Miss Nice No More?

When teen star Lovi Poe debuted in the Philippine entertainment scene, everyone was captivated by her sweet face and equally charming personality. She’s played quite a number of good girl parts but as she spreads her wings and widens her horizons, she takes on a challenging role that is sure to make people change their expectations of her. Text by Jessa Ericka C. Bien. Photos by Jason S. Lim and GMA Network. “I’m excited kasi it’s different,” Lovi shares with iGMA after the story conference of her new show, Kaputol ng Isang Awit. Cast in her first afternoon drama series with Glaiza de Castro and opposite Jolo Revilla, Lovi plays, for the first time, the role of a kontrabida—a promising songstress with a bratty attitude. But how exactly does Lovi pull off that irritable, if not hateful, character when she looks naturally friendly and gentle? “I’m not, really,” she says sternly, and then giggles. “No, I’m just kidding!” Kidding aside, though, Lovi says she is internalizing her character as early as now, and heeding her mentor, veteran drama star Sunshine Dizon’s, words of advice. “Actually, 'yun nga ang gusto ko,” the young star affirms. “It’s a challenge for me. I want to grow as an actress kasi, so I don’t want to stick to one [role]. I remember Ate Shine Dizon. She’s the one who told me na, ‘If you really wanna be an actress, you should never stick to one [role]. You should explore.’ Which is what I’m doing now. I’ve actually been thinking of how to get into character.” Ready for the Challenge Lovi is undeniably excited about her new role, but she is quick to admit that she already sees the challenges it can bring. For one, the teen star doesn’t like seeing people get hurt—which is something an antagonist does on a regular basis. “Being mean to someone is hard,” she says. “Kasi ako 'yung type of person na ayokong makakita ng nanakit ng ibang tao, emotionally or something. Pero this time, I’m gonna act that way—so I’m gonna do one of the things that I don’t like the most.” The show promises to be the heavy-drama type with lots of crying scenes. Used to dramatic situations from her Bakekang days, Lovi claims she is ready to shed tears when necessary. With a reservoir of personal experiences she can draw emotions from, Fernado Poe Jr.’s daughter says she just has to get back into pace for drama. Having acknowledged her challenges this early, Lovi promises to meet viewers’ expectations by giving her best in this project: “I cannot say that they’re gonna see a different side of me. Siguro I’m just gonna do my best sa work kong ito, [because] I think it’s time for me to expand my knowledge as an actress.” Watch out for Lovi in the afternoon drama, Kaputol ng Isang Awit. You can also give her your support by making your voice heard in the iGMA forums. Marami pang kwento si Lovi, kaya makipag-bonding na sa kanya through Fanatxt! Just send LOVI to 4627 for all telcos. Each message costs Php2.50 for Smart, Talk ‘n Text, Globe and Touch Mobile subscribers and Php2.00 for Sun subscribers. This service is available only in the Philippines.