What’s Up with Ehra?

She’s hot and sexy. She’s quite conservative. Does that make sense? Young actress Ehra Madrigal might have everything that makes the boys go loco, but did you know that she describes herself as reserved when the cameras stop rolling? Find out if this contradiction is for real and get an update on what’s been going on in Ehra’s life as iGMA sits down with her for an exclusive interview. Text by Jessa Ericka C. Bien. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. “Sobrang conservative talaga ako before. Ilang years ago lang ako natutong mag-suot ng mga two piece; parang may pagka-manang nga ako eh” she discloses. And for someone who is so used to wearing jeans, slippers and her good old Chuck Taylors, Ehra adds that “hindi ako mahilig um-attend ng showbiz functions. Hindi naman sa anti-social pero nahihiya lang talaga ako.” With an unforgettable face and an even more alluring personality, Ehra stepped into the glitz and glam of showbiz three years ago, fulfilling a dream she has had ever since she was a kid. Starting out with small roles was not a big deal for her; in fact, she admits cherishing every moment she was given to show off her acting skills. Little by little, she carved a bigger spot for herself in the limelight, and sooner that she expected, the then ordinary Ehra Madrigal became one of the most sought after stars in the Philippine entertainment scene. Despite her relatively short term in the industry, the young star claims she has learned so much and feels like her career is beginning to soar. “Natutuwa ako kasi feeling ko sobrang naaalagaan 'yung career ko. Kasi sa three years na 'yun, kapag pinakinggan mo parang ang tagal pero 'yung sa’kin parang ang bilis kasi sunud-sunod agad (ang projects) tapos nabigyan ako ng chance na makasama 'yung mga bigating artista; kaya sobrang blessed ako at natutuwa ako. Sana tuluy-tuloy pa” she says. Special Training Ehra’s career is likewise highlighted by memorable events that make her love her job more. For instance, she is one of the few Kapuso leading ladies who were chosen to undergo special training in karate, horseback riding, Muay Thai and target shooting to further enhance her roles in several shows. “'Yung mga hindi ko usually magagawa, sa showbiz ko nagagawa tapos matututo ka (pa) so sobrang okay” she shares. Admittedly boyish, Ehra especially enjoyed her karate sessions, which she saw fit for exercise and self-defense. However, she was most challenged by horseback riding “kasi natatakot talaga ako kasi parang ang laki-laki ng kabayo (at) feeling ko malalaglag ako.” “Pero at least na-overcome ko 'yung fear ko” she quickly rebounds with a knowing smile. New Project After starring in several Kapuso shows and becoming one of men’s magazines’ most wanted cover girls, Ehra believes there is still more to learn and discover about her beloved craft. This is the reason why she is determined to take up acting workshops, especially when she is bent on landing heavy drama roles. “One day, gusto ko ring gumawa ng sobrang straight drama katulad nung mga afternoon soaps sa GMA. Pero if I’ll ever do drama, gusto ko pa ring mag-workshop para i-develop 'yung craft. Parang gusto ko, mas maraming matutunan, para at least iba-iba 'yung napapakita ko sa mga tao” she explains. Overwhelmed by the fact that she is now working with the big stars she used to see only on TV, Ehra believes it is all the more necessary to improve her acting skills. “Nakaka-excite and at the same time, nakaka-pressure kasi parating naii-star struck ako sa mga artista. It’s a privilege na makasama ko sila sa show” she says. More blessings continue to rain on Ehra, and she is expected to make a big comeback in the primetime scene as Ditas in Kamandag, with Lupin co-star Richard Guiterrez, Maxene Magalona and Jewel Mische. “Sobrang alam ko na lahat kayo inaabangan talaga 'yung Kamandag. Sana panoorin ninyo, pang-family talaga ‘to. Saka kakaibang Ehra makikita ninyo dito kaya kaabang-abang siya” she ends. Got anything to say about Ehra? Then make your voice heard in the forums! Feel the fun with Ehra through Fanatxt! Just send EHRA to 4627 for all subscribers. Each message costs Php2.50 for Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart and Talk N Text subscribers, and Php2 each for Sun subscribers. (Service is available only in the Philippines.)