Shaira Mae happy for first starring project

MANILA, Philippines- Shaira Mae dela Cruz is happy that she's finally starring in her own show, together with leading man Mark Neumann.

The two budding stars are the lead characters in TV5's “WattPad Presents: Mr. Popular Meets Ms. Nobody,” which started airing last September 29.

“Siyempre happy ako, happy ako na kahit papaano may nangyayari na sa career ko,” she said in a recent interview. “From normal na tao. Ngayon nabibigyan na ng sariling project, thankful ako sa TV5.”

It was in 2012 when they both became part of TV5's talent search show “Artista Academy.” They were among the finalists, but they did not make it to the grand finals.

Since her project is based on a the popular WattPad story, Shaira admits there's pressure on working on the project.

“Noong nagte-taping kami, iniisip ko sa bawat eksena, 'ano kayang gagawin ko dito? Ano kayang puwedeng gawin para matuwa ang readers?' So hindi nawawala 'yong pressure,” she relates.

Meanwhile, aside from support from her network, family, and friends, Shaira is also happy with the support of her boyfriend Edgar Allan Guzman.

“Happy siya for me, and kino-congratulate niya ako sa lahat. Ipagpatuloy ko lang raw 'yong ginagawa ko,” she said, smiling.

The two have been together for more than a year now.

“Pero siyempre may mga bagay na dumadating na lang na hindi maiiwasan. Pero nagiging okay din agad, 'di rin tumatagal,” she said.

Shaira added that Edgar doesn't get jealous of his on-screen partners, since he understands her job.

“Ine-explain ko naman sa kanya and alam naman niya 'yon,” Shaira said referring to boyfriend Edgar. “Aktor din siya, nape-pair din siya kahit kanino. So 'pag trabaho, trabaho. Hindi naman kami humaharang sa isa't isa.”