Sugar and Spice

Her tears made everyone laugh in Eat Bulaga. Once known as The Crying Sexbomb, Sugar Mercado comes into her own as she co-stars in the newest sitcom, Fulhaus. Text by KC M. Abalos. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. Spicy Toni A very different Sugar will greet the viewers of Fulhaus every Sunday after All Star K. No longer the dancing crybaby, she sees her role as a welcome change and a challenge. She describes her character with obvious relish. “Tomboy iyong character ko dito na medyo sexy. Nagkaka-crush ako sa mga chicks!” How did she prepare for Toni, the tough tricycle driver? She simply answers with, “Kasi 'di ba may pagka-boyish na ako? Ang kailangan ko na lang ayusin talaga iyong damit ko kasi hindi talaga ako sexy manamit.” Familiar faces from Eat Bulaga like Pia Guanio, Jose Manalo, BJ Forbes and, of course, Bossing Vic Sotto are a comfort for the young comedienne. She is learning the tricks of the trade from one of the legendary TVJ. “Si Tsong Vic sobrang tinuturuan ako niyan. ‘Pagbutihin mo ha?’ Ganyan siya. Siyempre ang comedy hindi iyon bato ka lang ng bato eh. May timing eh. 'di ba? Kasi iba iyong live show, kagaya ng crowd sa Zirko, iba rin iyong sitcom.” Sugary Sweet The real Sugar is “makulit” and “madaldal”. Does this mean that she prefers comedy over drama even given her innate talent to cry? “I love comedy eh, kasi makulit nga ako. I like drama din kasi sobrang nararamdaman ko ang lahat.” It is clear from this statement that Sugar intends to stay in showbiz, very eager to show her stuff. This is a fact that her fans would be thrilled to find out. Despite the career opportunities coming her way, she says that she has not changed. “Ayokong maiba kasi si Sugar, 'di ba? Isip bata tapos makulit!” she says with her usual laugh. She invites everyone to watch Fulhaus and to support the new, improved Sugar. “Abangan nila 'yung new Sugar na tomboy! Mahal na mahal ko kayong lahat. Suportahan taka! Maganda ito, promise! Kumpleto ang pamilya. Masaya! Aabangan ito ng lahat ng tao. As in! Pangako!” How can anyone dare say no to such a charming invitation? What do you think of Fulhaus? Share your thoughts in the iGMA forum!