After being launched as part of Star Magic batch 13, Valeen Montenegro is proving to be one promising talent with the face and genes to match. The granddaughter of LVN actor Mario Montenegro, 18-year-old Valeen is currently seen on ABC 5 shows Lokomoko and Take Five.

A college freshman at the De La Salle University, Valeen is very thankful that her work schedule is flexible enough for her to maintain her full-time student status at school. “Everyone from the cast to the crew and the directors are nice. It’s nice to meet and work with new people din. I’m really glad na they're willing to work on my time. The network lets me go to my school tapos only after I’m finished with my classes then we do the taping kahit ma-late ako ng grabe talaga. I feel so good tuloy na I want to work all day, all night. Parang ganun yung feeling ko,” she shares.

Valeen also admits that she learned an important lesson in showbiz during the past year. “Siguro if I’ve learned something, it’s about patience. It’s really my patience. Sometimes kasi I have to admit na minsan ‘pag kulang sa tulog, talagang ang bilis mag-init ng ulo ko. Parang may mood swings ako, ganyan. I really want to work on having more patience lang talaga and I’m sure it's going to pay off especially when it comes to work,” she explains.

The commercial model turned actress, who is currently single after breaking up with Victor Basa last year, admits she is not thinking about dating anyone as of the moment. After reports came out that Victor admitted that he had still not gotten over her, Valeen says she and her ex-boyfriend are not in constant communication anymore. “Hindi na kami gaano nag-uusap pero parang ngayon hi hello na lang,” she says.

When not in school or at work, Valeen enjoys getting a good workout. She regularly plays soccer and also enjoys other sports. “I go to the country club and I get to swim and play soccer sometimes. Lagi ng may scrimmage dun for soccer and I’m kind of a fan of those people playing,” she adds. Valeen says she is also interested in trying out other new sports like flag football and ultimate Frisbee when her schedule permits. “Right now I’ve got work tapos training tapos school. Baka mamatay na ako nun (laughs). Gusto ko pero hindi pa kaya,” she says.

The pretty mestiza also says she’s ready for whatever projects she might be doing this year. “Actually kahit anong ibigay naman sa akin okay with me. Pero may sinabi yung isang director na they want to put me in an indie film. Parang na-challenge ako sa role na gusto nila ibigay,” she confides.

To keep her thoughts positive, Valeen also has a daily mantra before she leaves the house. “There’s one little secret I tell myself every morning. And it’s that I’m beautiful! (laughs). ‘Di ba you’re supposed to condition your mindset and everything follows?” she says with a smile.

For more updates on Valeen and other hot Kapamilya celebrities, keep logging on daily to www.abs-cbn.com.