After Bb. Pilipinas, Rich Asuncion goes back to work – and school

MANILA, Philippines – During an exclusive iGMA.tv photo shoot ng tall beauty na si Rich Asuncion, we were able to have a short chat with the "Starstruck: The Next Level" First Princess. As expected, she is being kept busy by her recent successes. Aside from being the first runner-up ng pageant, alam naman natin she was likewise chosen to receive the Miss Talent award among the number of recognitions she won during the same contest. She says that joining Binibining Pilipinas is unforgettable: "It was a great experience, a whole new experience, actually. Madami din akong na-meet na new friends and marami rin akong na-experience na mga bago din, so maganda siyang experience for me." At ngayon, siya ay balik-trabaho muli. "After the pageant, I'm doing activities for Binibini, at the same time with GMA, so guestings muna and 'SOP' regular shows," ang kanyang kuwento sa amin. Siyempre, tinanong namin siya kung may sikreto siyang regimen at kung bakit siya ay naging isa sa mapalad na among those who caught the judges' eyes. However, simple lang naman daw ang kanyang preparation. "Well, may training, 'yung mga walking, everything, ayon. 'Yun 'yung ginawa ko and a little diet," banggit niya. We asked her what's in store for her this year after her Binibining Pilipinas victory: "Wala [pa] akong naririnig eh, but I'm competing abroad siguro. May mga inihanda sa akin, pero hindi ko pa alam 'yung details. "Actually, dapat sumasali ako sa training ng mga [Bb. Pilipinas] Queens – 'yung mga nanalo – pero eto nga, nagtatrabaho na ako sa GMA, wala na akong time para doon [right now]." Pero she assures us she is prepared to concentrate sa training when required. As of now, ang immediate plans ni Rich ay ipagpatuloy ang kanyang pag-aaral. Kanyang pinamalas sa amin that she has the brains to boot as well, nang malaman namin that, before concentrating on the pageant, she was pursuing her BS Tourism course at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. "Yes, last semester, [noong] first semester, nag-enroll na ako," she says. "So, nung second semester, hindi na, kasi nag-Binibini na rin ako." Rich is also seriously intending to continue her studies come what may. Kanyang inamin: "I'm planning to enroll this June, pero pinag-iisipan ko pa rin kasi may mga naririnig ako na aalis-alis ng ibang bansa to compete abroad nga, so baka ma-ano na naman 'yung school ko. But I'm planning talaga." Pero, madami na talaga sa kanyang fans ang na-miss na siya, but she promises that she does plan to return to acting when her schedule permits. As a matter-of-fact, may idea na siya para sa kanyang dream role. "Actually, gusto ko talaga, 'yung sa tingin kong bagay sa akin 'yung mga Lara Croft, 'yung mga action," kanyang in-admit sa amin. "Gusto kong gano'n, may physical. Hindi lang nakikita 'yung femininity ko, nakikita din 'yung strength of a woman." - Erick Mataverde, iGMA.TV