Sharlene San Pedro (MNS Photo)
Some eight years ago, Sharlene San Pedro appeared as host on “Goin’ Bulilit,” impersonating Korina Sanchez on “Rated KKK, Handa Na Ba Ako?”
It became a huge favorite among fans, who still remember her well for it.
Fast forward to 2016, Sharlene is all grown up and ready to take on more challenges. Most recently, she has been turning heads as MYX VJ.
It all started with a guest stint on the music channel early last year.
Sharlene was actually hesitant to take on the task fearing what it entails. “Na-pressure ako. Feeling ko may expectations silang sobra sa akin as VJ eh, wala naman pala. Lahat kami sa show masaya lang,” she said.
She has since gotten the hang of it. “Enjoy ako dito kasi wala kang pino-portray na character. Kung sino ka, ’yun ang dapat mong ipakita sa tao,” she said, adding that she is flattered with the good feedback she’s been getting from fans.
Part of the fun of the job is getting to learn more about the music and the artists she listens to. “Kasi kailangan mag-research ka din. Panoorin mo muna ’yung videos na ipapalabas niyo para kapag on-air na meron kayong masasabi sa mga viewers niyo,” she said.
A college freshman at the University of the Philippines Diliman taking up BS Psychology, she intends to finish her course should her showbiz career fail to take off. For now, though, she is staying put.
“Sabi kasi ni mommy na hangga’t nandito ka sa showbiz at kaya ko pang gawin lahat, dito muna ako kasi sayang daw ang opportunity,” she said.
The 16-year-old advises other teen celebs to try and finish their studies despite their show business careers.
“Kahit na minsan lang dumarating ang opportunities sa showbiz, importante na may pinag-aralan ka,” she said.
Sharlene believes her on-screen partnership with Jairus Aquino will last long.
“Maganda po kasi ’yung relationship namin offscreen. We really are good friends. So, magaan kami magka-trabaho,” she said.
They bond over UAAP Volleyball games and movies. Both love playing basketball. “But Jairus is better than me,” Sharlene conceded.
Ask if she wants to work with another actor apart from Jairus, she said, “’Di pa pumapasok sa isipan ko ’yan. Ayoko rin kasi humiling kasi baka iba ’yung gusto nilang i-pair sa akin.”
Aside from her stint on MYX, she is a regular on “Luv U,” and will soon be seen on “Written In Our Stars.”(MNS)