Top beauty queen stays committed to acting

KYLIE VERZOSA

By Iza Iglesias, TMT February 11, 2021

In the Philippines, it’s almost expected for beauty queens to crossover to show business especially after representing the country — and more so winning the crown — in international pageants. From Miss Universe queens Gloria Diaz, Pia Wurtzbach and now TV personality Catriona Gray, to the likes of Charlene Gonzalez and Precious Lara Quigaman, these beauties are proof that they can continue to build a name even without jewels on their head.

Kylie Verzosa is officially a leading lady in Vivamax’s maiden online series, ‘Parang Kayo Pero Hindi.’ INSTAGRAM PHOTO

The gorgeous Kylie Verzosa is among the former be-sashed Filipinas thriving ever so well in local entertainment since becoming the sixth Miss International, and thus far last, for the country in 2016.

Almost five years since raising the flag with her classic beauty, wit, poise and grace, the 28-year-old now is bent on succeeding in showbiz as she slowly but surely tackles one challenging role to another, all toward the goal of joining the ranks of the day’s renowned leading ladies.

The beauty queen-turned-actress figures in a love triangle with Marco Gumabao and Xian Lim.

Sharing just how deep she’s immersed herself in the biz, Verzosa told The Manila Times Entertainment over virtual interview, “To start as a beauty queen [to] now [becoming] actress wasn’t the easiest. Little by little I’ve been trying to change that image which people came to know me before.

She furthered, “At this point [in my career], I want to show people how different Kylie is [from the beauty queen] when it comes to all the acting projects coming my way. And I’m just really happy and thankful because I’m [constantly] given the opportunity to play different characters.”

Really excited to show the public the extent of her acting chops, her artistic development is very apparent in the movies she chose to do in the past.

From co-starring in sexy titles like “Abay Babes” (2018) and rom-coms “Love the Way U Lie” (2020), Verzosa is thrilled to take on the role of leading lady to both Marco Gumabao and Xian Lim in Viva Films’ straight-to-streaming production, “Parang Kayo Pero Hindi.”

Premiering via the legacy brand’s very own streaming platform Vivamax beginning Friday, February 12, Verzosa said, “It’s such as an honor to work with Marco and Xian. Si Xian kasi nakasama ko na siya sa trabaho from ‘Love the Way U Lie’ so sobrang thankful ako kasi siya yung isa sa mga ka-partner ko dito. Si Marco naman from ‘Los Bastardos’ to kahit anong projects ng Viva lagi kami pini-pair,” Verzosa said.

Shot in different scenic locations, including the beaches in Alaminos and Bolinao, Pangasinan, the ardent actress had her first experience of the new normal’s “locked in production.”

Happily, she only brings good news from the traveling set. “Taping this series in a bubble turned out to be better for all of us. Hindi namin nabibitawan ang mga characters that we were playing. Since we were doing things in an extraordinary time, we were all focused, even spending our free days working out.”

Proudly, she related, “In less than a month, we finished the series. We had a safe set all throughout and tried our best to maintain the proper protocols.”

Based on the bestselling book by Noreen Capili a.k.a. Noringai, who is also series screenwriter, “Parang Kayo Pero Hindi” is the story of Joaquin (Lim) and Daphne (Verzosa) who come to like hanging out after a series of encounters. They feel a connection between them but neither are really ready to commit. That is, until the fun and convenient setup was no longer enough for Joaquin when he falls seriously in love with Daphne.

Sadly, Daphne rejects Joaquin, explaining she’s scared to ruin what they have going. Circumstances turn all the more complicated in the plot when Daphne’s ex-boyfriend Robi (Gumabao) returns to her and asks to have her back.

Lending support to this good looking and talented cast are Phoebe Walker, Danita Paner, Francine Garcia, Gino Roque, Guji Lorenzana, CJ Jaravata, Yayo Aguila, Krissha Viaje, Stacey Gabriel and Thayfa Yousef.

Officially Vivamax’s first original series, “Parang Kayo Pero Hindi” is directed by RC de los Reyes.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/02/11/lifestyle-entertainment/show-times/top-beauty-queen-stays-committed-to-acting/839304/