LOS ANGELES, California—Filipino-American actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, granddaughter of Sylvia La Torre, bagged a starring role in “Fame,” which is described as a “reinvention” of the original 1980 film that spawned hit TV and stage shows.
According to MGM, Anna, whose credits include “Hannah Montana” and “Camp Rock,” will play “the gregarious Joy Moy, a unique, amped-up talent with a big heart and a lot to say.”
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“Kumusta?” we greeted Vanessa Hudgens when she walked into a hotel meeting room for our latest interview with her last Sunday. “Mabuti,” answered the Filipino-American actress, who was gorgeous in a long-sleeved red blouse and slim jeans.
In “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” Vanessa, Zac Efron and the rest of the gang are back at East High School but, this time, they are leaping onto the big screen. The musical numbers, the top draw in the first two installments of “HSM,” are bigger and the choreography, created by Fil-Am Charles “Chucky” Klapow, Bonnie Story and Kenny Ortega (who also directs), is lively and inspired.
In their jump from TV to the giant multiplexes, the main cast is just as appealing. Kenny and his cohorts made very good choices when they cast Vanessa, Zac, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman in the first HSM. Even the new members of the cast, including Matt Prokop, are welcome additions.
After the interview, Vanessa graciously offered for us to finally meet her mother, Gina Guangco, who is from southern Philippines. Gina, ever smiling and charming like Vanessa, came to the room with her other daughter Stella, 12, who is also an actress. The Hudgens girls’ love for singing was sparked in part by the karaoke, a must-have fixture in most Fil-Am households.
The Los Angeles Times recently reported that Vanessa, 19, just bought a house worth $2.75 million. The singer-actress told us that her excitement about being a first-time homeowner was tempered by the fact that LA Times disclosed the city where her home is, with accompanying photos.
Vanessa is still going out with Zac, who told us in a separate interview that his dad’s best friend is a Filipino, “a mayor or an official of an island or something.” So the elder Efron, David, has been to the Philippines “maybe four or five times in the past six years.” Zac added, “I really should visit the Philippines. Believe me, I’ve tried several times.” But apparently, Zac’s busy sked always prevented him from seeing the Philippines for the first time.
Our press group’s photographers, who have snapped Hollywood’s most beautiful actresses, went crazy taking photos of Vanessa on the balcony of a hotel room. That’s how attractive Vanessa looked last Sunday afternoon.
Excerpts from our interview:
What are you looking forward to when you finally get to visit the Philippines?
I had an offer to actually go to the Philippines and do a show there, which unfortunately didn’t materialize. Hopefully, I will be able to do that sometime in the near future. My mom still hasn’t been back and it would just be nice to take her along, explore, hang out and see the world she grew up in. I can’t wait to go.
Which singer or songs when you were very young do you still remember?
If it weren’t for Celine Dion, I wouldn’t be singing. I actually stole my parents’ CD of Celine Dion’s “The Power of Love” when I was about 7. I took out the flip book and sang every single song, every single day. I remember singing “The Power of Love” and there was that one high note that I strove to reach every day. Growing up, I loved Christina Aguilera. She has the most amazing voice. It’s incredible what she can do, what comes out of her little body. And Michael Jackson has always been an inspiration. I was lucky enough to meet him. I grew up singing a lot of karaoke tunes (laughter). My parents bought me a karaoke machine and I got a whole bunch of the old classics.
I used to sing Patsy Cline (laughter) and songs from musicals as well. I always loved musicals and I’ve been in so many as well.
You just bought a big house. How exciting is that for you?
It’d be a lot more exciting if not everyone knew (laughter). I’m really happy, don’t get me wrong. I’m really excited to set my own personal routines, have my own food in my kitchen and have my own space. But now everyone knows where I live.
Not every 19-year-old gets to buy his own house. How disciplined are you with your life?
I am growing up. It’s really important for a young woman to attain her independence. Owning a home is a good investment. I want to be able to take care of myself. Growing up, especially in Hollywood, can be tough because everyone’s looking at you. I want to know myself by being by myself.
How good are you at managing your money?
I have a business manager who helps me in that aspect but I make sure I am smart with my money because who knows what will happen. I think I’m a smart spender.
You have a very supportive mom in the film. How supportive are your own parents?
My mom and dad didn’t really want me to be in the business because there’s a lot of competitiveness and rejection. But they’re extremely supportive. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am. They’ve always let me do what I wanted to — acting, singing and dancing. They have been there with me every step of the way.
You mentioned that you were home-schooled. Who was your teacher?
My mom. Yeah, she was there, teaching me at home. It wasn’t that exciting (laughter).
Filipina moms like to have their children in their fold for as long as they can. How is your mom taking the fact that you’re on your own now?
My mom just came over and stocked my fridge with food so I’m fine in that department. My parents live only a few miles away. I am going to miss them but they’re extremely supportive. They know this is something that I want. My dad makes sure my home is secure. I know it’s hard for them but they’ve taken it quite well.
Are you aware that HSM is very popular in the Philippines?
I hear that it’s popular in these places but I don’t really know it. Once I get there, I’ll get back to you (laughter).
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