Playing special roles

MANILA, Philippines - You can’t fault Geoff Eigenmann and Carla Abellana fans for wondering why they seem to play support roles in Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal’s The Last Prince airing weeknights on GMA 7. Geoff and Carla’s Rosalinda was a primetime soap and did not disappoint in the ratings game. Their supporters perhaps expect another big TV assignment for their idols.

Geoff and Carla don’t mind how showbiz watchers judge their Prince Javino and Sonia characters, respectively. After all, there’s no small or big project for real thespians.

“It’s clear that our roles are special,” Geoff clarifies the billing issue. “We play important and title roles. If people think that we play support, it’s all right. I feel the management’s (support and) priority are still there.”

“It is never an issue to me,” says Carla. “The fact that we are part of the show and we are working together is more than enough. ”

“I never had any expectations like something big should follow Rosalinda because I am new in the business,” shares Carla. “

“(We’re sure) they will take care of us,” adds Geoff.

The televiewers have seen Geoff as handsome, smart and kind Prince Javino, heir to the Paladino’s throne. He decided to make a sojourn to the human world after being convinced by Alwana, a diwani (fairy). In his journey, the prince meets a gorgeous mortal and falls for her.

Prince Javino cannot return to the kingdom because the magical mirror portal is shattered. His family considers him dead. The prince will forever be handsome and earth bound. His immortality will make him see firsthand how his loved ones live and die. He promises not to love again.

Carla, on the other hand, is Sonia, a shoemaker’s loving daughter. Her family is the be-all and end-all of her existence. Meeting a frog and kissing it, however, will turn her life 180 degrees and change her priorities.

“This is something different coming from Rosalinda, a heavy drama,” says Carla of The Last Prince. “I don’t mind what projects I will do next, for as long as the work is continuous.”

Aside from the telefantasya, Carla enjoys her hosting stint in StarStruck V opposite Dennis Trillo. She interviews aspiring young artists and sees them improve week after week. But what breaks her heart is witnessing how the contestants end their artista journey. Carla is also Los Angeles bound for a Pinoy TV show.

Compared to her all-work-no-play schedule last year, Carla has more time for herself and her family these days. She is well-rested and recharged for future projects like a GMA Films romance flick with Geoff.

Geoff, for his part, looks forward to a prequel or sequel of Ang Panday which topped the 2009 Metro Manila Filmfest. Like cousin Sid Lucero and older brother Ryan Eigenmann, Geoff sees the opportunity to act for indies, where he has played three minor roles.

“My family is happy at the rate my career is going,” says Geoff whose younger-teen-actor-brother AJ is studying veterinary medicine in the States while Ryan will tie the knot in February. They are proud of what Geoff has achieved so far in his career. This is shown in Geoff and Ryan’s liquor TV commercial.

Now that Geoff and Carla have spoken, The Last Prince is an interim project for them while the TV bigwigs study the next TV assignment for the loveteam.

Will another Mexicanovela be the perfect project?

“Why not?,” replies Carla.