“Working with Jennylyn now is a breeze. We’re okay as a love team. We’re okay as friends. Right now, we’re just happy because our working relationship is going very well.”

THREE summers ago, Mark Herras reason for joining the phenomenal StarStruck search was to win the P1 million cash price to salvage his family from dire financial challenges. Luckily, with his terpsichorean skills and appeal, he was the declared the ultimate male winner. Right now, Mark is one of the top young actors in the GMA Kapuso network, has starred in two box-office hit movies, earned a double platinum for his dance album, and won two people’s choice awards as best actor. Indeed, Herras is having the time of his showbiz life and right now, as one of the lead characters of GMA 7’s new dramedy, I Luv New York, shot on location, he regales us with his New York stories.

“When I hear the word New York, the first thing that comes to mind is the long travel! From Manila to San Fo (San Francisco) then to San Fo to New York, there is no direct flight and being in the plane for more than 20 hours was very taxing. However, when you are finally settled in New York, the feelings I have are indescribable,” says Mark of his New York experience.

“I am very proud to be part of I Luv New York. I am grateful to GMA for making me part of the cast. I know that there are so many people who are dying to go to New York, or even to the States for that matter. In one click, we were there. We went around during our free time. I went shopping. I really enjoyed it. I’m very thankful to God because for me, the experience of working in New York is one of my career highlights. It is true to its claim of being one of the best places in the world.”

He likes Baste, the character he plays in the series. “I like the fact that he is very brave to take the risk of going to the States, all alone, to find his mother. The character is very mature. His main objective to be in New York is to re-connect with his mom. He was sidetracked a little when he gets to meet Natalie. Eventually, he falls in love with her. There are a lot of dramatic scenes like yung pag tumatawag ako sa Manila, heart tugging scene yon.”

About the dramatic roles he accepts, Mark says, “I’m not picky for as long as what I do, offers new challenges. When they give me a project, I look at the character and see if it gives me the chance to grow as an actor. I don’t want them to get tired of me. I want my fans and supporters to see that I always have something fresh to give them.”

Fans are excited about his team-up with Jennylyn Mercado in the soap, but does he share their excitement? “Working with Jennylyn now is a breeze. We’re okay as a love team. We’re okay as friends. I give it two-thumbs up. We’re mature enough to handle the situation. I am aware that there were speculations that we might get back. It didn’t happen though. Frankly speaking, if we are meant to be together in the future, it will happen. Right now, we’re just happy because our working relationship is going very well.”

And so why does he think viewers should watch I Luv New York? “Well, it’s a beautifully crafted TV drama and I guarantee you that you will enjoy it. I don’t want people to think I’m boastful but the billboard for the show already gives you four main reasons for watching the show. The fact that we have four former lovers in a romantic soap is already a guarantee to make people smile.”

And his favorite New York memory? “The snow. It was like a blessing. It happened during our first taping day. I felt like a kid when I first saw it falling. It was very sunny at first. Suddenly, it drizzled. Then, after a few seconds, snow started falling. I was in awe and all I can say was wow!"