Around GMA

DOTr to build covered walkway connecting two QC malls along EDSA
BFP 7 hoists Red Alert status for the holidays
Straight from the Expert: Lechon after the celebration (Teaser)

Article Inside Page

Showbiz News

In an industry where many relationships are easily forged and broken just as quickly, it’s indeed rare to find a couple whose love for each other remains...
In an industry where many relationships are easily forged and broken just as quickly, it’s indeed rare to find a couple whose love for each other remains strong despite all the intrigues and controversies that have been thrown their way. Text by Loretta G. Ramirez. It seems Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi have found the right equation for their relationship to work. This formula might not work for others but these two have gone through separate journeys that have left them looking for something that is ideal; a goal to start a family of their own and make a difference among their peers.

Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio

In a span of nine years, the public has seen them grow and mature as actors and as individuals. Blessed with cute twins and flourishing careers, it seems they have everything. What’s their secret? “Nung hindi pa kami, sabi ko lagi sa mga friends ko, I want to end up with somebody like my dad, kasi nga, my dad is very cool. Si Zoren, disciplinarian ‘yan pero cool. He reminds me of my dad,” confesses Carmina. “Kilala na nya ako e. Hindi mahirap para sa amin to live in the same roof dahil sa sobrang kilala na naming yung isa’t isa. Alam na namin yung do’s and don’ts without confronting each other. Actually, di ko pa nga nasasabi ‘yung mga pinaka ayaw ko at ‘yung mga pinaka gusto ko, somehow nabasa na namin during our early years,” adds Zoren. Marital Bliss It took them years to finally find each other, but they did it. Their love story is like a teleserye - girl has heart broken, finds her knight in shining armor and lives happily ever after. But Carmina does not think that they have a perfect relationship. “There is no such thing as a perfect relationship kaya siguro I rate mine as close to 10, let’s say mga 8 or 9,” explains Carmina. But Zoren begs to disagree. He is confident in saying that theirs is a perfect 10. “Magaling ako magdala ng relationship,” quips Zoren while mischievously laughing. “So far I’m doing a good job…Very careful ako sa totoong buhay, sa pinaggagawa ko kasi gusto ko i-maintain ‘yun para walang masabi ‘yung mga tao against me. At the same time, my kids kapag lumaki sila, wala silang masisisi tungkol sa akin.” As the children of celebrity parents, it’s no longer surprising that Cassandra and Maverick are among the favorite child endorsers on TV and print. Inheriting their parents’ good looks, they embrace the cameras well. But are they really going to follow in their parents’ footsteps? In response, Zoren matter-of-factly said, “Kung maipagmamalaki ko na may talent, kasi kung wala, hindi ako papayag. Ayoko na masabi sa dalawa na dahil anak sila ng artista kaya sila naka-enter (ng) show business.” From that statement alone, we can get a glimpse of how he is as a father. And Carmina affirms this by saying that Zoren is the disciplinarian in the family. He treats the kids as adults and explains to them why they are being punished. Even Carmina is wary of Zoren’s temper. “Kung ako may pagka strict, siya naman ‘yung laid back, relaxed, pero once magalit, oh my gosh! Super magtago ka na sa ilalim ng mesa. Super minsan lang (magalit), kaya kapag nagalit ay nakakatakot,” narrates Carmina while smiling at Zoren. Perfect Match A picture of happiness and contentment, Carmina and Zoren is a match that is tough to beat. It’s no wonder producers trust them to work side by side because their chemistry is evident, on and off screen. They played husband and wife in Majika and now, in Princess Charming they portray the roles of Enrico and Mabel de Saavedra, a couple who will affect the lives of Princess and Charming. “The best thing about my role is I’m with Zoren. I am working with him so hindi ako nahirapan mag-play ng role as Mabel. Iba naman kasi ‘yung sa Majika, magical ‘yun, eto mas real yung characters naming so it’s easier kaya I’m thankful din na pinagkatiwalaan kami na gumawa ng ganito, kasi bihira lang naman ‘yung makikita mo ‘yung mag-asawa na mag-partner sa show,” declares Carmina. “Well abangan nila yung story kasi talagang nakakiyak and it is really for the family,” interrupts Zoren. “Buti na lang gumawa ulit ang GMA ng something like this. This time, nagco-concentrate ulit sa family, sa mga bata.” Truly, Princess Charming is a tale about the family, but apart from the story, it is worthwhile to look forward to because of its outstanding cast headed by Carmina and Zoren, a pair destined to be together whether in reel or real life. Catch Zoren and Carmina in Princess Charming, only on GMA’s Dramarama sa Hapon.