Events / Countries and Territories / Philippines / National Capital Region (NCR)

 

 

 

National Capital Region (NCR)

 

2019

 

 

 

Maja moves

How PH Dance Princess grooves to the music of life, love, and showbiz

Some 16 years in show business, Maja Salvador continues to prove she is one of the most versatile stars of her generation.

Aside from getting praises for her acting prowess and hit songs, she is widely known as Dance Princess of the Philippines.

In an interview with Bulletin Entertainment, Maja shared how dancing paved the way for her to enjoy a fruitful career.

“It started when I became part of ‘It Might Be You’ (Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz-starrer series in 2003) where I was paired with John Prats,” she recalled. “That was the first time they (management) saw me dance. So, they invited me to perform on ‘ASAP’ every Sunday after that and for many years now.”

Then just to state a fact, and not to brag, Maja said: “Dancing is one of the reasons people love me.”

Given her dedication, no wonder she was tapped to be one of the judges on the recently concluded reality competition “World Of The Dance Philippines.”

The 30-year-old artist described the experience as one “roller-coaster” ride.

“Roller coaster because I treated every contestant as a family member so I was affected every time they performed, they cried or got emotional,” she said.

Maja was not oblivious to bashers questioning her credibility as judge. Still, she ignores them, focusing more on the fact that she is partly responsible for sending the winner, FCPC Baliktanaw, to represent the Philippines in the international counterpart of the show.

Maja may already have the groove, but she doesn’t rest on her laurels. She continues to attend workshops and training to improve her dancing. Her dream collaboration? No less than with American singer-actress-dancer Jennifer Lopez.

“In the first place, she’s the one who inspired me to pursue this. As the saying goes, libre lang mangarap. So why not, right?” she said.

The multi-talented artist was recently tapped as Dance Ambassador by National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

In line with this year’s International Dance Day, NCCA chairman and national artist Virgilio S. Almario and national committee on dance head Shirley Halili-Cruz are once again organizing “Dance Xchange: The Philippine International Dance Workshop and Festival.”

Following the theme “Cultural Connectivity through Dance,” it happens on April 26 to 30 in Roxas City, Capiz.

“Dance Xchange” is also held in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 154, declaring the last of week April as “the National Dance Week.” The program aims to enhance knowledge and skills of the dancers, dance teachers, and choreographers on dance of the different countries as creative expression of their culture. With the number of international delegates participating, the event also seeks to provide venue for exchange of ideas and showcase the unique dances of each participating country.

“I don’t know what led me to be an ambassador but I’m so grateful and thankful to be part of this cultural event,” Maja said, adding she aims to encourage youth to love our own dance and music.

Asked what dance genre would best describe her life, she said it is jazz.

“Lahat ng nangyari sa buhay ko, hindi mabilisan. Parang jazz, tama lang, swabeng galawan lang.”

Vacay!
Today, Palm Sunday, is the start of Holy Week.

And for a celebrity who works literally every day, it could only mean one thing: Vacation!

Maja will be flying to the US to rest and have some “me time.” The actress is going with her lover, businessman Rambo Nuñez.

It was early March when Maja admitted that she’s “back together” with him. The two were in a relationship nine years ago but they broke up because she was forced to pick between career and love.

Asked about the traits she likes about him, she said he is family-oriented, someone who loves his mother more than anything — a plus point for her.

She added that Rambo’s family has been very welcoming towards her. The actress even calls his mother “mhom.”

Maja said she had always wanted to have a non-showbiz boyfriend to keep the relationship private. But, of course, public attention is inevitable and they understand it.

“Sometimes he gets surprised din (with the attentions given to him). He has got so many followers on social media now and when he doesn’t post pictures of us, he receives messages like ‘LQ ba kayo ni Ate Maja,’” she shared. “Thankfully, he’s very understanding. He knows it’s part of my life as a celebrity. So now, we feel like we are a showbiz love team.”

Dancing Darna?
As for future projects, Maja revealed a film and another teleserye are on their way.

What about Darna, we teased.

The topic was brought up since Maja’s name has been among the top picks of fans following Liza Soberano’s exit from the highly-anticipated project.

She, whose memorable roles include Lily Cruz in the action-packed “Wildflower,” led a number of informal polls. Netizens and some artists selected the actress as the subject of mock-ups depicting her in Darna’s red battle gear.

Asked if she would accept the role if offered, Maja gave a tentative answer.

According to her, she would rather “shut her mouth” on the subject out of respect for Liza.

“I’m flattered that many want me for the role. I was actually surprised when I heard about the clamor,” she noted. “But for now, I don’t want to talk about it since I treat Liza as my baby sister. I respect her and I know how hard it is for her to back out. She really likes to portray Darna but, you know, with the situation, it’s best that she prioritizes her health.”

Maja admitted the idea of her donning Darna’s red cape would be a “pressure,” as it means following in the footsteps of Angel Locsin.

“That’s really hard,” Maja said. “I’m happy with the Tweets and all but for now, I’d rather not comment.”

Tags: Maja moves, Manila Bulletin, Manila Bulletin Entertainment, mb.com.ph

 

 

 

---

 

 

2016

 

 

Contact details 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

2015