Thea Tolentino Is The Certified Sampal Queen As Everyone In 'The Half Sisters' Has Slapped Her

THEA TOLENTINO says she owes a lot to "The Half " as it established her as a good contravida. She was launched as a lead star in "Pyra, Babaeng Apoy", but the impact is not as great as her appearance in "Half Sisters". Some folks now call her as the Sampal Queen as she has been slapped so frequently in the show."Totoo yun," she says. "Lahat na lang yata sila, nasampal ako."

Which slapping scene is the most painful? "Siempre, yung kay Ms. Jean Garcia. Grabe yun. Namanhid talaga ang mukha ko. Apat na beses kasi yun, pero may nakahanda ng yelo sa set after sinabi niyang hindi niya dadayain, e. Ganun din yung kay Mel Martinez. Nagmarka yung kamay niya sa mukha ko."

How about Barbie Forteza? "Ay, bale wala yun kasi alalay lang kaming dalawa sa isa't isa kapag nagsasampalan kami. And I don't complain kahit lagi akong sinasampal kasi kailangang laging may sampalan dahil mas tumataas daw ang rating ng show kapag may sampalan scenes."

In the story, she's in love with Andre Paras but Andre prefers Barbie. Doesn't she feel jealous and insecure because of this? "Okay lang yun. Hindi ako nagseselos."

Why? Is it because she's really going steady with "Protege" co-contestant Mikoy Morales in real life?
"Who said so? Hindi kami on ni Mikoy. Super close friends lang kami."

Has their talent fees increased since the show started a year ago? "Ay, opo. Nadagdagan na talent fee naming lahat now that we're on our second year. At may bonus pang trip sa Japan dahil magte-tape kami ng maraming eksena roon on location."