AFTER her successful foray in the modeling world, Maureen Wroblewitz, the first Filipina to win “Asia’s Next Top Model (ASNTM),” sashays her way into the local television scene as the newest addition to the “Eat Bulaga” family.
The half-Filipina, half-German beauty surprised many when she made her noontime television debut in the program’s hit segment “Barangay Jokers.” Since then, the 20-year-old has dabbled in different portions of the show.
Maureen disclosed that she had to decline offers from two competing networks when she decided to join “Eat Bulaga.” She said the driving force behind her decision was the longtime dream of her 82-year-old maternal grandmother, Iluminada Pojas, to see her regularly in the longest-running noontime variety show in the country.
“I’ve known the show since I was little and I know that it is being watched by millions worldwide. As a matter of fact, my grandmother religiously watches it. It’s her longtime wish to see me regularly on television and me joining Eat Bulaga is, in a way, fulfilling that wish. At the same time, I want to try something new, venture into an unknown territory—live television. And what better way to do that than to be part of the longest and most successful program in the country,” she said.
Admittedly, Maureen said she has a long way to go and is still getting used to working on a live television show and in front of a big audience. But she’s looking forward to meeting everyone in “Eat Bulaga” and learning from her co-hosts.
“I still get nervous and I admire people who work live on television because it’s not easy. I just try to calm myself down and get help from the people who have always been there for me. It’s scarier but it is fun. I actually enjoy it.”
As for the negative comments she’s getting for her lack of television experience or her poor Tagalog speaking skills, the model said she’d rather focus on the positives rather than the negatives.
“People always ask me if I get affected. Of course I get affected. I’d be lying if I say I didn’t. But I learned how to handle it.”
Asked for advice for people who are having a hard time fitting in, the model who lost her mother at the young age of 11, said it is better to surround yourself with people who are close and dear to you.
“You just have to focus on the positive things. What I like to do is I focus on the good things, especially those that will uplift my spirit. It also pays to surround yourself with positive people and those who truly believe and love you, like your family and friends. Keep a small group of people whom you know and trust deeply. At the end of the day, you count on people who care.” PR