[article] Enzo Pineda wants a showdown with Mark Herras, Joross Gamboa

Author: Rowena Joy A. Sanchez

Given the chance, "StarStruck V" finalist Enzo Pineda said he would love to have a showdown with his dance idols Mark Herras and Joross Gamboa.

"Siyempre po big honor na makasama ko sila. Personally I'm a big fan of the two. Of course 'pag makakasama ko sila, mas mapipilitan ako na pantayan sila, na mas [gagalingan] ko pa. At the same time it would be a good experience.

"Sana po [mangyari], kasi po nakita ko 'yong mga performances nila [sa 'SOP Fully Charged'], ang ganda. Kaya minsan nananaginip ako na sana nandun ako, kasi ang sarap sumayaw eh," the 19-year-old martial arts enthusiast told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online during the "StarStruck V" press conference held recently.

Post-"StarStruck," Pineda also wishes to be known more as an all-around performer.

"I want to be a versatile actor. Not just singing, dancing... Of course sa singing I admit, I have to do better. Kahit sa acting. But the passion is there. The willingness to improve is there," he related.

And in a humble declaration, he added, "I don't think of myself as magaling."

But that doesn't stop the budding star.

"There's always more room for improvement. Gaya ng mga artista ngayon, hindi sila complacent eh. Hindi sila nagre-relax kasi alam nila there are more responsibilities and expectations when you improve," elucidated Enzo, who hopes to follow the footsteps of another "StarStruck: The Next Level" male survivor.

"For me, gusto kong sundan si Aljur [Abrenica]. He's one of the successful 'StarStruck' male survivors. Marami siyang pinagdaanan. Naging Bench model siya. Dream ko ring maging Bench model someday. At the same time magkaron ng love team, sana with [fellow 'StarStruck V' contender] Sarah [Lahbati]."

While he has been vocal about his feelings for Filipino-Swiss Sarah, he maintained that "friends lang kami."

He revealed that he, at least, tried to make Sarah's Valentine's Day a little more special.

"Binigyan ko po siya ng flowers, chocolates, tsaka 'yong favorite niyang pabango. Escada na Sunset. Pinaghirapan ko 'yon sa allowance ko sa 'StarStruck.' Naubusan ako ng pera dahil dun," he said, chuckling.

Sarah seemed to be pleased with the gift.

"Of course nagustuhan niya. Kumatok siya sa room ko, nagpasalamat siya sa gift. Ginamit na niya agad. So ang sarap ng hangin kasi ang bango. Naaamoy ko 'yong pabango na binigay ko sa kanya," he gushed.

For now, though, Enzo is not keen to pursue the 16-year-old Sarah, as he learned that she is not yet ready for a relationship.

On a final note, he reiterated that he has no hard feelings whatsoever for director-actress Gina Alajar, who serves as the acting mentor of the avengers.

It is recalled that Gina was critical of Enzo, citing his lack of painful experiences because of his affluent family background.

"Para sa'kin I'm open to that. I'm expecting it, na may comments sa'kin na darating na ganun. I take it as a challenge. I feel blessed na sinabi niya sa'kin 'yon. I believe she cares about me, si Ms. Gina. And nakikita naman niya 'yong improvement ko. And 'yon 'yong kulang ko eh, 'yong gutom na sinasabi niya. And now na-realize ko na pumasok ako dito sa 'StarStruck' na gutom na ko. Gutom ako to improve.

"Alam ko pong hindi po mawawala na isipin ng tao na si Enzo, 'yong mayaman na bata. Pero sana isipin nila, si Enzo, 'yong performer," said he.

"StarStruck V: The Final Judgment" happens on Feb. 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.

CREDITS TO: http://telebisyon.net/balita/Enzo-Pineda-wants-a-showdown-with-Mark-Herras-Joross-Gamboa/artikulo/96005/