MANILA - For the love of her craft, explained veteran actress Princess Punzalan when asked about her decision to return to the Philippines and join the cast of the late night drama "The Story of Us."

In an interview on "Tonight with Boy Abunda" on Tuesday, the 47-year-old Punzalan admitted that she would often find herself missing the limelight.

"Mahal na mahal ko talaga ang pag-arte," said Punzalan, who is perhaps best known for her role as Selina in the 1997 series "Mula sa Puso."

"So, may mga desire ako na gawin iyon pero every now and then I come back to the Philippines para mag-guesting, para ma-fulfill naman iyong desire ko na iyon bilang artista," she added.

Punzalan, who moved to the United States back in 2005 for a quiet life with husband Jason Field, also downplayed suggestions that her return to the country is permanent.

"Panandalian lang dahil tinanggap ko ang isang napakagandang proyekto sa ABS-CBN," she clarified.

In the series, Punzalan will portray the role of Claudette, the mother of CJ (Byran Santos), who will be the third wheel to the relationship of Xian Lim and Kim Chiu's characters.

Asked if Claudette will play out in a similar vein as Selina, Punzalan said: "Si Selina, dark siya talaga. Sa sobrang desire niya na maging powerful, kaya niyang pumatay."

"As opposed to Claudette na ang nagdri-drive sa kanya is love for her son. Gusto lang niya maging protektado ang kanyang son."

Directed by Richard Romes, "The Story of Us" airs weeknights after "Dolce Amore."