SUCCESS can easily go into your head in tinseltown, especially when everybody is singing your praises.
Despite the success of her first major series, “First Yaya,” Sanya Lopez is keeping intent on remaining true to herself and acknowledging that the teleserye’s success is not hers alone but is the result of the collaboration of many people, according to an article in the Philippine Star.
“I’m still the same person,” Sanya stated in the article when asked about starring in a hit series that will be airing its last remaining episodes. “I am thankful that I have become part of it.”
The actress added that, aside from the cast, the creative and production people, including the writers and director, should be given a pat on the back as well for the success of “First Yaya.”
How has it been working with Gabby Concepcion, who plays the character of President Glenn in the series?
“Working with him was never difficult, kasi kaya niyang mag-adjust, kaya niyang makibagay sa’yo. Parang kahit sino na (ang) i-partner sa kanya, I think, magkakaroon rin naman ng chemistry,” Sanya answered, while reflecting that the lock-in taping did them well as they got to know each other better.
“Hindi niya talaga pinaramdam sa akin na mahirap siyang katrabaho,” she added. “I’m very happy to have been paired with him in this project. (Doing scenes with him) was easy for me although (I got nervous every time) at ayokong maalis yung kaba na ‘yun. I have learned a lot from him as an actor.”
And what of life lessons learned from the project?
“Being more humane, and kind to everyone… and putting more love and value to the work we do,” Sanya stated.
“I have gotten a deeper understanding of (the life of nannies and house helps), our life and (the importance of) time spent with family. I have more respect for the work that they do,” she explained.
What she will miss when the series ends is the camaraderie among the stars who braved the new normal of shooting a series, including “how we all experienced growth as a person and as an actor and how direk LA taught us how to approach our roles and essay the characters we played.”
Although book one of “First Yaya” is closing, Sanya is hoping that there will be a book two. She has enjoyed her role in the rom-com (romantic-comedy) series, which she felt has helped her with her craft.
“There are still many roles and characters I would like to play. I hope to do another rom-com to further hone my acting skills in it,” she said.
“Let’s pray that there’s gonna be book two. If it’s meant to be, then it will happen. Sana hanggang huli ay maging maganda ang resulta nang First Yaya at naniniwala ako na maganda dahil maganda yung samahan natin… Minahal ko na po si Yaya Melody. Maraming salamat sa tiwala na binigay ninyo sa akin, maraming salamat sa pamilyang nabuo dito sa First Yaya,” she added.
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Mark Anthony Fernandez, who is the son of the late action star Rudy Fernandez and actress-politician Alma Moreno, said in a recent PEP.ph story that he thoroughly enjoyed working with ex-girlfriend Claudine Barretto while shooting “Deception.”
The suspense-thriller is written and directed by award-winning scriptwriter/director Joel Lamangan.
“Ang gustung-gusto ko kay Claudine, naging independent woman siya, yun ang napansin ko. Parang mas lumawak yung pag-iisip niya. Wala kaming masyadong free time during the shooting pero nagkukuwentuhan kami,” Mark Anthony revealed.
The pair last worked together when Mark Anthony had a role in the “A Love Story” episode of Barretto’s “Claudine” drama anthology in 2010.
As for his role in the movie, Mark Anthony is all praises for the character written by Lamangan as well as the movie.
“This is my most challenging role so far in 2021. ‘Yung role ko, maraming emosyon, maraming character na ipinakita. Mahirap na masaya ang role. It’s like when you’re getting a massage – there is some pain, but it feels good. Parang kapag may tiyaga, may nilaga,” he said. “Gustung-gusto ko ang ending, saka yung script na isinulat ni Direk Joel.”
And although it was very challenging working with a seasoned and award-winning director like Lamangan, Mark Anthony was thankful that he was able to meet what was demanded of him as an actor.
“Medyo nanibago ako nang konti kay Direk Joel dahil may konting pressure. Particular siya sa mga eksena. Pero Joel Lamangan is Joel Lamangan,” he stated. “May part na sinabi ni Direk Joel, ‘Mark, kailangan mong umiyak sa parte na ‘to.’ Super first tsamba, nagawa ko naman.
“Naramdaman ko yung script niya. Talagang pursigido ako,” he added.
