For some time now, showbiz has been abuzz with speculations as to who will portray the title role of Betty La Fea from ABS-CBN’s stable of actresses. ABS-CBN finally broke its silence when it presented Bea Alonzo to the local media as the actress chosen to star in its biggest and most expensive franchised teleserye to date.

Although fans have come to love her tandem with John Lloyd Cruz, Bea will be paired with three other leading men this time around. Does she feel the pressure now that she won’t have Lloydy by her side? “Kinakabahan ako, yes. On my way here, para akong nawalan ng isang paa. Kasi wala akong ka-partner. For the first time ako lang mag-isa ang magpro-promote ng show.” But she quickly pushes such worries aside knowing that she has a lot of goals in taking on this project. “Gusto ko lang i-enjoy na ako lang ang nandito. How will I touch lives doing Betty? How will I make the Filipinos proud na meron tayong magandang version ng Betty La Fea… Dun ako mas excited.”

From the sophisticated Jackie Madrigal in Maging Sino Ka Man 1 & 2, Bea claims that she’s not afraid to be deglamorized for the role of the frumpy Betty. “Mas masarap yung feeling na pag pumasok ako ng grocery na pagusapan nila na, ‘Uy alam mo ba nangyari kay Betty kagabi?’ Kaysa sabihin nilang, ‘Uy si Bea! Sino ang last boyfriend niya?’ Mas masarap ang feeling na they see me as a character not as Bea, the actress.” Getting this role is definitely a dream come true for the talented actress, coming at a time when she’s raring to get back to work.