Fan Forum - View Single Post - Vanessa Filipina Thread #2: b/c it's anything Pinoy!

lenada2002 · 10-02-2007, 05:17 PM

^^chay ang ganda! cool!

I know we all have read this, but just because i think this should be here:

Quote:

Vanessa Hudgens: ‘I love being a Filipina ’

By Ruben V. Nepales
Inquirer
Last updated 09:47pm (Mla time) 08/09/2007

LOS ANGELES -- When we first saw Vanessa Hudgens as she came out for lunch in the courtyard garden of a hotel, she instantly reminded us of Rosemarie Sonora and Sheryl Cruz.

The Filipino-American actress headed to our table to say hi to Rich Ross, president of Disney Channel Worldwide. We had just discussed with Rich the phenomenal success of “High School Musical” all over the world, including the Philippines. Rich stood up to chat with Vanessa, who with summery blouse looked perfect in this sun-dappled outdoors setting.

Half an hour later, Vanessa sat down for a press con. The 18-year-old singer-actress, her on- and off-screen boyfriend Zac Efron (who is also the high school heartthrob in the movie “Hairspray”) and the rest of the gang are back in “High School Musical 2” (“HSM2”), whose predecessor caught everyone by its success on many levels: over 100 million viewers; 7 million plus DVD copies sold; the soundtrack CD topped the charts last year; and the concert tour in the US, Canada and several Latin American countries were sold-out affairs.

The best assets of Vanessa, whose mother Gina Guangco is a Filipina, are her dark eyes, which twinkle when she smiles or laughs. Her brunette hair was artfully arranged in the back. She wore several bracelets on both wrists.

Another Fil-Am, Charles “Chucky” Klapow, returns as choreographer along with Bonnie Story and director Kenny Ortega of the production numbers which “HSM” is known for. Chucky, whose mom is also a Pinay, won with Kenny and Bonnie an Emmy Award for Best Choreography in “HSM.”

Zac, whom we interviewed separately, politely refused to answer a colleague’s request for him to talk about his personal relationship with Vanessa. Zac and Vanessa, who play Troy and Gabriella in “HSM,” even have a term coined for them a la Brangelina: Zanessa. So we asked Zac instead to chat about Vanessa on, ahem, purely professional basis.

Here’s what he said: “Vanessa and I go way back to the very first auditions for this movie. From the start, we were always paired together in the auditions. I think we were the only pair from the mass of kids that was never separated. We always read together over and over. I wish I could put my finger on what makes our chemistry work onscreen. But I can tell you that she’s easy to talk to, very kind, sweet and she has a great sense of humor. When you combine that with an amazing voice and her beauty, you’re going to have a star. She’s amazing to work with.”

Vanessa, who has an album titled “V,” has a younger sister, Stella, 11, also an aspiring actress. Their father, Greg Hudgens, is of Irish and Native American descent.

Can you share your thoughts about your Filipino heritage?

I am so proud of my heritage. I love being a Filipina. There aren’t very many Filipino girls in the industry. So being able to stand up and be that girl makes me proud. My mother is so proud. She grew up in Manila. I don’t even think she knows it’s doing that well over there. I’d love to make it over there sometime. Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to visit.

Do you speak Tagalog?

Oh, not really. My mom tried to teach me when I was younger. I am not that great at languages. I really want to learn, though.

When do you think you will visit the Philippines?

I think whenever I have a good second to do nothing and just go where I want. I have been talking about it forever and it never materializes. Hopefully, soon. I can’t wait to see the Philippines.

What did your mom tell you about the Philippines? And in what ways are you Filipino?

She told me several stories about where she used to live. She has 11 brothers and sisters so she had a big family. I love Filipino food. I love halo-halo, pancit and adobo. I am such a Filipino—I eat rice every day (laughter).

How much of an inspiration is your mom in your career?

My mom was the one who was always there for me, especially with singing. She was always the one who kept me going when it came to singing. When I recorded my album, I said, “Mom, thank you. I can finally say thank you for all that stuff that you did for me.” It finally paid off—everything she taught me, about morals and everything. She’s an inspiration. She always tells me how proud she is of me. It’s really touching.

How strict are your parents?

My parents are kind of strict. My mom raised me very well. I didn’t date until I was 16. I never really went out that much. I am the kind of girl who loves to stay home and just watch movies. They don’t really have anything to be strict about.

What did your mom tell you about boys?

My mom never said, “Watch out for this or that boy.” She knew that I had good judgment. I always liked the nice guys anyway so it was never like I am going for the bad guy. She just said, “Be careful with boys.” But I always just went for the nice surfer guys. I guess she was okay with that (laughter).

the rest is here: Vanessa Hudgens: �I love being a Filipina � - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos