StarStruck 2 Ultimate Survivor Mike Tan is out to prove he’s more than just a heartthrob via his role in the suspense thriller “Tanikala: Ang Ikalawang Libro,” which will be shown on Thursday at 5 p.m. on GMA-7. Produced by Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) Asia in cooperation with The Light Cinema, “Tanikala: Ang Ikalawang Libro” is part of CBN Asia’s Holy Week presentation.

Mike plays the role of Florante, a loving husband to Marina who is possessed by evil spirits and he said it wasn’t at all easy to portray his character. “It’s my first time to do a suspense-thriller film and honestly, I had some difficulty doing some of the scenes. My role as Florante required a lot of emotions and sometimes I don’t know where to get the feelings suited for the scene. I decided to internalize and study Florante’s character and that’s where I started pouring out the emotions,” Mike shared. “I’m also grateful that Direk and the whole staff have been so supportive and helpful.”

According to Mike, this has been his most difficult role so far and he was really challenged to do the project, since it’s also his first time to act in a suspense film.

Sheena out to prove she can act

Like Mike Tan, Sheena Halili is also a product of StarStruck (first edition). Like Mike, she also wants to prove her acting mettle via “Tanikala: Ikalawang Libro,” where she plays Jenny, a girl who contracted a deal with a dwarf. Like Mike, it’s also Sheena’s first time to do a horror film.

“It’s my first time to do a horror flick. It’s ironic because I am not fond of watching scary movies at all. When I first read the script, I doubted if I can really do the scenes. But I realized God would not give it to me if I could not do it, that’s why I accepted the role,” Sheena said.

“I also think it’s high time for me to show what else I can do. I want the people to see the other side of Sheena Halili, far from the usual ‘kikay’ and ‘bobita’ roles that I do,” she added.

Hosted by Peter Kairuz and directed by Jose Paolo Tesico, “Tanikala: Ang Ikalawang Libro” is the sequel to “Tanikala: Bihag ng Kadiliman.”

By the way, CBN Asia is the also the producer of the weekly inspirational show “The 700 Club Asia.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on April 1 go to Tirso Cruz III, Dr. Lettie Escarte, Samboy Lim, Arlina Onglao, Sarah Baviera, Melinda Hidalgo, Mae Romero, Vicky Dee, Johnson Kwang, Jose Benjamin Villanueva, Marissa Oca of Gigs and The Amazing Sampaguita Foundation, Suzi Moya-Benitez and Jainus Aquino of ABS-CBN Star Magic. Congratulations to Daya Mara Erasmo on her high school graduation. On Studio 23, catch the fourth season marathon of the action suspense series “Lost” on Maundy Thursday, the third season marathon of the mystery thriller “Ghost Whisperer” on Good Friday (April 2), and the third season marathon of the family drama “Brothers and Sisters” on Black Saturday (April 3), all beginning at 10 a.m.