She's known as the Philippines' Pop Princess, and that's no misnomer. Sarah Geronimo, who will be performing in Dubai on Friday at the Dubai Aviation Club with Mark Bautista, perfectly lived up to her sweet image during an exclusive chat with tabloid! ahead of the gig.
Widely regarded as an obedient daughter and a role model for young people, Geronimo's genuine talent and humility — and her commitment to her wholesome image — make her a breath of fresh air.
Don't expect any drastic image changes, for example — daring movie scenes or photos are a "big no no", she says, and some questions were a little too sensitive for her, but kudos to her for being straightforward with her answers.
Sarah's work...
Do you have any albums coming out?
Last May, my album One Heart was released. It's my eighth studio album and consists of 15 tracks — both original songs and covers of OPM classics. It also includes the theme song Fallin', from my movie Catch Me, I'm in Love with Gerald Anderson.
Do you have any movie(s) in the works? What can we expect from your latest movie? Will there be any intimate scenes with your leading man?
I'm currently shooting a movie with Gerald under Star Cinema. It's not a sequel to our first movie. The film will be full of surprises; it's a wholesome film and [fans] should really watch out for it.
What about taking on more daring roles or scenes in your films?
I will not do any daring roles in any of my movies. It's not me, it will be totally the opposite of who I am.
Can you comment on speculation that you will transfer to a rival network?
That's not totally true. I will sign another contract with ABS-CBN and I'm happy working with ABS.
Can you clarify the rumours that your camp has requested ABS-CBN to give Angeline Quinto less exposure than you? (Quinto, the first grand winner of Star Power: Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar, a reality contest on ABS-CBN, is dubbed the "Pop Superstar".)
Definitely not true, and it's also common sense. ABS-CBN will not allow that.
Angeline is a home-grown talent and I respect whatever exposure or treatment they are giving her.
Aside from your albums, concerts, television shows and movies, what's going on in your world?
I'm back in my studies; I've enrolled in an online programme at University of the Philippines. I'm pursuing a General Studies degree.
Sarah's style...
What beauty fashion brands do you love?
Nothing really in particular about brands, but I love shoes and perfumes. I'm really a shoe person. I can't count the number of shoes I have.
What's the most expensive outfit or accessories you bought for yourself?
I haven't bought anything yet that I can consider a very expensive fashion outfit or accessory, but my mum gave me an expensive watch.
I've bought an expensive turntable, which I consider an expensive buy.
When do you feel most attractive?
In a dress.
What's your best asset?
I don't have any! (giggles). I think my smile.
Who's the hottest female showbiz personalities in the Philippines?
Anne Curtis and Christine Reyes [Reyes is the current girlfriend of Geronimo's ex-boyfriend, Rayver Cruz].
Sarah's relationships...
Who among the male showbiz personalities in the Philippines do you find sexy?
Piolo Pascual.
Do you prefer a boy-next-door or a bad boy image?
In-between, not the typical boy-next-door and not really a bad, bad boy.
How many boyfriends have you had?
One, and I think people know who he is.
Who are you dating? Who's courting you now?
Friendly date (laughs). I'm not dating anyone. I'm single, but not yet available. I want to focus on my career and studies.
Your most romantic date?
Dinner date with my family at home. I want my family to know him and for him to also meet my family.
Sarah in Dubai...
How does it feel performing here again? Any expectations?
I'm so happy and excited to entertain and meet the Filipinos in Dubai again. I just want them to support my show with Mark.
What keeps you coming back to Dubai?
It is of course such an honour to perform again in Dubai, as there are lots of Filipinos who are supporting me there.
I'm always happy and feel privileged to see Filipinos abroad and to perform in front of them.
What is your favourite place or unforgettable place in Dubai?
The shopping malls!
You asked Sarah...
We asked our readers what they'd like to ask Sarah Geronimo. Here are her answers:
From Marcy: I'm just curious, I hope you don't mind... If I may ask, is there somebody "special" in your life today aside from your family?
No one special, I'm happy being single.
From Myla Aguilar: What made you decide to renew your ties with ABS-CBN, who we all know helped you out to get where you are right now despite the tempting offer from TV5?
I'm happy being a Kapamilya, I'm happy with the projects ABS-CBN is giving me.
From Raquel Galapate: What traits/character do you like about the people here in Dubai that you can proudly tell to the Philippines?
Filipino fans in Dubai are very supportive and know how to appreciate things. Like with my past two performances there, which were well-attended by Filipinos.
From Tess Barretto: When are you going to have a concert in Abu Dhabi?
No plans yet, but I [would] love to. We'll see.
From Dian Marie Ibanez: How difficult was it for you to forget Rayver Cruz?
No comment.
From Connie Ann : With all the negative issues and intrigues thrown to you, was there a time that you want to fight back to defend yourself?
In showbiz, we can't get away [from] negative comments, issues and intrigues. You'll get hurt, but as long as you know that it's not true, then you can just shrug it off and just smile.
Don't miss it
Sarah Geronimo and Mark Bautista perform at the Dubai Aviation Club on Friday at 8pm. Tickets cost Dh100 and are available from boxoffice.me.com and West Zone supermarkets.
