Ritz goes more daring than her FHM cover

Misibis Bay, Albay -- Kapatid actress Ritz Azul admits her role as Maita Ramirez in TV5’s “Misibis Bay” is more daring than the FHM cover she did in November 2012. 

“Sa FHM, stills lang yon. (Litrato) lang yon. Dito sa ‘Misibis Bay,’ may emosyon, lahat ng galaw nakikita nag kaseksihan,” she said in an interview at the luxury island resort.
 
For one, she did a lap dance in front of Christopher de Leon, who plays the real estate tycoon she marries, thinking that he will give her a way out of her miserable life in the slums.

For another, she has suggestive scenes with not one, but three men, played by Daniel Matsunaga, Victor Silayan and Vin Abrenica.


The pressure is on

Yahoo OMG’s Amazing Female Newcomer can’t help but feel pressured.

“Ito ang pinaka-challenging role na nagawa ko,” Ritz says.
 
It’s also her steping stone to more mature roles.
 
Ritz’s lap dance scared the daylights out of her while she was rehearsing it.

“Hiyang hiya ako kay Mr. Christopher,” Ritz recalls.

But she chased the butterflies in her stomach away by reminding herself that she is not Ritz. She’s Maita, who simply wants to help her ailing grandmother (played by Boots Anson-Roa).


Christopher was impressed

“She did it well. She’s very professional. She’s a good actress. I’m always excited to work with young actors. I get my energy from them,” he said.


Self-control

To prepare for the role, Ritz must learn how to control herself even more. She watches what she eats and goes to the gym together with “Misibis Bay” co-star Megan Young.

During the pictorial for the series, Ritz wore a white bikini that showed off the curves she’s been working hard to maintain.

So focused is she in her work, the 19-year-old actress doesn’t take any of her suitors seriously.

“Ine-entertain ko naman, pero hindi ako focused don. Fifteen days kami dito sa Misibis.”

What’s important for her is that her parents support her decision.

“They told me it’s up to me to make my decision.”

For Ritz, who feels so attached to her family, that gesture of confidence in her good judgment is enough to inspire her even more.