Just a thought: Oh, my friend, it’s not what they take away from you that counts. It’s what you do with what you have left. – Hubert Humphrey

MANILA, Philippines — Happy in the Afternoon: Coming from a smash-hit series such as “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin,” Maja Salvador makes no fuss about following up her recent success on primetime by starring in an afternoon series for a change.

The fast-rising drama actress says she’s not the type who’ll fret over silly matters as timeslots. “If it’s work, I trust them completely. They can put me on any timeslot as long as I have work to do,” Maja declared during a conversation at the media launch of her new afternoon teleserye, “Lumayo Ka Man sa Akin.” Maja’s quite professional attitude on the subject of airing time speaks well of her professionalism and practicality as a working actress.

The year 2012 has rolled in splendidly well for Maja, who’s been holding press conferences almost every other day for various reasons. The launch of “Lumayo” has been timed almost simultaneously with the release of a new movie, “My Cactus Heart,” her first co-starrer with real-life boyfriend, Matteo Guidicelli, and new screen heartthrob Xian Lim.

Last week also, Maja graced the media launch of Weddings and Bridal Fair 2012 (Feb. 17, 18 and 19 at SM Megatrade Halls 1, 2, 3), of which she is endorser and model.

Maja says she’s too inspired by her busy schedule to even think of timeslots, quashing claims by some that the afternoon block is only for lesser stars.

Stuck on PM: The same opinion is echoed by Jason Abalos, one of Maja’s two leading men in “Lumayo” (the other is Patrick Garcia). Abalos says he’s not complaining even if he seems to have been stuck with afternoon shows and never graduating to primetime. Abalos’ track record speaks of roles played on such afternoon programs like “Alynna” and “Reputasyon,” among others.

Deep inside, of course, every actor hoping for career growth desires to be placed sooner or later on primetime.

“Lumayo Ka Man sa Akin” airs under the banner of Precious Hearts Romances, a series of romance novels lifted from the best-selling title. Under the PHR banner, Maja starred in “Impostor,” the only Asian series nominated in the International Emmy Awards in 2011.

Theater Style: Once or twice a year, singer-actor Franco Laurel finds time to do theater work.

Early in 2012, Laurel has snatched two coveted roles in theater: as the four-year-old Linus van Pelt in the musical, “You’re A Good Man,” “Charlie Brown,” and the lead role in the La Sallian production of “Fire in the Soul.”

“Fire” is the repeat of a 2011 production chronicling the massacre of 17 La Salle Brothers in Manila during World War II. Franco plays Brother Antonius, the lone survivor in the gruesome event that took place in La Salle’s very first school in Manila.

“Charlie Brown” will run from Feb. 11 to March 4 at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza in Makati. “Fire in the Soul” will have repeats on Feb. 26 and 27 at the Yuchengco Auditorium in De La Salle-Taft.

Star News: Julius Babao makes an entertaining vocal mimicry of Chief Justice Renato Corona and Senator Juan Ponce Enrile. Caught Julius impersonating the two characters in the on-going Corona impeachment case on “Aksyon Ngayon,” his morning show with Kaye Dacer on DZMM. Julius should add more characters to his repertoire to make for an even more engaging radio show. Two other engaging vocal impersonators on DZMM are Korina Sanchez and Ted Failon.

(nescuar@yahoo.com)