Fresh tandems introduced as Sparkle GMA’s new generation of love teams

For the new batch of Sparkle GMA Artist Center love teams, first impressions aren’t always last.

Whom they initially thought were snobbish and intimidating turned out to be caring and thoughtful. Whom they found quiet and reserved can actually be chatty or energetic. And the more they work and spend time together, the more they discover new facets of each other’s personalities, and the easier they’re able to build chemistry onscreen—or even off.

“StarStruck” Season 7 female champion Shayne Sava didn’t think she would hit it off with her fellow contestant Abdul Raman. He was raised in the United Arab Emirates and is fluent in English; she isn’t confident about her command of the language yet.

“I don’t speak it as well as he does. And since he grew up overseas, I felt like he would have a different sense of humor. I felt that I wouldn’t get along with him because he had an intimidating aura,” Shayne told the Inquirer in a recent virtual conference that officially launched the Kapuso network’s new generation of love teams.

But after working with Abdul in the drama series “Legal Wives,” the two young actors became the best of friends.

“I was surprised to find out that he’s caring and loving, especially to his family … He’s thoughtful and always thinks about the people around him. When I talk about something I like, he takes note of it. And then, he just chats me up one day and says, ‘I found it, would you like me to get it for you?’” she related.

“He’s so different from my initial impression of him,” the 18-year-old actress said. “I’m lucky I met him.”

Amusingly enough, Abdul saw Shayne as a potential rival in the reality talent search.

“I thought she was cute and smart. I also thought she could be a rival. But I also wanted to be close to her because I felt like she was someone whom I could share the things that go through my mind. And I could tell that she was, indeed, intimidated. That’s why I’m thankful we were able to work together and got to know each other better,” the 19-year-old talent said.

“I enjoy being one of the people who knows the things that make her smile, the food she likes to eat or talk about, and the random things that go through our minds,” Abdul added. “We enjoy our time together.”

Getting to know each other

The first time Zonia Mejia saw her “Heartful Café” coactor Jamir Zabarte, she couldn’t help but think: “How talkative!” Well, she was right, she said, laughing. But that’s not all there is to him.

“He’s so expressive, talkative. But I also learned that he’s a deep person who has had many experiences and overcame challenges in life. And I do appreciate the fact that he opens up to me about what goes on in his personal life,” Zonia, 20, said.

Jamir, on the other hand, was worried that he and Zonia may be polar opposites personality-wise. “She was very quiet. I’m very energetic. I had to get used to that because my circle of friends aren’t like that. But eventually, I found her to be thoughtful and talkative and full of ideas,” he said.

“You just have to get to know her better and earn her trust, because she’s not one to talk about personal stuff with someone she’s not comfortable with,” the 19-year-old actor added.

Inspiration

Kyline Alcantara grew up seeing Mavy Legaspi’s television ads. And so, she admitted that she once assumed that Mavy being “show biz royalty”—the son of Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi—would be aloof or snobbish.

“I had a different view of him at first … I thought being show biz royalty was something that’s in his head. As it turned out, he’s really a humble and respectful person,” said Kyline, who worked with Mavy in the recently concluded drama series “I Left My Heart in Sorsogon.”

“But what I really love about him is his patience,” the 19-year-old actress added, “because I can be a bit all over the place!”

Mavy first saw Kyline in an acting workshop four years ago. She was smart and bubbly, the 21-year-old actor observed. But later on, he discovered that she’s also “inspiring” to work with, and can easily adapt to how he’s feeling. “She has a lot of dreams and she inspires you to be a better person,” he said.

“She makes my day when I’m with her. She complements my personality, whether I’m having moody or energetic days,” Mavy added.

Mama’s boy

Going by looks alone, Althea Ablan thought Bruce Roeland would be “masungit.”

But inside the seemingly tough exterior is a soft heart. “The more we bond together, I found out that he’s very caring and he’s a mama’s boy. And I do believe that mama’s boys treat women well,” the 17-year-old actress said of her “Prima Donnas” costar, who even helps her out with her school work.

“He’s at a higher grade level, so he told me not to be shy and that I could ask him for help about school. He guides and helps me, especially when I’m having a tough time, and I find that attractive,” she said, laughing. “He’s very kind; my first impression of him was wrong. I’m thankful I met him.”

Bruce’s impressions of Althea haven’t changed much since their first meeting in 2017. “She’s still very kind,” he said. “But she’s not just that. She’s also very sweet, responsible, independent and caring. Given the chance, I can go for hours just talking about her,” the 17-year-old actor said. “I realize she’s my everything, and I’m thankful that she’s my partner.”

Starstruck

Allen Ansay and Sofia Pablo’s first encounter might as well be a scene from the romantic-comedy series they have starred in.

“Even before I became an actor, I was already watching Sofia in the show ‘Sherlock Jr.’ I really found her cute. So when I got to finally meet her in person, I didn’t think twice and asked her for a photo. I was starstruck!” said the “Starstruck” Season 7 finalist. “I was in rehearsals then and was dripping in sweat, but I ran out and approached her anyway.”

“If you check my Instagram page, you will see that photo is my fourth post or something,” Allen, 18, added. “I’m thankful that aside from ‘Prima Donnas,’ we also get to collaborate for [our social media content]. She could have done it with others, but she stuck with me,” he said.

Sofia, 15, first saw Allen in a canteen. “He was talking while his friends, Abdul and Kim (de Leon, ‘Starstruck’ 7 male winner) were busy eating. I thought, ‘Maingay siguro ’to!’” she recalled, laughing.

Working together on “Prima Donnas” and other shows, only confirmed what Sofia already knew. He was indeed talkative and rambunctious—“but in a good way.

“He’s talkative and makes everyone around him happy, especially during our locked-in taping,” she said. “Some members of the production team cried when he left after his last taping day. He is our ‘jolly boy,’ our happy pill on the set.” INQ