With a warm smile though as a front, Vanessa said she will not talk about her relationship with John Estrada, and she will not comment on the story printed about her beau getting into a fistfight with a man who said something not nice about her.
"You knew me even before," she said referring to the time she was my neighbor at Rem Townhomes in Quezon City. "I was always private and quiet. I won’t talk about John because that is very personal. And that’s why it’s called personal."
The only things she said about their long distance relationship was that it worked because of constant communication and visits by John to Canada. Her silence though was not an indication that she’s not proud of him. In fact, he has been a big part of the happiness she feels right now, which is caused, among others, by her return to television.
With regards to the intrigues that also welcomed her back to showbiz, she said she’s used to that.
"Sanay na ako," she remarked fluently in Tagalog.
The report about the alleged fight John Estrada got involved in according to her was not all true. Some of it happened but she stressed that the cause of the incident was misconstrued.
"If people say I gained weight, that is not an issue to me. I feel the same but of course now that I’m on TV again I have to lose a little bit of weight."
So how about the insistent rumor saying that her hiatus in Canada was because she gave birth to a child and not just because of her studies?
"I’ve heard about that," she laughed. "I’ve always been reported as pregnant ever since I entered showbiz...if I have a baby I will not deny it because that is God’s gift."
From the grapevine came the rumor that her new show "Star Dance" is using a video footage of the "booboos" of dancer Regine Tolentino in one of her performances (to promote "Star Dance?") . This, like any other issue about her, has left Vanessa dumbfounded as to how rumors are churned.
She said that she has long been detached from Philippine showbiz to be familiar with the latest gossips or stories about her. What matters at the moment is "Star Dance" for which she will be displaying her forte — dancing!.
"After meeting with the show’s producers and with my professors who were supportive of my decision to come back, I just knew this will be the right material for my comeback...I love dancing and I’m really excited about the show."
"Star Dance" will showcase her dancing skills in the show’s opening and various production numbers with her co-hosts Marvin Agustin, Archie Alemania, JC Cuadrado and Bianca Gonzales and popular dance groups like Maneuvers, Powerdance and Hotlegs. Directed by Lino Cayetano, it has dance icon Douglas Nierras as creative dance consultant.
"Star Dance" is the country’s first reality-TV based search for the Dance Idol. From thousands of aspiring male and female dancers, the number has boiled down to 12 contestants who’ll be vying for the Dance Idol title and a million peso worth of contract with ABS-CBN.
Making it to "Star Dance" are Daniel Cabrera, Ma. Christina Sawada, Dang Palma, Ryan Sabaybay, Russell Ann Bueno, Christian Adrales, Lea Desamparado, Jhoey Zulueta, Reina Victoria, Froilan Dabalus, Jan Zander Santiago and OJ De Guzman.
Mr. Nierras explained: "From this search will come a new star. He or she will not just be a good dancer but must possess star qualities. And we will be witness to that as we watch the show."
With regards to Vanessa being in the show, director Lino has only one simple comment: "She’s perfect for our show!"
It can be remembered that Vanessa was known as an energetic dancer in ABS–CBN’s variety shows before she left for Canada. More than just a pretty face in the boobtube, she was one of the acts that sizzled to change the viewing habits of televiewers.
"I really miss the performing aspect of my career. It’s different when you perform in front of a live audience. I miss the adrenaline rush and the energy and the smiles and at the same time the energy they give back to me."
Before she left she has been dancing with Douglas Nierras for a year already. And in Canada, dancing was also a part of her activities in her university.
"It feels great working with Douglas...I like the show’s concept wherein I can perform different dance genres. Dancing is an art of honesty wherein you dance with your soul, mind and body. At the same time you’d see that with every movement of your body your audience would feel you and your dance," Vanessa expressed.
Though it would feel like Vanessa’s starting her career from scratch, it’s worth knowing that she has been getting gigs as a model and actress abroad. She has made several appearances in the highly controversial "Queer as Folk" and has done a Heads and Shoulder TV commercial which she dubbed in five different languages excluding English.
Expect then the lovely Vanessa to set your mood to groove as she proves why she holds at the moment the title TV’s Queen of Dance!
"I’m very lucky that I’ve always been blessed by the Lord with good opportunities!"
