GMA-7 star Bianca Umali and ABS-CBN actress Loisa Andalio are glad to have found a friend in each other even if they come from rival TV networks.
Bianca and Loisa said their friendship actually started in 2018 when they filmed a television commercial (TVC) for their endorsement.
"Very happy, of course, kasi we are part of a new family and ako, I gained a new friend which is si Loisa, and I’m happy," Bianca told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in an interview after the press launch.
Loisa agreed, "Gaya nga ng sabi ni Bianca, naging talagang close kami dito sa Gluta-C na hindi ko ine-expect kasi, di ba?
"Siyempre taga-seven siya and taga-ABS-CBN ako and hindi naman siya naging hadlang para hindi kami maging close."
She later added, "Lalo na nung nag-TVC shoot kami kasi, di ba pag TVC shoot sobrang tagal so ang lala nung kwentuhan namin."
PEP.ph caught up with both teen stars at the launch of the soap brand's newest packaging on Tuesday, February 19, at the Mess Hall in Makati City.
In a separate interview at the event, Loisa expressed how much she enjoyed working with Bianca.
Loisa narrated, "Si Bianca naman, kahit taga-seven siya masaya siya katrabaho, and hindi ako nakaka-feel na akward dahil taga kabilang channel siya.
"Hindi ko naman din kasi tinitignan yun, e, basta marunong ka makisama, yun yung importante."
For her part, Bianca said she does not really mind whether a new friend comes from a rival network.
The Kapuso talent further explained, "Personally with meeting new people, para sa akin, wala naman talagang boundary yan.
"It doesn't matter kung sa amin, saang station ka man galing or parang sa buong mundo, it doesn't matter kung anong kultura, pinaniniwalaan mo, kung saang bansa ka, kung anong kulay mo, kung anong anyo mo.
"I mean you can be friends with anyone and you can love anyone."
Bianca and Loisa have maintained their communication since their TVC shoot, but the two have yet to hang out.
Bianca told PEP.ph, "Magkausap kami lagi, though pero wala lang kaming time."
Loisa agreed and added, "Na swak na puwede siya, puwede ako."
But Bianca noted, "We have plans na!"
SELF-CARE
Meanwhile, both teen stars agreed on the importance of starting early when it comes to taking care of your skin.
Bianca admitted that she did not really take care of herself that much when she was younger.
She said, "Ako, hindi ako. Never ako. I don’t know.
"I think I just really didn’t care kasi nga again aside sa wala akong alam sa kung anong dapat ilagay, hindi rin ako naging sobrang mindful, parang lalaki dati.
"Lately lang ako naging aware."
The Sahaya actress said one of the important things she learned is to always put on sunblock to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Bianca said, "Siguro ngayon if they’re really not into it, just enjoy pero the veterans always tell me na it’s actually important to start early kasi makikita mo yung results or you’ll only suffer when you grow old.
"Kahit yung ultimo pag lagay ng sunblock or ano, inside or outside you have to kasi yun nga, you may not see it now pero yung suffering will happen when you grow old. So malaking advantage if you start taking care of yourself early."
Meawhile, Loisa advised teens like her to be mindful of their wellness.
"Sa akin naman, kailangan talaga nila lalo na yung mga estudyanteng super stressed.
"Di ba, pag super stressed ka pini-pimples ka nang malala, and para sa 'kin kailangan talaga nila. Yun na lang yung gift nila sa sarili nila sa sobrang pagre-review nila sa mga thesis nila, di ba?
"Grabe talaga, and sobrang alam mo yun, kailangan mo din ingatan talaga yung physical na hitsura mo, kailangan mahalin mo sarili mo.
"Kailangan magpaganda hindi para sa ibang tao, kumbaga para sa sarili mo."