E LIVE with the impression that showbiz is all about glamour. While this can be true in hindsight, we the audience, often overlook the fact that behind the glitz and glitter of the spotlight are tons of sleepless hours, sweat and pure hard work. The moment Nadine Samonte walked in for the interview, I felt a certain dilemma. It's like I was taking away something that was very sacred and important to her. Though I was sure she didn't mind, I still couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy. The lack of sleep was very evident from her cute pair of eyes. Her gorgeous hair a bit out of place. She smiled upon seeing me then greeted me with a low pitch voice. “Okay lang po. Wala namang problema,” she casually said when I assured her that I had no intention of prolonging the interview. I was actually informed by her mother that Nadine was on the go almost 24 hours already, coming from the gym, a shooting and rehearsal for the stage play Lilo and Stitch (only taking a 15-minute nap before pulling herself up again to face me. “This is actually one of the difficult aspects of my job because wala talagang oras ang trabaho ‘pag artista,” says the former Starstruck Avenger.

BEING NADINE
NADINE, show's Nadine Burgos Eidioth (her father is a German national) in real life, describes herself as simple and very easy to please. “My family and friends keep me grounded,” she says. “It's easy to lose yourself in this industry because of all the attention and money.”

A few years after being introduced through the talent search StarStruck, Nadine continues to reap the trust and confidence of GMA-7's management. But despite these, she remains down-to-earth and easy to work with according to most showbiz insiders.

“Ayoko kasi ng maarte. I mean, ako I can say that I'm a simple person. Mababaw lang ako, hindi ako mahirap pakisamahan, makulit and sobrang palatawa,” the 17-year-old actress adds.

For such a young age finding herself in a reel world, she must be enjoying all the upside of being a star.

“Perks?” she asks. “Masaya dahil nakikilala ka and I'm earning quite well for my age,” she reasons out. “But at the same time you have to accept everything they throw at you, like intrigues, whether they're true or not. I'm able to adjust naman on some things.”

Nadine admits that she's not really expecting too much as far as her career is concerned.

“I can't even say that I see myself to be in showbiz 10 years from now, I know that being an actress can be temporary that's why I really want to finish my schooling.”

She's thinking of taking up Law but Nadine knows very well that her schedule may not permit it.

“Siguro business course na lang. But at the moment, I haven't really thought of what course to take.”  

ON MOVIES, OYO, ANGEL AND SINGING
NADINE has just finished shooting two movies (all under Regal Films), Say That You Love Me, and Happilly Ever After. Currently being paired with Tyron Perez, does she still have communication with former screen partner Oyo Boy Sotto?

“Wala na. Though nagkakasama minsan sa production numbers, she quips.

Any reaction on the news that Oyo is now seriously dating Angel Locsin? “Wala,” was her nonchalant reply. But how does she find Angel?

“Okay siya. We've worked together before sa Love to Lvoe kaya I know her naman,” Nadine says about the lead star of Darna.

Are there any plans of doing an album since I read before that she loves singing?

“Hindi ako ganu'n kagaling kumanta. Pero before I was told to try it out with Ivory Records kaya lang mabigat ‘yung process. You'll be asked to do a recording for them to hear your voice then you'll undergo voice lessons. ‘Tsaka pa lang ‘yung actually recordings so medyo mahaba ‘yung process, eh, ‘yung time na ‘yon, halos araw-araw ‘yung taping ko so hindi na lang muna. But I'm still open to the idea. Maybe ‘pag hindi na ako ganu'n ka-busy.”

BEAUTY SECRETS
WITH her mestiza features, Nadine is among those whom we consider lucky to have a clear complexion.

“Well, as an artista siyempre dapat ma-maintain mo na laging clean and presentable ka kaya I still have to exert an effort to achieve it,” she says.

Nadine though admits she's not really vain.

“Hindi naman ako masyadong maraming beauty rituals but I used Ysa products… ‘yung lotion and sabon.”

But isn't she endorsing the said product? “Yes,” she smilingly answers.

“But the funny thing is I tried and liked the product even before they asked me to officially endorse it. Nalaman ko na lang na I'm endorsing it na pala. Nagulat na lang ako, may mga libre na akong Ysa products,” she fondly recalls. “My personal favorite is the lotion kasi non-greasy, malambot siya sa skin and nakakaputi talaga ‘yung lotion nila. But trust me talaga, all of their products are really good.”

Nadine also reiterates that she's not the type who'll endorse something she doesn't believe in.

OFF SHE GOES AGAIN
AS I prepared to end the interview so she could take that much needed rest, Nadine vetoed the idea.

“Hindi, alis din ako ulit, eh. May dubbing naman ako for the movie,” she beams. “After that, diretso na ako siguro ng province for a show. Then rehearsal ulit for a play then shooting.”

Though it seemed like she's once again ready to go, it was still quite obvious that she needed, at least, a brief respite.

“Okay lang… Sanay na din ako,” before flashing those lovely smile that can easily melt anyone's heart.

For Nadine, sleeptime, once again, will have to wait. (Articles lifted from S Magazine)
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