MANILA -- Mutya Orquia became a major child star via the hit teleserye “Mutya” as a mermaid. 

As she’s about to turn 18 on May 3, Orquia, whose last TV project was "Darna," said she wants more adventures and challenging projects.

“Lagi po akong nagba-boxing and Spartan kasi po ‘yun sana ‘yung gusto kong tahakin na role, which is action po,” she told ABS-CBN News. 

“If you know Spartan po, I’m currently doing that po. Last year, I ranked first place po sa 21 kilometers category. For me, ‘yun po ‘yung mga gusto kong gawin. ‘Yung mga adventure kasi mas makikilala ko po ‘yung sarili ko.

“Nilo-look forward ko po talaga is more adventures. Last year po, medyo late ko nasimulan ‘yung adventures ko,” the young actress added.

Orquia said that even before she joined "Darna," her dream role has always been in the action genre. "For me po, para mapaghandaan ko ‘yung role na ganun, handa ka rin po sa fight scenes," she said.

The Kapamilya star also revealed that she wants to follow in Maja Salvador's and Angel Locsin’s footsteps. “‘Yung wala pong powers pero maraming fight scenes,” she said.

On entering her adult era, she expressed: “Hindi ko naman po minamadali ‘yung mga bagay. Time will come po na mare-realize nila na, she’s not the baby we know anymore. Hindi ko po minamadali. Although ‘yung iba po sinasabi na dalaga na ako. And ‘yung iba po, ang tingin pa rin sa akin is Abby (in 'Be Careful With My Heart') and that’s okay po.”

Orquia also thanked Star Magic for guiding her career.

“Mayroong upcoming projects po na confidential pa. ‘Yung Star Magic po, tine-treat po nila kaming artists nila na parang mga anak po nila. Ang lagi po nilang advice ay always be humble and time will come for you,” she said.

The young star will soon be seen in the movie “When Magic Hurts” with fellow Star Magic artists Beaver Magtalas and Maxine Trinidad. The film is directed by Gabby Ramos. 

“Ang dapat abangan ng fans sa akin dito ay kung sino ba talaga ‘yung character ko. ‘Yung story po mismo ng character ko ang dapat abangan. Paano niya kinaya ‘yung hirap ng buhay na pinagdaanan niya and paano siya nag-take ng risk,” she said.