Sparkle teens’ favorite things: A teddy bear, treasured watch and Taylor Swift CD
Princess Aliyah
For this trio of young talents, life right now is a flurry of shoots, tapings and interviews. Princess Aliyah, Aidan Veneracion and James Graham are Sparkle Teens who are part of “Royal Blood,” a murder mystery series on GMA starring Dingdong Dantes that started airing earlier this month.
Princess, who plays Anne in the series, said her favorite thing is a teddy bear she named Carmella and that she has had since she was 6.
“It holds a special place in my heart. It gives me comfort whenever I’m feeling down, and it helped me get over my aversion to dolls and plush animals,” Princess said.
She recounted the time she spotted the bear while grocery shopping with her grandparents.
“It was the only one left on the shelf and I thought it was so cute, I had to buy it. My grandparents were surprised because they know I hate teddy bears and stuffed toys.”
Princess used to think stuffed animals were “creepy” but was drawn to this bear that’s “small, shaped like a bunny with brown and white fur.”
She said she’d recognize Carmella anywhere because of its scent. “I spritz my favorite perfume on it every day.”
Princess’ teddy bear
Princess might strike one as the sentimental sort, but she is determined to make a mark and leave a legacy whether it’s in show biz or another field altogether.
“I want to be able to inspire people. I’ve always loved watching people play the piano because it looks so entrancing and beautiful. It’s motivated me to learn and hone my skills in playing the piano. I want to improve because it’s also an advantage for me since I love singing,” she said.
Important plot point
Aidan Veneracion, who plays Archie in “Royal Blood,” chose his watch as his favorite and dropped a couple of hints that it might be an important plot point in the series.
“Fun fact: yung character ko dapat may suot na watch at makikita niyo ‘to kapag pinanood niyo ang mga scenes ko sa ‘Royal Blood.’”
The watch has two interchangeable straps, a black leather one and another in silver. He pairs the strap depending on his mood or what he’s wearing that day. Aidan brings the other strap during shoots because the whole thing comes in its own box and doesn’t take much space in his luggage.
Treasured gift
The watch was a treasured gift from his mother. “I remember she gave it to me for my birthday and because I had high honors in school. Parang two-in-one gift kaya hinding-hindi ko s’ya makakalimutan. I usually just wear it for special events, but this time—for my role in the series—I always have to be wearing this watch.”
Aidan is really pumped about his role and said that what he wants to achieve as a Sparkle Teen is to do justice to his character who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Aidan Veneracion
“Challenging po itong role na ito for me as a new actor kaya grateful ako na binigay sa akin ‘to. I want to give my best to this project. Gusto ko maganda ‘yung representation ko sa mga taong may ASD at sa community nila para mas maunawaan sila ng ibang tao. Gusto ko maging aware sila na may ganitong disorder at kung ano ang mga struggles nila araw-araw.”
Aside from this, Aidan is considering performing onstage in front of a live audience. “Whether it’s a dance production or hosting an event, I’m looking forward to going up onstage to perform,” he said.
For James Graham, who plays Louie in the series, it’s his Taylor Swift CD that is currently his favorite thing. “I’m a huge fan,” he said.
James Graham
During a mall show, a fan handed it to him. He was surprised because he didn’t expect them to know he was a Swiftie. “At the same time, I appreciated that they knew my favorites, that’s why that album is special to me.”
The CD has a cracked case when James accidentally sat on it, but he keeps it on his desk in his room.
“Royal Blood” airs weeknights at 8:50 p.m. on GMA, and at 11:30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 11 p.m. on Fridays on GTV. INQ
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