MANILA, Philippines - StarStruck V First Princess Diva Montelaba doesn’t find anything wrong when she acted as “coach” of Steven Silva during their tapings in Camiguin for GMA 7’s Lovebug Presents: Exchange of Hearts. It’s the first lead role project of StarStruck V ultimate survivors that include Enzo Pineda and Sarah Lahbati but minus Rocco Nacino (he will be seen with Lovi Poe in another Lovebug episode).
“Yes, in a way I acted as his ‘coach’ because there were some dialogues that he didn’t really understand so I tried to explain and translate them to him,” says Diva.
Of the three male survivors, it is Steven who seems to be getting closer to Diva. In one interview, the StarStruck Ultimate Male Survivor even said that, on a scale of one to 10 (with 10 as the highest), his closeness to Diva is an impressive eight.
Does the “coaching act” tell the real score between them?
“We are getting closer as far as work is concerned. Getting romantically involved with someone will not help us pursue what we want in life. So control lang. Wala munang boyfriend-girlfriend (relationship). I think both of us are focused on our respective careers muna. Tulungan lang talaga kami (sa set).”
Her kind gesture only proved that they are not competing against each other as actors. Instead, all four tried to be at their best every time direk Andoy Ranay shouted “Action!”
Each has his or her own moment in the story. Televiewers will sit up and notice each of them every Sunday afternoon beginning July 18 after Party Pilipinas.
Besides, Diva doesn’t want to earn direk Andoy’s ire again the way she did during their first shooting day. Diva felt nervous yet happy at that time.
“I was scolded by direk because I wasn’t able to deliver what he wanted for the scene. He really showed his anger.”
Diva says direk Andoy is strict when it comes to work but try mingling with him during breaks and you will see his jolly side.
“Sobrang kulit naman off the set. That’s why I took it (the scolding) positively kasi yung pagalit nya kasama dun ang turo. Kung nasigawan man kami lahat, it only means concerned si direk sa amin. And we all did well on the next shooting days.”
Pointers they have learned in acting workshops under direk Gina Alajar, Diva shares, were also put to good use. There was one scene where Diva had to shed buckets. What instantly came to mind was direk Gina’s strict advice: Never hold back your emotion.
“I imagined how direk would get upset again if I cannot deliver so I let go all that ‘scary feeling’ for the crying scene.”
What is too tough for Diva is polishing her Tagalog. Sometimes, she gets so conscious, she ends up stammering.
However, Diva is determined to shine. She won’t stop at nothing to learn the ropes of showbiz. Just like a sponge, she absorbs everything related to her career.
“I welcome all types of roles even as a contravida. Gusto ko yun.”
Does she put to heart every advice she gets?
“Definitely. They always say, ‘Love what you do and be focused always.’”