‘Camp Rock’ costars praise Fil-Am actress

by Ruben V. Nepales

“When she wakes up, she looks like a beauty queen,” Alyson Stoner described Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, her “Camp Rock” costar and bus mate on the current concert road tour tied in with the TV movie. “That’s every day,” Alyson said in our recent interview with the cast in New York. “She’s like a doll—she’s beautiful inside and out. She has a wonderful, pure voice. I enjoy working with her.”

Anna Maria (who portrays Ella), Alyson, the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato are back in “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,” the sequel to the No. 1 cable TV movie in the US in 2008. In addition, they perform live in shows held at large venues across the US that require them to travel in a caravan of buses. Matthew “Mdot” Finley and Jordan “J” Francis are sharing a bus with Anna Maria and Alyson.

Alyson plays Caitlyn Geller, a dance instructor, in the sequel, which premieres on Disney Channel on Sunday, Sept. 5, at 7:30 p.m. In real life, she’s been dancing professionally for a number of years, with credits that include the movie, “Step Up.” So, Alyson’s praise about Anna Maria’s dancing skills is significant. She said, “Anna Maria didn’t really dance until ‘Camp Rock 1.’ Now, she’s dancing before thousands every night like a trouper.”

The Jonas Brothers were also effusive in their praise of the granddaughter of Sylvia La Torre. Kevin said, “Anna Maria is awesome. She’s been part of the family for three years now.” Joe chimed in: “She’s an incredible talent.” Nick, for his part, remarked, “She’s one of the most talented vocalists I know. She has a big, bright future ahead of her.”

Mdot, who plays Luke, the standout performer in the rival camp, cracked, “Anna Maria is not the loud girl I thought she would be. She’s laid-back. But, she can also be funny.”

Laughing, Jordan revealed the most important rule on the bus, “You can’t do No. 2—you don’t want the bus to stink.” Still chuckling, he told me another rule addressed to the Filipino-American singer-actress: “Anna Maria, don’t take my cereals. Those are my pop tarts!”

Meaghan Martin (Tess Tyler in the movie) quipped, “We joke that Anna Maria doesn’t seem to sweat. She’s like the perfect human being. And, I love her long name.”


‘Camp Rock’ costars praise Fil-Am actress
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Filipinos have long been making names in Hollywood. They are very talented, so there is no question why they also excel in Hollywood.