SUNDAY | December 14, 2003 | PHILIPPINES

HOW is a star born?

Maja Salvador, 16, was a virtual unknown before she appeared in the talk program, "The Buzz," to seek the help of hosts Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino so she can locate her dad, the former actor Ross Rival (real name: Rosauro Salvador), whom she had not seen for more than 10 years. She was five when she last saw him.

Her appearance in "The Buzz" did not only give her the chance to reconcile with her dad, but it also atrtacted the attention of ABS-CBN top gun Charo Santos-Concio.

Charo immediately summoned Maja, her mom, and her talent manager, Chit Ramos, to her office. Right then and there, Maja was offered a contract.

Now, Maja is a mainstay of ABS-CBN's newest teleserye, "It Might Be You," co-starring her with the country's most loved tandem, John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo. She, likewise, gets herself a leading man, John Prats.

"I have to admit na fan ako ni John," Maja reveals. "Kaya nga, the first time we met, na-excite ako. E, mabait naman pala siya. Kaya, bago pa man kami nag-tape for the series, naging magkaibigan na kami."

"It Might Be You," which started airing last Monday, has Maja playing the role of Cara, a friend of Cielo San Carlos (played by Bea).

Other stars in the cast of "It Might Be You" are Jean Garcia, Tirso Cruz III, Maritoni Fernandez, Bodjie Pascua and Gardo Versoza. Former "softdrink beauty" Sarsi Emmanuelle is staging a comeback in this teleserye.

Directing "It Might Be You" are Gilbert Perez and Don Cuaresma.