A life Ritz with glamour

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — “It’s overwhelming,” reacts Ritz Azul now that she belongs to the royal court of TV5 princesses along with Alex Gonzaga, Jasmine Curtis Smith, Eula Caballero, Danita Paner and Arci Muñoz. Although each star has her own turf like Alex for romance-comedy and hosting while Eula for teen drama, only one from this batch will eventually emerge as queen. But that’s too early to tell as the careers of some Kapatid princesses have just taken off. This is good news to televiewers as these ladies are alternatives to talents one usually watches on the small screen. After all, TV5 has been in the forefront of TV ratings game offering quality and original entertainment fare from the tried-and-tested ones.  

“This is something I haven’t expected since I didn’t win in the reality talent search (Star Factor),” continues Ritz. “I’m always grateful and indebted to TV5. (That’s why) we (the six princesses) are doing our best. We watch each other’s show. And we’re each other’s critics… I had mixed feelings when I learned that I was going to be introduced as a (TV5) princess. It’s always a mix of fear and joy and I feel pressured (somehow). I wish to follow in the footsteps of Angel Locsin and Anne Curtis.”

Arci Muñoz (left) and Alex Gonzaga perform their own versions of Adele’s Someone Like You and Nicki Minaj’s Super Bass

If that happens, we will see a well-rounded Ritz who crosses over from comedy to drama to action and to other “hybrid” genres. The statuesque star admits that she is not comfortable and feels “intimidated to talk about my career path and whether it is taking the same path (of this star or that star).” She, however, dreams of an Angel Locsin-inspired showbiz career. Ritz doesn’t mind getting down and dirty doing daring stunts and car-chasing scenes in the future. Her lovely mien, delicate features and model-like build are perfect for a spy role that infiltrates mafia organizations.   

“I think there’s no Pinay actress yet who has really (tried her hand at action),” she says.

After Mga Nagbabagang Bulaklak and Glamorosa, Ritz has been attending training and acting workshops designed by TV5 to prepare her for future projects. Off camera, she is busy with her Sangguniang Kabataan duties in her hometown in Diladila, Sta. Rita, Pampanga. At home, Ritz continues to hone her acting skills through various exercises, watch her previous shows and critique herself by identifying the areas where she could improve on. 

Ritz’s hard work has paid off as ENPRESS Golden Screen TV Awards and Yahoo! Philippines OMG recognized her performance on her shows by awarding her the Outstanding Breakthrough Performance by an Actress and Amazing Female Newcomer trophies, respectively. Her win, Ritz says, will serve as an inspiration to better herself.

With other Kapatid Network princesses (from left) Arci, Eula Caballero, Danita Paner and Alex.

Time flies and Ritz can’t believe that she has been in showbiz for a year now and is still surviving. She feels that everything happens in her life “according to God’s plan. (The network and the people behind it like Sir Percy Intalan) became an instrument to achieve my dream.” She values every opportunity that comes her way. “I’m hard working. I’m also open to new ideas and I listen (to suggestions). But I weigh in the (pros and cons of an idea before I accept it). I also give my best kahit masugatan ako at wala akong tulog.”

Ritz feels blessed to have worked with Lorna Tolentino and Alice Dixson. She says she was challenged to at least come close to their level of energy and performance each taping day. As an actor, Ritz wishes to leave everyone a lasting impression. With fame that comes with her career, Ritz remains humble and grounded.

The careers of Ritz and other Kapatid Network’s princesses reflect the many things going on inside the network.

“I’m amazed how things are happening in TV5 knowing that it is only on its second year,” shares Ritz. “It has become the fastest growing network… Siguro nakikita din ng mga tao yung ngiti sa loob ng network (which is also known as the Happy network) through its shows.”

How has life changed since Ritz joined show business last year?

“People now recognize me as Ritz Azul,” she answers. “But I don’t think I’m that famous. I’m only on my (baby) first (steps). I’m still a newbie. It’s still a long journey for me.”

The Panagbenga Festival crowd that cheers on the TV5 stars