A primetime princess in transit

Jasmine Curtis-Smith is one of TV5’s primetime princesses. She is serious in making a career — and a grade — in showbiz. The Fil-Aussie doesn’t mind shuttling from Melbourne to Manila and back, and juggling showbiz and school.

“TV5 offered me the best deal anyone of my age could ask for,” Jasmine shares how her budding career began. “They give me the opportunity to experience showbiz, acting, hosting, dancing and everything I enjoy. It’s a big offer that I couldn’t really let it pass.

“Before, I said I will join showbiz after I finish high school,” she continues. “But they promised to only get me when I’m free from school.”

That’s how Jasmine will ace her way to local tinseltown. She’ll be in her home base Melbourne when classes start and back in Manila during school breaks.

This also explains why Jasmine’s hands are full these days because TV5 wants to maximize her stay. She tapes Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays for the TV remake of Utol Kong Hoodlum opposite JC de Vera. The crew will also fly to Melbourne and Sydney to shoot scenes with Jasmine for a week or two.

Jasmine has also done tapings for other shows like Pidol’s Wonderland where she plays a mermaid. Jasmine’s Ang Utol and other TV appearances will be aired when she’s away from the limelight. Thus, her followers won’t miss her that much. Before they do, Jasmine will be back in Manila to cook up something for them.

“It’s something inevitable,” answered Jasmine when asked about people comparing her to older sister Anne Curtis. “For me, it’s normal. Even if you’re not actors, people still compare you as siblings. It’s okay to be compared with my ate for as long as it will help each other’s character. I feel very flattered because my ate has come a long way in showbiz. One day, I hope I’ll be able to achieve what she has accomplished. There’s a bit of pressure because my ate has gone far and I’m just starting. It’s a bit of both.” Sibling rivalry is far from happening because Jasmine and Anne only fought once in their lives.

How’s her acting experience so far?

“I had difficulties at the beginning,” replies Jasmine. “Good thing I have a coach to guide me. I have to work on my focus. Sobrang galing ni JC. He is able to develop his character. His portrayal is closest to the original. He has that angas and is in character. I’m not allowed to do kissing scenes. I’ll do it when I’m ready.”

Based on the way Jasmine smiled at everyone and handled herself during the presscon, one can say she is enjoying TV work. There’s a price to pay, though.

“Ate said, ‘Good luck sa puyatan.’ I love to sleep,” says Jasmine. “When I do something, I should give my all with no hesitation. I guess (I miss) just being able to see my friends here more. Sometimes they visit me on the set and I still get to see them. I also miss (surfing the) Internet.”

When the klieg lights are off and the cameras are not rolling, Jasmine’s heart still longs for home and family.

“Mahirap na rin po if I take for granted my time with my family because one day I will have my own,” she shares. “Of course, gusto ko ganun din ang mga anak ko. I’m just returning what my mom has done for me. Everything I am receiving from this in terms of talent fee I’m going to use it to buy my mom a new car. I think it’s the start of returning the favor.”

So Jasmine will be living in a suitcase in the coming months as she shuttles from Melbourne to Manila and back.

“I think I’m an OFW artista,” she says. “I’m happy whatever happens if (I become) successful and if not, at least we know I tried.”