role in T2 and prepares to do a movie where she will share billing with Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa to be shown in July. Here, the model-actress talks about career, lovelife and views on Pinoy men.

You have already established a name in acting and modeling in Malaysia and other parts of Asia, what made you decide to try your luck in local showbiz here? (Sheila Lapastora of Narbacan, Ilocos Sur)

Philippines was a surprise. I wasn’t familiar with how Filipinos work (in local film industry) and Kahit Isang Saglit was unplanned for. But after the show, I realized a market is open to me and like a model who models everywhere, I appreciate new market where I can explore different things. This is a new kind of acting for me.

How do you compare the working style here and abroad? (Bettina Alejandrino, Marilao, Bulacan)

Every country has its own culture of work. In Malaysia, we work six days for 15 hours every day. We go home at night and work the next morning which is more normal while here we work three days a week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday — for 24 hours and the next day we sleep.

What preparations do you make for future acting projects in Manila? (Jessa Sambile, Proj. 3, Quezon City)

I’m learning to speak Tagalog with my coach who teaches me four to five times a week. I’m in Elementary 3 now.

Did you get romantically involved with Jericho Rosales? (Carmen Santos, Pampanga)

We haven’t reached that stage but we are good friends. He always makes sure I’m OK when I’m here. We kept in touch when I was in Malaysia.

Have you been in love? (Ariel Santos, Pandi Bulacan)

I have a lot of love but not toward the other half. My last boyfriend was Canadian-Chinese and we parted ways almost two years ago. I didn’t give him up for work, it just didn’t work out.

What’s your ideal man? (Honey Escullar, Cavite)

Someone who will appreciate love and care for me and has a good heart. He should understand me because I’m busy. Someone I can share life with.

How do you find Pinoy guys? (Marionne dela Cruz, Pasig City)

Filipinos are definitely more romantic and real gentlemen. There was one time on the plane to Manila, I remember how these two Filipino men in front of me waiting for their turn to use the comfort room. Usually, everyone queues up but when the door opened, they let me go first. It never happened to me before, not anywhere in the whole world.    — BOT GLORIOSO

(Fans are welcome to send in questions for their favorite stars. Open Line will get the answers for you. E-mail at [email protected] or [email protected].)