TV 5’S princess Ritz Azul is all set for her biggest break ever in the sexy revenge drama series, “Misibis Bay” (premieres this month) set on the luxury island playground of the same name. She portrays Maita, a slum girl who dreams of providing a comfortable life for her ailing grandmother (played by Boots Anson-Roa). Her miserable life will take a drastic turn when she decides to marry an older rich man, Anthony (Christopher de Leon), a real-estate tycoon who owns Misibis Bay. Maita will soon realize that marrying into a wealthy family is not exactly a bed of roses. There’s more to it than just putting on the ritz.
At the recent presscon held in an idyllic resort on Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay (Bicol), we watched Ritz sway with the cool breeze as the sun kissed her cheeks.
One could tell that she was ripe for the picking. Ritz is indeed about to make a splash as Miss Misibis (Bay) via her major TV show.
Ritz is IT!
Here are excerpts from our interview with Ritz.
What excites and scares you most about being launched to full stardom?
I’m excited to do more projects because I believe that if there are more projects, there’ll be new challenges, new lessons, and more beginnings.
What kind of Ritz Azul will we see in “Misibis Bay”?
I can say that in this miniseries, you will see a bolder, sexier and more mature me.
What lessons have you learned from working with Boots Anson-Roa, Christopher de Leon and Vivian Velez?
I’ve learned a lot of things from Tito Boyet, Tita Vivian, and Tita Boots like how to improve my acting skills and also how to stay longer in the biz.
In real life, can you fall for an older man?
I cannot really say right now. I’ll cross the bridge when I get there.
What can we learn from your show “Misibis Bay”?
We may experience difficulties, trials and sometimes hopelessness, but God will always be there to help us surpass these trials. Viewers will also learn about the essence of family and the mystery of love.
“Misibis Bay” deals with revenge. How do you handle situations when you get hurt and when you feel like taking revenge on those who have wronged you?
God said, “Vengeance is mine.” So I just pray for those who do me wrong.
You have a brewing rivalry with Eula Caballero. What do you think is your edge over her and her edge over you?
I don’t think there’s a rivalry between me and Eula. I think we have our own unique traits.
As a newbie in the biz, what shocked you most about the industry?
I was shocked by the different intrigues.
To reinvent yourself, how far would you go in repackaging yourself?
For me, reinventing myself would mean being a versatile actress. I would not hesitate to push myself to try comedy, romance, drama and suspense.
If and when another network entices you with a tempting offer, would you transfer or remain loyal to TV5?
For as long as both sides are happy and satisfied, I’ll definitely stay with TV5.
What makes you fall in and out of love?
I have not yet fallen in love but when that time comes, I might fall for a guy who shares similar interests with me, loves my family and understands my job as an actress. I would definitely fall out of love with someone dishonest and arrogant.
What’s a misconception about you that you would like to correct?
Well, I guess I don’t have to correct any. Everybody’s entitled to his/her own opinion.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Eating a lot of sweets.
What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done?
I remember that one of the naughtiest things I’d done was when I was in 4th year high school. From the 4th floor of our building, nagtapon ako ng tubig sa ulo ng isang student sa 3rd floor at nagtago ako after.
What’s your advice to young girls who want to join a talent search and become a star like you?
Be yourself. Don’t be pretentious. Just do your best in everything that you do and never stop until you get what you want.
What’s the best thing and worst thing about fame?
I guess fame is power and with power comes great responsibility.
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PERSONAL: Dios mabalos to the warm and friendly management and staff of Misibis Resort especially to its cool general manager Ian Varona, Sherein Gaviola and chef Jeffrey Martin for making me feel instantly at home. Ahh! Misibis is pure bliss!