New Kapuso ‘It’ girl says no to violence

SARAH Lahbati

GMA 7’s latest “It” girl Sarah Lahbati, who lives in Cavite, expressed shock and dismay over the murder of fellow actor and province-mate Ram Revilla (Ramgen Bautista in real life).

She described the situation as “heartbreaking.”

“I felt so helpless. I pray and hope that there’ll be an end to all the violence happening in our country,” she told the Inquirer.

The news had hit close to home.

“I never met Ram, but he’s my friend on Facebook,” she related. “He used to ‘like’ my posts on FB. My brothers are friends with his relatives.”

She was also affected by the killing of Ricky Pempengco, father of singer Charice.

“I’m a daddy’s girl,” she admitted. “I just can’t imagine losing my dad.”

Sarah, who’s being primed by GMA 7 for full stardom with the new afternoon soap opera, “Kokak,” explained that her father, Moroccan diplomat Abdel Lahbati, was a bit apprehensive about her decision to accept the role—originated by sexy star Rachel Lobangco in the 1989 fantasy flick.

“At first, he wasn’t so keen about it. But I explained to him what the story was about,” she said. “There’s no need to worry. I am confident that the network will take good care of me.”

Huge break

It’s a huge break, especially since she is the first among her “Starstruck” batchmates to be given a title role in a series.

She doesn’t think other “Starstruck” alumni will get jealous of her blessings, though.

“We all keep in touch. We try to see each other at least once a week, whenever we’re free from work,” she said.

She has mixed feelings about tackling such a big assignment.

“I’m excited,” she said. “Of course, there’s pressure. But stress is a good thing for me. I work well under pressure. I know this project will push me to become a better actress.”

She said she’s learning a lot from the show’s director, acclaimed actor Ricky Davao. “He’s cool, patient and open-minded. Even at 4 a.m., he’s still smiling.”

Although she’s now focusing on honing her acting skills, she dreams of recording her own album.

“I still get to sing in the Sunday variety show ‘Party Pilipinas,’” she said.

Another dream is to join a charity organization like Red Cross or an environmental group like Green Peace.

“I want to be ready for it. As of now, I’m still busy with work. Once my schedule eases up a bit, I will join … I don’t want to do anything half-baked.”

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