Philippine Showbiz Today Vol 13 No 20 | Page 24

24 Philippine Showbiz Today October 22 - November 7, 2018 Wish granted for Maureen Wroblewitz After her successful foray into modeling, Maureen Wroblewitz, the first Filipina to win “Asia’s Next Top Model (ASNTM),” sashays her way into the local TV scene as the newest addition to the “Eat Bulaga” family. The half-Filipina, half- German beauty made her noontime debut in the program’s hit segment “Barangay Jokers.” Since then, the 20-year-old has dabbled in other portions of the show. Maureen disclosed she had to decline offers from two competing networks when she decided to join “Eat Bulaga.” The driving force behind her decision was the longtime dream of her 82-year-old maternal grandmother, Iluminada Pojas, to see her regularly in the longest- running noontime variety show in the country. “I’ve known the show since I was little and I know that it is being watched by millions worldwide. As a matter of fact, my grandmother religiously watches it. It’s her longtime wish to see me regularly on television and me joining ‘Eat Bulaga’ is, in a way, fulfilling that wish. At the same time, I want to try something new, venture into an unknown territory – live television. And what better way to do that than to be part of the longest and most successful program in the country,” she said. Jeny Ferre, SVP for Creatives and Operations of “Eat Bulaga,” said that and the management were impressed by the model’s determination, passion and fighting spirit. And that “Eat Bulaga” likes to give opportunities to young people who dare to dream, just like Maureen. “She’s a natural and has so much potential. When you talk to her, she has that charm and you’ll really feel that she’s here to prove something of herself. We like that attitude. She’s eager to show what she can do and at the same time very open to new ideas,” she said. Ferre added Maureen will eventually participate in other program segments but will just take one step at a time. She said they want her to fully embrace and adapt to live television. “She’s a model and it is understandable that she is not used to the television life. But she can very well carve her own path in this industry and we’re happy to be part of that.” Admittedly, Maureen said she has a long way to go and is still getting used to working on a live television show and in front of a big audience. But she’s looking forward to meeting everyone in “Eat Bulaga” and to learn from her co-hosts. “I still get nervous and I admire people who work live on television because it’s not easy. I just try to calm myself down and get help from the people who have always been there for me. It’s scarier but it is fun. I actually enjoy it.” Maureen is grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity. She said she’ll try to make everyone, especially her fans, proud. “After ‘ASNTM,’ I’ve been traveling around. For once, I’ll be in one place for a long time and I think that is great. I’m excited to explore more of my roots and meet people along the way. I also hope that they, the viewers, will also get to know more about me now that I am part of this big family.”● - MB News