Bea Binene still aiming to be a reporter

CEBU, Philippines – Bea Binene has always considered herself an adventurous soul. The “Starstruck Kids” finalist likes to keep herself busy. Making the most of her time, Bea is turning her dreams into reality with every step.

Currently starring in “Mulawin vs. Ravena,” the continuation of the iconic fantaserye “Mulawin” over GMA Network, Bea has her hands full with portraying the free-spirited, stubborn and independent Anya.

The 19-year-old actress is no stranger to the limelight, having been in the entertainment industry for more than a decade after joining the kids edition of the talent search “Starstruck” in 2004. Despite having a flourishing career, Bea revealed that the plan wasn’t always headed towards tinseltown.

“I’ve always wanted to be a reporter,” Bea declared during an interview Saturday at Rico’s Lechon in Mactan preceeding promo shows at Gaisano Grand Mall Mactan and Gaisano Grand Fiesta Mall Tabunok alongside her “Mulawin vs. Ravena” co-stars Derrick Monasterio, Kiko Estrada, Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix.

Bea – one of the few Kapuso talents who is also engaged with GMA News TV as a host of “Good News” together with Vicky Morales –revealed how she always wanted to be a journalist since she was a kid, adding that she looks up to veteran newscaster Mel Tiangco.

“It’s been a dream of mine to become a news anchor. In fact, I grew up in the news and public affairs side of GMA. I look up to Tita Mel because not only she  is a good news achor, she also has a golden heart,” Bea, who is taking up a degree in AB Film, says.

Bea said she had always wanted to take up communication arts, but all in good time. Despite wanting to focus on her studies, the young lady had to quit school for a while since she wants to focus on “Mulawin” in the meantime.

She also discussed how “Mulawin vs. Ravena” is different from her former projects. Aside from wearing complicated costumes and doing dangerous stunts, the spinoff presents a more mature take on romance—a deliberate turn from the teenybopper fluff she used to do.

“Definitely, hindi siya katulad ng ‘Tween Hearts’ na pakilig-kilig lang,” Bea says.

“Although our roles in ‘Mulawin’ talk about romance, pero kahit papaano it is mature but not in a provocative way,” she adds, stressing that the love arc surrounding the story has more to do with what the characters are going through, how they explore the wonders of going into complex relationships, as well as the challenges that come with it.

There’s no doubt that Bea is committed to her role as Anya. She recently took up harness lessons and fight workshops for the show, even revisiting her wushu skills which got her a bronze medal in the 2010 National Wushu Competition.

Despite being currently swamped with “Mulawin,” Bea finds time to do volunteer work through GMA Kapuso Foundation, as well as spend some downtime with friends and family, or maybe traveling.

“Mulawin vs. Ravena” hit television screens in May, and as the plot progresses, people still can’t help but compare it to the original tale that started it all—which was championed by now Kapamilya stars Richard Gutierrez as Aguiluz and Angel Locsin as Alwina.

Adding to the pressure is the fact that their series is pitted against “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” ABS-CBN’s long running and well-loved series, which saw another former Kapuso in the person of Louise delos Reyes currently appearing in the show.

“We have nothing against them [former Kapusos turned Kapamilya], and we’re all friends. Honestly, we wish them all the best but at the same time, we hope that the viewers like the new ‘Mulawin’ story,” Bea shares. (FREEMAN)