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Meet another tantalizing duo that’s sure to sweep you off your feet - StarStruck alumna LJ Reyes and showbiz newcomer Abby Cruz.
In ”Lupin and his Ladies,”, iGMA featured Katrina Halili, Ehra Madrigal, and Rhian Ramos as the three beautiful and empowered women of Lupin’s life. But there is actually another tantalizing duo that’s sure to sweep you off your feet. Meet StarStruck alumna LJ Reyes as well as showbiz newcomer Abby Cruz. Text by Jillian Q. Gatcheco. LJ Reyes as Elaine Elaine is Rhian’s bubbly best friend, whom LJ likens to how she is offscreen. “Parang personality ko rin,” she shares. “Tuwing nalulungkot si Avril (Rhian Ramos), dumarating (si Elaine).” The only difference is Elaine is an “Englishera,” as LJ describes her. “Coño na makulit! Gusto ni Direk, hirit lang ako nang hirit, salita lang ako nang salita!” For instance, when the scene calls for it, LJ usually adds her own touch to her lines. “Pag kunwari, ‘yung script, feeling ko, mas natural pag ganito ‘yung sinabi ko, ‘yun na lang sasabihin ko. Ganoon naman ako, eh,” she says. This new role is a welcome change for this StarStruck 2 First Princess, since most of her past characters were hard core drama. “Kasi ‘yung last show ko (Makita Ka Lang Muli (2006)), puro iyak nang iyak nang iyak nang iyak!” she exclaims with a laugh. “Eh dito, bubbly ako, ako ‘yung makulit, ako ‘yung hindi nagdadrama.” But from her previous dramatic roles, she has already mastered the art of emotional scenes. “I base it on the story. Pag hindi ko ma-feel ‘yung eksena, for example, hindi ko pa nae-experience ‘yung situation na ‘yun, – nagiisip ako ng sad thoughts. Pero usually, ginagamit ko ‘yung script, kasi pag nagte-taping ako, nandoon ako sa character, I’m not LJ.” Working with Direk Mike Tuviera and Rhian Ramos is a first, but it’s already her second time to be with her tita Alicia (Alonzo) and Melissa (Mendez). “Nakatrabaho ko na sila sa Now and Forever: Mukha, the first season.” In “Mukha,” Alicia and Melissa played her lola and mother, respectively. LJ shares that she’s quite close to the show’s production because it was the same crew she worked with in Sugo (2005), also starring Richard Gutierrez. With a new role that’s closer to home, a determination to finish her studies, and an openness to improving her craft, LJ is definitely paving her way to success in whatever field she chooses. Other articles on LJ: LJ breaks her silence Bata bata, sa iyo, ano ang ginagawa? Abigail Cruz as Angeli This 22-year old statuesque beauty may not have won the crown for this year’s Bb. Pilipinas, but she did get an exciting alternative – the opportunity to be a primetime heartthrob’s newest leading lady! In the series, two women will capture Lupin’s heart: Angeli Villavicer (Abby Cruz) and Avril Legarda (Rhian Ramos). Lupin already wanted to turn his back on his dark life as a thief for Angeli, but a tragedy disrupts their wedding day. This professional model, events host, and beauty queen was chosen by GMA SVP Wilma Galvante and Richard’s mom and manager Annabelle Rama. In the process of preparing for her character, she underwent acting workshops with Anne Villegas. Abby’s personality was infectious; her gentle ways perfectly complemented her outgoing and endearing personality. In fact, she shares that her hobbies include kick boxing and Muay Thai, unlikely sports for such a soft-spoken girl. “I never really thought of acting, but I’ve been open to possibilities. I knew Bb. Pilipinas might eventually lead to that.” Before she joined the beauty contest, Abby was a professional model and events host. Now that she’s taking a different path, Abby prefers to take it “one day at a time” and “make it good” with whatever opportunities that would come her way. Catch these two beautiful women in Lupin! Tune in on weeknights, during GMA Telebabad. For the show’s gallery, click here!