Star Magic artist Maika Rivera is happy with the exposure she receives, which enables her to establish her niche in the showbiz industry. A former professional tennis player, Maika has already appeared in various TV programs and films where she attracted the interest of viewers.
She first made waves as a member of the group Girl Trends of the popular noontime variety show It’s Showtime. From there, she was cast in an antagonist role in the movie Always Be My Maybe starring Gerald Anderson and Arci Muñoz and appeared in top-rating soaps such as, Magpahanggang Wakas along with Gelli de Belen and John Estrada, Blood Sisters with Erich Gonzales, Wildflower starring Maja Salvador, and La Luna Sangre with Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. She also starred in numerous episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya and Ipaglaban Mo.
Now, she is one of the cast members of the upcoming show Sandugo, which is being headlined by Aljur Abrenica, Elisse Joson, and Ejay Falcon.
“I’ll be playing the role of Inez, a woman who is very much in love with the character of Aljur. I’m a villain in the story. It’s an interesting role which requires a little on-screen sexiness. I’ll be having lots of confrontation scenes
How is it working with the likes of Aljur and Elisse?
“Oh, it’s a great opportunity. I’ve worked with Aljur in several projects before and we’re okay. He’s easy to deal with. As for Elisse, it’s my maiden project with her and I find her very nice off cam. I’m sure it will be another unforgettable experience for me.”
Most of the roles being given to her are ‘contravida’ parts. Isn’t she afraid to be typecast as a bad girl on screen?
“I don’t mind actually. In fact, I find it challenging. The villain is as important as the lead star. If the main lead shines, it’s because the villain is also effective, right? One thing more, as long as I know I’m not a baddie in real life, I don’t mind breathing life to antagonistic characters.”
Maika reveals she auditioned for the much-coveted role of “Darna” which eventually landed on Jane de Leon’s lap.
“It’s okay. I’m happy for Jane. I think she will make a good Darna,” she states.
If ever the part of Valentina will be offered to her, will she accept it?
“Of course! Without a doubt. It’s an iconic role as well, being Darna’s main nemesis. I promise to do it the best as I can if ever!”
The appealing Kapamilya is determined to make it big in the ‘biz.
“I want to give my 100 percent in this field. I love acting, it’s my passion. I’m happy that I have work here. My ultimate goal is to become a versatile actress,” ends Maika.
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Angelica Panganiban clarifies the issue that romantically links her to a foreigner and actor Cholo Barretto. Prior to this, a photo circulated on social media in which she was shown embracing a foreigner.
“Let me just say that I’m not in love at present,” states Angelica. “The guy I was embracing in the photo is not my boyfriend. You see, I meet a lot of people during my travels abroad. I don’t see anything wrong with that considering that people from other countries are not that conservative. They are expressive in what they feel. That’s just normal for them and I don’t see any harm in that.”
How about the issue with Cholo?
“That one really made me laugh. I guess people are basically malicious at times. What matters is that I know for myself what’s true.”
Angelica reveals that love isn’t her priority at this point.
“I’m not looking for romance now. In fact, even if someone comes along, I will not entertain him. I’m so happy with my current personal state. I just can’t afford to ruin my happiness with where I am right now,” she says.
“I’m so okay with myself right now that I feel I don’t need another individual to make me happy. As I’ve said, I’m very happy at this point. I have this fear that my inner happiness might just get ruined if I would let a new person enter my life. It might just complicate things,” she carries on.
Meanwhile, her supporters are already curious about what her next big project is. It’s been a while since she was last seen both in the big and small screens. In the silver screen, her last project was Exes Baggage opposite Carlo Aquino showed in the last quarter of 2018 while her last soap was Playhouse which ended its run last March.
