A self-confessed introvert, Elle Villanueva admits to now enjoying acting, as she embraces the latest development in her career – being recognized as one of the ten Sparkle ladies, celebrated as the most important actresses in GMA’s stable of stars.
“Kasi mahiyain talaga ako. Hindi ako masyado maingay in front of everybody, like whenever na nilalagay mo ako sa isang table tas madaming tao, hindi ako masyadong nagsasalita. Observant lang ako,” she shared, “So nagulat sila, lalo na ‘yung mom ko, na nag artista ako, na I can speak at nasa interviews, [at] kaya kong umacting in front of the camera. Kasi ang pananaw ko sa buhay, kung ano man nahihirapan ako sa isang bagay, gusto ko siya gawin ng gawin para masanay.”
The lead star of “Makiling” began her journey in advertising before following the call of the limelight. Slowly but surely, she garnered attention for her acting prowess and landed her first major role in the afternoon drama hit of 2022, “Return to Paradise,” alongside her partner, Derrick Monasterio. She also had a role in the highly-rated “Voltes V: Legacy” last year. This year, she stars in another hit, “Makiling,” airing Monday to Friday at 4:05 p.m.
It was recently announced that the revenge drama “Makiling” has been extended, and Elle expressed her excitement for her character’s revenge arc. Her character Amira is now giving the Crazy 5 a taste of their own medicine – one at a time and excruciatingly slow.
When asked if she is the new “princess” of afternoon prime, Elle replied at Sparkle 10’s meet the press, “Manifesting, para queen.”
In addition to being thankful for her flourishing career, Elle is also enjoying her relaxed and laid-back relationship with Derrick, both on and off-screen. Their year-long romance is smooth sailing and going strong, as Elle describes Derrick as a “green, green flag.”
“Ang saya ng pakiramdam na finally nakahanap ka din ng partner na talagang nag-i-inspire kayo ng growth to each other and hindi siya toxic,” she stated, “Hindi kayo masyadong nag aaway and ganda lang talaga parang nakaka-nurture siya.”
Derrick proves to be a devoted boyfriend, surprising Elle with his gestures like accompanying her to the set even when he has no scenes and fetching her afterward.
Apart from acting, they both share a love for the beach and often retreat to their favorite spot. Currently, they are seeking a tennis coach, inspired by the movie “King Richard” about the father of tennis champions Serena and Venus Williams.
Elle and Derrick have met each other’s families, and she gets along well with his mom, former beauty queen and actress Tina Monasterio.
Elle said that they don’t have a traditional anniversary since their relationship evolved from good friends to romance, but they deeply value what they have.
“What is important is that we get along and we try to make the relationship stronger than ever every day, na parang more love for each other lang. Ganun ‘yung important. Hindi kami ma-gifts, basta love lang,” revealed Elle.
“And every time na nakakasingit, beach talaga lagi nya akong dinadala kasi feel ko kasi mermaid ako talaga,” she added with a laugh.
Elle revealed she and Derrick are eagerly looking forward to starring in their own movie together.