No competition among friends

MANILA, Philippines - Maja Salvador quickly brushes off speculations that her acting would definitely outshine Kim Chiu, Enchong Dee and Xian Lim when the latest ABS-CBN family drama Ina Kapatid Anak hits the primetime block starting Oct. 8. You see, among the young cast, it is Maja who has already received recognitions that validate her being an actress. She won Best Actress in this year’s Gawad Urian and Luna awards for her performance in the indie film Thelma.

“It’s unfair to think that way. I know we will shine equally because all of us are bent on making the show the best,” Maja says. “I’ve seen how Kim and Xian performed in My Binondo Girl while Enchong was excellent in his past teleserye and MMK stints and now I am seeing a different acting style from them. You have to see Kim, she’s a revelation here.”

Besides, Maja sees no point in making comparisons especially between her and Kim who is vocal about saying that she looks up to Maja as an actress. “She (Maja) is my idol even before I joined showbiz.”

No competition between them, Maja insists. What she looks forward to every taping day is “the happy mood” on the set. “It’s a nice feeling working with your friends because you wouldn’t anymore hesitate to ask if they find things okay or not.”

Enchong even shares, “This is my first time to do a soap without me requesting for a bonding workshop because I’m working with my friends and the chemistry is already there.”

With co-stars in the ABS-CBN latest primetime family drama (from left): Enchong Dee, Kim Chiu and Xian Lim) –PHOTOS BY ALLAN SANCON

Does friendship help in making their acting more effective?

“Certainly. I can’t find a reason why we have to compete. If the scene is for Enchong so be it. We know how to give and take. Pero kung kailangan ng talbugan sa eksena sige but after (the take) alam naman namin kung nasaan ang friendship, nauuna lang minsan ang pagiging professional,” Maja replies.

It’s been two years now since Maja and Kim became real close, sharing secrets and heartbreaks while Enchong has been Maja’s friend for quite some time now. “Si Xian ang wala pa masyadong ka-close masyado pero sinasama na namin s’ya,” says Enchong.

Among her friends, Maja finds Kim the strongest. “Kim always say that I’m strong. Me? I admire her maturity when it comes to handling life’s difficulties to think that I’m two years older than Kim. I really learn a lot from her when it comes to dealing with family matters. Pareho kaming breadwinner kaya I get a lot of ideas from her.”

Of course, they share about the pain of past loves but Maja says they are doing fine. Kim is visibly happy with Xian who is always by her side while Maja enjoys her being single after calling it quits with Matteo Guidicelli. The former couple denied in a report that there was a third party involved. Lack of time due to their busy schedules is said to be the cause of the break-up.

Obviously, Maja doesn’t want to elaborate when asked about the possibility of rekindling her romantic ties with Matteo. “Basta we’re civil with each other,” says Maja. “I am more focused with my work now.” 

(Ina Kapatid Anak also stars Janice de Belen, Cherry Pie Picache, Ariel Rivera, Ronaldo Valdez, Pilar Pilapil and Eddie Gutierrez. It is directed by Don Cuaresma and Jojo Saguin.)