You would think that after two shows Yasmien Kurdi will take a much deserved break from work. But no! This young actress is not putting the breaks on her career which is on the fast track to sure fire success. Text by KC M. Abalos. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. We witnessed this young actress’ ride to fame. From her early beginnings in StarStruck up to her most mature role to date in Gilda Olvidado’s Babangon Ako at Dudurugin Kita, Yasmien Kurdi has blossomed into a serious thespian with a reputation for professionalism and giving quality performance--qualities which most teen idols only learn after decades of staying in the biz. Now, Yasmien is itching to try new things. But before we move on, we reviewed what she has accomplished so far. In Babangon, she has already broken boundaries when it comes to the characters that she has played. Some would say that she took a big career risk because her vengeful role as Salve is far from the usual sweetheart roles she has portrayed. So she is thankful that people accepted and enjoyed the show. “Salamat sa paglawak ng isipan niyo kahit minsan medyo morbid ang mga eksena namin.” She says with a smile and continues, “puro patayan pero ‘yun talaga realidad ng buhay eh. ‘Di ba ‘yun talaga ang nakaikita sa lipunan natin--sa politika.” Apart from Babangon, Tasya Fantasya has also just ended and the Yas we saw there is vastly different from Salve! “OA talaga sa Tasya. Sobrang OA acting lahat, pati reaction namin. Bawal kami mag-real acting, kailangan talaga comic acting,” she explains. Even though these two projects require two vastly unique acting skills, Yasmien rose to the challenge with her usual enthusiasm and drive. Compared to the success of Babangon, Tasya’s success is not as apparent and Yas realistically commented on this. “Kapag dalawa daw shows mo, ‘yung isa nag-susuffer. Bida ka pareho—mahirap. Tapos dalawang magkaiba pang love team. ‘Yung fans nagkakawatak watak sila. Naloloka na ako!” Despite this, Yasmien is glad that her fans continue to support her. “Happy naman ako, meron ‘yung loyal na fans na Yasmien lang, happy rin ako na meron yung sumu-suporta kahit na sino ka love team ko.” Mmmmmwah! She teasingly told iGMA some of her plans now that her shows are over. Yasmien explains that having a regular show really makes it hard to schedule other projects. But she managed to begin working on two projects. The first is her first leading role on the big screen, the much anticipated romantic comedy—Loving You. This is Regal Films’ next big screen offer to be seen on theaters on August 20. Yasmien gives us a juicy preview. “Itong movie na ito--ito ang pinaka-maraming kissing scene,” she reveals. Even though she and love team partner JC de Vera have worked together and have shared many kisses on their previous shows, the movie boasts of the longest kissing scene both stars have ever done. She shares, “doon ko naramdaman na ang sakit pala sa panga ‘pag lagi kang naka-kiss! Pero ok naman kasi masaya ‘yung shooting.” This is also the first time that Yas will wear a two piece swimsuit on-screen. We bet the guys out there are excited to see that. But our girl is most proud of the fact that she sang the theme of the movie. Yasmien is giving a new take on the Ric Segreto classic. “I sang the theme song. Mas malapit sa Ric Segreto version kasya Nina. Very jazzy,” she proudly comments. And for those who are fans of Yas as a singer, wait for a new single to be released soon. It will come with a smashing new video! It truly seems that Yasmien’s future continues to shine brightly. Hang out in the iGMA Forum! to talk about Gilda Olvidado’ s Babangon Ako at Dudurugin Kita. May kuwento pa sa iyo si YASMIEN at JC. Text YASMIEN or JC [Your Message] and send to 4627 for all telcos. Each text costs Php2.50 for Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart and Talk N’ Text subscribers, and Php2.00 for Sun Cellular subscribers.