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A new challenge for Maja Salvador

SHE'S BEEN described as “The New Claudine Barretto”. As if that—and the fact that she belongs to one of showbiz's most famous clans—wasn't enough for someone of her age to cope with, young actress Maja Salvador

has just had more pressure put on her shoulders. This, following her win at the recent Star Awards For Movies where she bagged the New Movie Actress of the Year trophy.

Maja won the judges' nod for her stirring performance in Star Cinema's Sukob, one of the biggest box-office hits of 2006 which also starred Claudine and Kris Aquino. In the movie, Maja played Joya, cousin of Dale (Wendell Ramos). Joya was blessed with a so-called “third eye” that enabled her to see spirits, a la Haley Joel Osment's character in the Hollywood thriller Sixth Sense.

She was praised by the critics, who were impressed with her acting, considering it was only her first movie. Everyone agrees that even at her age, it's evident that Maja has inherited the Salvador acting genes.

At the press conference for Your Song, Maja was roundly congratulated by everyone on her win. But instead of looking excited, there seemed to be a certain apprehension on her part. “I'm happy that I won, of course, who wouldn't be?” explained Maja. “But this means a new challenge for me. I feel pressured, because after you win an award like this, people will expect you to do even better the next time. If you don't, they'll say things like, 'Why was she given that award? She didn't deserve it!' Getting an award like this raises people's expectations.”

The only antidote to that, says Maja, is to try her best with each performance.

“I always tell myself, I should approach each character that I do in the best way I can,” she says.