THE romantic light-drama, ‘When Magic Hurts,’ is the big screen debut of Maxine Trinidad, an erstwhile Pinoy Big Brother teen housemate in 2022 who eventually became an artist of ABS-CBN Star Hunt.

The film, directed by Gabby Ramos, apparently opened a lot of opportunities for Maxine. “My forthcoming projects are not public yet,” she said.

“But the feedback I’ve been getting from those who have watched ‘When Magic Hurts’ was very encouraging. I am so blessed to get them. I got to love acting more.

“When I got home from Atok, Benguet after our 15-day shoot, I realized I love acting. I will never, never give up just for acting.”

For 2024, 20-year-old Maxine has yet to finish her studies while at the same time do showbiz work and her advocacy. Last month, she was officially appointed Philippine Youth ambassadress, the only female in the batch.

Rico Yan was a former youth ambassador two decades ago, when he was still alive. Gerald Anderson was another artist from showbiz who followed in the footsteps of Rico. It has been 25 years next year since the youth ambassador started.

“I don’t know how I deserved it when I was chosen,” Maxine maintained. “When I learned about the list from where I was chosen, I didn’t know how I deserved the parangal.

“I will make sure I will deserve that honor for a lifetime. It’s something that is not just an opportunity or a title, but a big responsibility that I’m willing to take.”

At present, Maxine is still contemplating on what’s going to be her course when she enters college.

“When I entered PBB in 2022, I also passed the exam of Philippine National Police Academy,” she shared. “I want to be an official someday, in line with the military, because of my family. Right now, I’m not closing doors.

“But I know one day, I will still get my college diploma. That’s one of my dreams and also my parents’ dream.”

Maxine is determined to do acting and studying at the same time. “Sabi nga nila, ‘pag gusto may paraan, ‘pag hindi, maraming dahilan. Hangga’t kaya mag-work, gawin ang responsibilities ko as Philippine youth ambassadress, while studying at the same time, why not?”

Director Gabby spotted Maxine at the Star Magic prom in March last year and made a mental note of her.

“After our 15-day shoot in Benguet, direk Gabby honestly told me at the after party of When Magic Hurts that they initially doubted my acting talent,” Maxine recalled. “But that was not an insult for me. I didn’t feel bad when I learned about it.

“If you’re new to something, hindi ka talaga sigurado. And I truly, truly understand. I know it was a risk for the production and direk Gabby to give me the role of Trixie as a newbie actress.

“I was touched when he chose me. I’m relatively a new artist but direk Gabby really trusted me with a major role in a new film. Grabe. Nakatulong ‘yun para ibigay ko ang best ko for this film.”

Working with her co-stars Beaver Magtalas and Mutya Orquia is truly an honor for Maxine. “Hindi nagkamali ang production and producers to get Beaver as the lead actor in this film,” said Maxine.

“In real life, he’s such a gentleman, as well, super bait and a great actor, too. He’s very humble. He’s the type of person who asks how are you and how the scene went. Mutya and Beaver knew each other longer, even before.

“I think it was time for me to step up and talk to Beaver. He’s super professional and he’s also good-looking. I want to give justice to our roles. I told him, can you give me the Ernest that I wanted and I’ll give you my best as Trixie in this film?”

Maxine also commended her female co-star, Mutya. “She was a child star before,” Maxine said of Mutya. “Nakikita ko lang siya on TV. Napanood ko siyang lumalangoy kasi sirena siya.

“Today, ‘yung batang ‘yun, naging katrabaho ko. It was a dream come true. Napakabait ni Mutya. Napaka-professional. ‘Yung bond namin while doing this film naging malalim while we were in Baguio and Benguet.”

Maxine is working on a new film project where she will portray a different role. She is looking forward to give justice to her character.

She is likewise excited about her new role as the Philippine youth ambassadress and looking forward to the projects she will do.

“Right now, I’m giving my full energy and support as youth ambassadress. I know I have to do my responsibility. It’s not just a title and not just being a leader who’s being served, but a leader who serves. That’s my main goal.”