SASSY and sexy, Maxene Magalona is all grown-up.

I met Maxene more than 10 years ago when she was just a bright-eyed little girl who was in love with life. She still is the same girl but now with more wisdom and maturity—and who never forgets to steal a moment or two to live, laugh and love.

I spoke with Maxene recently, and here’s a snippet of our conversation.

 

First of all, congratulations on your last TV outing, GMA’s My Lover, My Wife, which was very successful. To whom can you attribute the show’s success?

Thank you so much! Well, the show was a success because of everyone who worked really hard on it. The cast, the crew, the production staff...everyone! The script was written beautifully and the way our director Jay Altarejos executed the story was close to perfect. Everyone really gave everything they had to the show, which is why it became so successful. Our show remained No. 1 in the afternoon ratings from Day One. I’m very proud and honored to be a part of My Lover, My Wife.

 

What are you most proud of the show?

I’m proud of how I was able to develop and really work on my dramatic skills. Many people say that I’ve improved a lot.

 

Many say that this was your most daring role, in terms of maturity and sexiness. What can you say about this? Why did you agree to such a daring role?

Well, I knew that I had to do everything I did in the show because it was what the story called for. I trusted everyone on the set, plus Jay Altarejos really took care of me. All the mature scenes were done in good taste. Another thing, I’m about to turn 25! I think it’s about time that I did something like that! Hahaha!

 

What did your mom say about how daring the role was?

Nothing, really. She knows that I’m already of age, and there’s nothing wrong with what I was doing since it’s part of my job. My mom has always been supportive. As a team, my mom and I never do anything half-baked. If she knew that the project would become a hazard to my career, she wouldn’t have allowed me to do it in the first place. We never accept projects and then give restrictions while they’re ongoing. We always give our conditions at the start of every project. I trust my mom’s decisions. She’s the reason my career has blossomed this much.

 

What about your boyfriend? What was his reaction to how daring the role was? Did he have a say on this in the first place?

From the beginning, Neil (Arce) already knew what my job would sometimes require me to do, so he doesn’t really complain about it. Not at all. He would even watch the show with me and tell me how proud he is of me. He would even give my pointers! Hahaha! Like my mom and my family, Neil is very supportive. And he trusts me, so he knows that everything I do is all about professionalism.

 

You’ve been talking about your boyfriend more openly in your past interviews. Why are you more open now about your love life?

Yes, that’s true. This is the only time I’ve ever admitted to having a boyfriend because, again, I’m already of age and also because Neil makes me very happy. He inspires me to be the best that I can be, and that is the reason I don’t feel the need to hide him. I’m also very proud of him. He’s the No.1 poker player in the Philippines and one of the best in Asia. He’s a family-oriented, God-fearing and self-made man. He deserves to be acknowledged because he makes me happy.

 

You also did a series of daring photos with Xander Angeles. Tell me more about this.

The pictorial was for Xander Angeles’s Fashion Academy/Visualzine exhibit. Raymond Gutierrez, one of my closest friends in the business, was the one who convinced me to do it, so I know that it was going to be done tastefully. True enough, it did come out as something classy and not sleazy at all. I’m very happy with the way it all turned out. I trust Xander and Raymond. They took care of me during the pictorial. I didn’t feel conscious or nervous at all. I was confident because of the encouragement they gave me. With any project, as long as the creative team behind it is professional and talented, you just know it’s going to turn out really, really well.

 

I’m sure men’s magazines have been hounding you to pose for them. Are you now open to their offers?

Hahaha! Well, there have been offers, but I decline all the time because a men’s magazine is still different from an art exhibit. No offense to the girls who have appeared on covers of men’s magazines but it’s just not me.

 

You’ve accomplished so much at such a young age. What else would you want to do?

I want to open up my own preschool or day-care center! I’ve always loved teaching and kids have always adored me. I can’t wait until that happens.

 

Any upcoming shows for us to look forward to?

I still don’t know what my next show is going to be. But I’ll definitely keep you updated! Follow me on Twitter @maxenemagalona.

 

Last question: If you could describe Maxene Magalona and her state of mind now, what would it be?

Maxene Magalona right now is still the same person she was 10 years ago—simple, fun and sweet. But a lot wiser and stronger. Anything that comes my way, I know I’ll be able to handle it properly. Bring it on.