Newcomer Justin Gonzales shared that he was so surprised when he learned that he had a role in the teleserye Maria La Del Barrio as the childhood friend and secret admirer of lead star Erich Gonzales. In an interview with ABS-CBN.com, the 19 year-old said he hopes more people will take notice of him in this teleserye. “Sobrang masaya and excited pero at the same time kinakabahan kasi malaking role. I just hope other bigger opportunities will come. Lagi naman akong nagdadasal for more blessings. I trust naman ABS-CBN that they know what’s best for me. Every time naman na binibigyan ako ng work I always give my best.”He added that to be paired with Erich is such a big honor and he currently enjoys spending time with the actress on the set. “Nakilala ko siya nung nag-guest ako sa Magkaribal. Hindi kami masyadong nakapagkwentuhan dun. But here in Maria La Del Barrio since laging magkasama ‘yung mga characters namin mas madalas ko siyang makausap sa set. She’s fun to be with.”
Justin had done a few guest appearances in various ABS-CBN programs like in a couple episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya. He was discovered by Star Magic when he used to be a part of an all-male dance group that used to serve as back up for Joross Gamboa and Gerald Anderson. “I was a backup dancer of Joross, magkasama kami ni Gerald noon. Before pa nun mag-PBB si Gerald. Then after mag-PBB ni Gerald, ‘yung grupo nag-backup naman for him. Dun ako na-discover ng manager ko ngayon and he recommended me sa Star Magic.”
As he aspires to someday follow in the footsteps of Gerald and other Kapamilya hot leading men, Justin doesn’t want people to think that he is intentionally emulating his good friend. “Gerald is Gerald na. I want to achieve rin kung ano ‘yung na achieve niya pero gusto ko rin magkaroon ng sarili kong name.”
Justin explained that he feels he is at the right age to do kissing scenes should it be required in Maria La Del Barrio. But if he has to take his shirt of for a scene, he said he needs time to work out. “Open naman ako for kissing scenes. Pero kung maghuhubad hindi pa ready ‘yung katawan ko kasi payat pa ako ngayon. I need to start working out muna.”
Source: www.abs-cbn.com
