THIS DIVA CAN ACT

By Jerry Donato

(The Philippine Star)

Updated May 28, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Her name speaks of her dream to become a performer. This, Diva Montelaba proved during the StarStruck V final judgment three months ago where she showed her R&B vocals and Rihanna dance moves. Like any other showbiz neophyte, Diva is open to opportunities. With her recent performance on GMA 7’s Maynila, showbiz insiders can say that Diva has been bitten by the acting bug.

“After I did the acting challenges in StarStruck, I found acting interesting and that I could do it,” Diva recalls how her interest in acting began. “Then I received good feedback. And I told myself, ‘Why not to give it a try?’ And I’m loving it.”

Diva’s next acting assignment is Lovebug which will be shot in June with the island paradise Guam as backdrop.

“I’m excited because it’s my first time to go abroad and my first big break,” says Diva. “From what I know, there will be twists and turns in the story. It’s a love square about four individuals. I have no idea yet whom I will be paired with.”
Diva, Steven Silva, Sarah Lahbati and Enzo Pineda are the four characters who are in search for the true meaning of love.

While waiting for the Lovebug to fly her out to Guam, Diva has a handful of activities to keep herself busy 24/7.

“(The StarStruck Final 5) have guestings,” she reports. “We regularly appear in Party Pilipinas. The 40-day workshop (prepared by GMA Artist Center) hasn’t finished yet. We have learned a lot from it (exploring the areas of dancing, acting, singing hosting) because it’s an assessment type of workshop. I can compare myself now from before and see how I have improved. It has helped me a lot to better myself.”

After becoming the First Princess, Diva has blossomed into a better show business performer.

“Before, I wasn’t confident and sometimes I pulled myself down because of low self-esteem,” she says. “I’m always thinking of the good things. Whenever I perform, (I’m happy) to win (everyone’s) nod.”

Are her worries of not getting any projects and someone getting favored than the others over?

“Yes,” Diva answers. “After the finale, I sometimes told myself that I don’t want to pursue this. I did want to stop at the beginning. The worries of what projects I will receive and when disappeared. I believe that what you can do determines the kind of projects you will get. Whether you’re the Ultimate Winner or not is no longer an issue. I have also realized that this job is tough — tiring and stressful. Despite all that, I enjoy this kind of life.”

“What I like about GMAAC is we sit down and we talk about my career.”

Having put all her first-time showbiz jitters and worries behind her, Diva has started her career on the right foot with the right frame of mind.