By Phoebe Dorothy Estelle

Sheryl CruzTaking her Philippine showbiz glitter to another level, former teen star Sheryl Cruz is back with more appealing and offbeat roles. After her special participation in “Mulawin,” in 2004, projects came pouring in on her.

Being a member of “Triplets” (with Kristina Paner and Manilyn Reynes) and part of a popular love team in the 80s to mid 90s, Sheryl was secluded to teenybopper, good girl and cutie–cutie roles. She got meaty projects when she decided to be a freelancer. But instead of continuing her flourishing career, Sheryl migrated to United States with her family and was out of the limelight for eight years.

But she didn’t have to resort to gimmicks when she decided to enliven her showbiz career anew. The former Regal Baby involved herself in doing movies and drama series. She starred in “Mano Po 3: My Love” and featured was twice in afternoon program “Now & Forever.” However, her role as the ambitious and scheming Valeria in the TV series Bakekang sealed here newfound fame.

Her eight-year hiatus, indeed, has been a great help in honing her craft and personality.

“I’d learned to depend on my self more. The Philippines is very different from States,” Sheryl said. “Of course, it’s part of our family na ang mga help natin dito, they do a lot of things for you. I’m proud to say na during my time in the US I learned not to be very needy na every time ‘pakikuha ito, pakikuha iyan.’ I do help around the house and I do clean the house.”

Sheryl is the only daughter of the late Ricky Belmonte and former actress Rosemarie Sonora (sister of Susan Roces). She’s married to Norman Bustos, a sheriff in California and mother to Ashley. The singer-actress professed that she’s blessed for having them in her life.

“Thanking Lord for he given me good parents, a good family, and a good education. Naturuan akong makisama sa mga tao whether mayaman or mahirap sila. Alam ko kung saan ko ilalagay ang sarili ko. Maraming salamat din sa naibigay na impluwensiya ng aking asawa. It was through him that I learned you can enjoy your life but that time is so precious. Kailangan talagang wala kang pinaghihintay. So he helps me become more efficient when it comes to managing my time.”

“Mr. Dreamboy” and “Sabi Ko na Nga Ba” were among her hit songs in the late 80s. She did two albums while she was already a renowned teen star. And this is one the many things she missed. Fortunately, she sang the female version of “Sinasamba Kita,” the theme song and title of her new drama series at GMA 7.

“I’m very happy that I was given a chance to record the female version of this (Sinasamba Kita) new arrangement. Ang sarap din kasi si Janno Gibbs, who is a dear friend of mine, sang back up for me.”

Three weeks before “Bakekang” ended, Sheryl started taping “Sinasamba Kita.” Her weekdays are fully-booked with shootings and other engagements. But her weekends are fully dedicated to her daughter.

“Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I would do “Bakekang” and Tuesdays and Thursdays I do “Sinasamba Kita.” Kung ano man ang natitirang days or weekends sa akin I would spend that with my daughter or with my family. I would also spend that sleeping because I don’t really go out a lot. And I just moved to a new place siyempre mas gusto kong nag-aayos ng house.”

Sheryl Cruz and familyThough she’s not one to complain, Sheryl admitted that it’s not easy being an actress.

“Akala mo ang mga artista hindi napapagod. Mahirap din iyong trabaho because emotionally you have to be all there. Hindi puwedeng mainit ang ulo mo pagdating mo sa set if ever mayroon kang problems na nagba-bother sa iyo. Hindi mo maayos iyong mga scenes na hinihingi sa iyo.”

Sheryl plays the character that Vilma Santos did in “Sinasamba Kita” movie version. She is paired to Wendell Ramos and co-starred with Valerie Concepcion and Carlo Aquino.

Since she’s busy with her new program, Sheryl holds her summer activities.

“I’d like to go to the beach but right now I can’t. I would like to try the yoga lessons na ginagawa ni Jackie Lou (Blanco), but I’ll do it only if I have the energy kasi useless din na pagod ako tapos magyo-yoga ako. Hindi ko mararamdaman iyong high ng natural exercise na iyon.”

Fame do have a price. But Sheryl Cruz isn’t about to slow down anytime soon. After all, not everyone is given a second shot in this business so expect her to be around for a long time.

Tags: , , ,

Share and Enjoy:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • del.icio.us
  • digg
  • Furl
  • YahooMyWeb