Fame happened too soon for “First Time” lead stars Barbie Forteza and Joshua Dionisio that the young actors realized they are now at a point in their career when they do not want to do anything they would regret in the future.

“We realize that those who support us treat us as role models so we are very careful about what we show on TV,” Barbie told us in a recent chat inside the GMA compound in Quezon City.

Their third time to be cast together after their tandem on the highly successful “Stairway to Heaven” and in an episode of “Dear Friends,” the two GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) talents tackle more challenging roles on “First Time” which delves on loss, friendship and young love.

According to GMA-7 insiders, they welcome the growing following the young love pair has. Whenever Barbie and Joshua appear together on stage, particularly in tours and events GMA holds for Kapuso stars, the pair is greeted with wild screams from throngs of young fans. Likewise, “First Time” is rating very well.

In the series, Barbie (who plays Cindy Gomez) and Joshua (Lucas Ynfante) meet for the first time at a resort at a time when he is still coping with his mother’s death. Having grown bitter over her passing, it’s now up to Cindy to “rescue” his newfound friend.

Can she show him that life can still be beautiful when one moves past the hurts? Can love overcome grief? More, how will both deal with the many facets of growing up with a shadow hanging over it? These are but some of the questions “First Time” will answer.

According to Barbie, she and Joshua as with the rest of the cast underwent workshops under Penn Medina in preparation for “First Time.” She not only has high praises for Joshua, whom she describes as “masayahin, makulit at madaldal,” but for their other co-actors namely Jhake Vargas, Eunice Jhoana Marie Tan, Bea Binene, Anna Capri, Ian Veneracion, Bayani Agbayani, Michelle Madrigal, Joross Gamboa, Cris Villanueva, Mark Castillo, Lucho Ayala, Eric Quizon, Romnick Sarmenta, Sheila Marie Rodriguez, Roxanne Barcelo, Alicia Meyer, Ricci Chan, Mel Kimura, and Angel Jacob.

On the other hand, Joshua considers “First Time” as his biggest project to date; one that levels up his acting prowess in preparation for more mature roles especially now that he is midway through his teens (15 years old) going to young adulthood.

Although shy to say directly if 12-year-old Barbie is her crush, Joshua nevertheless describes her fondly as someone who is easy to get along with, a professional and very hip.

Asked about the things viewers of “First Time” can look forward to in the show, Joshua said the plot has enough twists to keep people glued for its entire 16-week run.

Directed by Andoy Ranay and written by Kit Villanueva-Langit, “First Time” will interest anyone from any age bracket as it provides an open and honest exploration of what really goes on within and beyond the four walls of the classroom, and treats them with openness, honesty, and depth.

“First Time” began airing on Feb. 8. It is shown in the late afternoon right after “Family Feud” and just before “24 Oras” on GMA Telebabad.

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Edu talks of a ‘match made in heaven’

Vice-presidentiable Edu Manzano initially never thought of seeking the second highest office in the land.

“I was already preparing myself to run for senator in 2010,” he admits.

That is, until presidentiable Gilbert ‘Gibo’ Teodoro came along.

“He told me there are many who become a senator,” recalls Edu. “More than a senator, Gibo told me what the country needs is someone who can help implement a national plan for progress.”

And the presidentiable showed Edu what his “flight plans” are. The match seemed to be one made in heaven. The two men found out they share the same vision that their goals in serving the country run parallel to each other.

“I also discovered that both of us are keen believers in the dictum that says ‘A society that cannot help the many who are poor, cannot save the few who are rich.’” That clear, they outlined a program that consists of: Education, which Edu promises to improve so that the Philippines will be competitive with technologically-advanced countries; employment for a brighter future and end to poverty; and peace via a just and honorable end to the rebellion being pursued by the New People’s Army and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

All these, Edu notes, will make “RP Flight 2010” a journey that will spell political stability, social equity and economic prosperity.

“I will guarantee everyone a clean, sincere and reliable government that will answer the ordinary Filipino’s needs,” he pledges.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on March 3 go to Michael Agassi, Ms. Linda E. Panlilio, Atty. Lulu T. Castañeda, Bambi Mendoza, Connie Papas, Benita Galang vda. de Gallardo, Nena del Rosario, Macrina Moreno, Marmalea N. Guinto, Zenaida Luna, Marina Escaño, Luz Cruz, Edith D. Caligacion of Toronto, Canada, and Baby Gil of Viva Entertainment.