Here comes the ‘girl on fire’

MANILA, Philippines - Thea Tolentino, the female champion of GMA 7’s Protégé 2012, is already having her fair share of the spotlight this early. Her shows have been coming one after another. She debuted in the youth-oriented show Teen Gen, which was followed by the suspense-serye Love & Lies and currently appears in the primetime soap Anna Karenina. Now, Thea faces yet another acting challenge.

Thea takes on her first-ever title role in GMA Afternoon Prime’s newest offering, Pyra, Babaeng Apoy.

“Sobrang saya ko kasi hindi ako nawawalan ng work at para sa akin, kapag may work like yung ganitong project, talagang madami akong natututunan lalo na about acting,” Thea enthuses.

Thea’s eyes lighten up as she describes her character in Pyra. “I have always dreamed of having my own show. Just a year ago, I won in Protégé. So, I am grateful to GMA for giving me this project,” remarks Thea, who turned 17 last Aug. 13. 

Thea, however, knows that people are expecting a lot from her. “I feel nervous and also pressured kasi lead (role) agad. I know that many are expecting from me but I’m ready to tackle heavy drama.”

In the series, Pyra (Thea) is a “pyrokinetic,” someone who has the ability to create fire and this usually happens when she experiences extreme anger. Because of this, she will learn how to control her anger, developing a sunny disposition and positive outlook in life. Later on, Pyra will also learn how to manage her “pyrokinetic” abilities.

For a newcomer, Thea acts like a pro. She can be bubbly and sweet as seen in Teen Gen. But she can easily switch from good girl to mean girl and vice versa using only her facial expressions, especially through her eyes, in Anna Karenina.

Did her kontrabida role in Anna Karenina have a hand in her being selected as the lead in Pyra? Thea replies, “May nadinig din po ako na napansin nila yung performance ko sa Anna Karenina kaya nagustuhan nila ako.”

Thea shares the adjustments she had to make when playing a kontrabida. “At first, it was hard doing (the transition), from sweet roles to an inaapi, then to a strong character. It’s totally the opposite of my personality that’s why I asked my co-stars kung paano gagawin yun. I also based (my acting) on my observations from the shows I watch.”

Thea, though, is quick to say that she doesn’t mind being the bida or kontrabida in a project. “Kasi duon ka talaga matsa-challenge — how to shift your emotions.”

With a five-year exclusive management contract under GMA Artist Center, Thea religiously attends workshops to “enhance my acting skills.”

Meanwhile, Thea is paired anew with fellow Protégé winner Jeric Gonzales, who had admitted to having “special feelings” for Thea. Both of them, nevertheless, have other priorities more important than entering into a relationship.

“Alam niya po (Jeric) yun. I always say that career first before anything. It also depends on my achievements. Kung na-achieve ko na yung goal ko, duon na ako pwedeng mag-lovelife.”

(To premiere today, GMA Afternoon Prime’s Pyra, Babaeng Apoy also stars Gladys Reyes, Christopher Roxas, Janno Gibbs, Ryan Eigenmann, Roxanne Guinoo, Polo Ravales, Angelu de Leon, Elle Ramirez and Zandra Summers. It is directed by Roderick Lindayag.)