 Lara Quigaman
Interview by Tinna S. Bonifacio
Beauty queens crossing over into show business is nothing new. There have been so many: Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, the late Rio Diaz, Melanie Marquez, Ruffa Gutierrez—the irresistible combination of beauty and talent has proven to be a major draw as far as showbiz is concerned.
Two thousand and five Miss International Lara Quigaman came home from the pageant in Japan to find herself suddenly thrust into the role of an overnight celebrity. Before she knew it, she had embraced a whole new career as one of Willie Revillame’s co-hosts on Wowowee and later, as Aga Muhlach’s leading lady on the sitcom That’s My Doc. Although her path to stardom has not exactly been smooth—there have been controversies along the way, particularly what many believed to be her premature exit from the top-rating daytime game show—Lara has bounced back with a vengeance and is now seen nightly on the primetime hit May Bukas Pa.
The show, which has been scoring big with audiences all over the country, speaks of hope and faith—two elements that have helped Lara cope with the difficulties of a career in show business.
Here, the beauty queen-turned-actress shares with JobsDB readers what she’s learned and how she’s coping with her newfound fame.
What has been the highlight of your career so far? What has been the downside, if any?
Definitely being part of May Bukas Pa. The downside? I don’t really see any.
What has it been like working on "May Bukas Pa"? Can you share some of your memorable experiences on the show? How has it touched you personally?
It is really an honor to be part of May Bukas Pa. Not a single person on the show is “unlikeable,” everyone gets along well. We are a family. What is really overwhelming is how much effect we had on a lot of people, telling us how they no longer do this and that because Bro wouldn’t like it. Being an encouragement to so many during these times is the best part of all.
Do you miss being a part of Wowowee? The show did so much for your career, being a daily show with a strong following all over the world.
Not being with Wowowee is a blessing in disguise. I just got to do so much more that I couldn’t when I was with the show. Yes the exposure is daily, but God is wise, He always has something better in store for us. And what I am doing now, I can definitely say with confidence, is so much better ‘for me’ than what I was doing before.
What is the best career advice anyone has given you? Did you apply it? Did it work for you?
To love what you are doing, especially in this business, it’s so hard to get in, so once you’re in, be serious about it and do your best, you will not always be wanted.
What are your career plans say, five years down the road?
I still see myself working in this business, I am learning to love it more, I know I can do it, for as long as I can I see myself in this craft.
At any point—especially after you got booted from Wowowee—did you ever think of leaving the Philippines , giving up your career, and joining your family abroad?
There was a time when I felt that I really wanted to go back to the UK, when I just felt so alone and just wanted to pack my bags and leave.
What is the best thing about your career right now?
Being a part of a very big teleserye, working with the best of actors in the field, enjoying what I do and being able to share the love of ‘Bro’ / Jesus, at the same time. What more could you ask for?
How do you see yourself in the future? What would you like to be doing?
I never dreamed that I would be in show business, after winning Miss International, it just came as a bonus and I loved it! I never thought I would enjoy it as much as I do, and that is really a very difficult thing to find, to work but not feel you’re working at all. If God allows it, ang gusto ko, maging parang Tita Gloria Romero, hangga’t gusto pa ako ng tao, I would still be acting.
|
