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Forget finding a genre and running with it. Maureen Larrazabal has other plans for her career.
It is every artist’s dream to find his niche in the entertainment industry. But while many dream of a remarkable lead role that can show off their acting skills and make the people remember them for a long time, Maureen Larrazabal has other plans for her career. Text by Jessa Ericka C. Bien Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio “Sobrang gustong-gusto kong maging kontrabida” the sexy actress confesses. “Dream role ko 'yun eh!” Inspired by the veteran antagonist Cherrie Gil, Maureen claims that she likes portraying anti-hero roles because there is more freedom to it. “Parang binibigay nila 'yung floor sa’yo. Hindi (kasi) canned 'yung lahat ng ginagawa. Pwede kang mag-experiment, pwede kang mag-adlib; hindi ka bait-baitan. Mas masaya, mas challenging” she explains. Ready for Drama Although better known for her stint in the longtime running gag show, Bubble Gang , Maureen takes time to prove to the audience that she is more that just a sexy comedienne. After starring in the afternoon drama series Pati ba Pintig ng Puso as the obedient yet dangerous Nurse Betty , she now gives life to Bunny in Sine Novela’s remake of the film Pasan Ko ang Daigdig. “Very challenging 'yung role kasi usually, nagpapatawa lang kami ng nagpapatawa. Pero this time, kailangan mong mag-internalize, kailangan mong alamin 'yung character para ma-portray mo 'yung role nang maayos” she observes. As Bunny, Maureen is Metring’s (Gina Alajar) archenemy and rival for Kadyo’s (Gary Estrada) attention. Taking after Deborah Sun’s role, Maureen says “may pressure din sa part namin kasi magagaling na artista 'yung nasa Pasan Ko eh. So dapat, tapatan mo 'yun; if not, lampasan mo.” To make sure she is fit for the role, she shares that “pag dating ng script, binabasa ko na 'yun. Inaalam ko na kung ano 'yung mga dapat kong gawin para ‘pag dating doon (sa set), hindi naman ako mapahiya”. She also heeds the words of advice of her more veteran co-stars, especially that of actress-turned-director Gina Alajar. “I am actually learning a lot from them” she says. “Sinasabi sa’kin nila Direk Gina na ‘less is more’, so kailangan tama lang 'yung acting mo. Mahirap naman 'yung masyado mong ie-effort kasi baka maging OA (over acting), pero (dapat) wag namang plateau.” Maureen hopes that with her portrayal of mean characters, “makikita nilang (ng mga tao) pwede akong maging kontra-bida, (at) hindi lang ako sexy comedienne.” Catch more of Maureen weekday afternoons in Pasan Ko ang Daigdig and Friday nights in Bubble Gang! Tell other people your thoughts about this sexy comedienne turned villainess in the forums!