A reversal of roles for Kate and Kyline in ‘Shining Inheritance’

 

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

September 9, 2024 | 12:00am

Sparkle GMA artists Kate Valdez (left photo) and Kyline Alcantara will show their versatility by taking on bida and kontrabida roles as Inna Villarazon and Joanna De La Costa, respectively, in ‘Shining Inheritance.’ It’s a reversal of roles for them as compared to their 2019 film, ‘Black Lipstick,’ where Kyline was the lead star. Joanna is a spoiled brat, while Inna is a kind and responsible sister. They are up for the challenge to do dramatic scenes that showcase the emotionality of their characters and present a sense of realism to the audience.

MANILA, Philippines — Young Kapuso actresses Kate Valdez and Kyline Alcantara have proven their acting mettle by taking on diverse roles — from straightforward to significant and yes, kontrabida (villainess) to bida (female lead).

In “Shining Inheritance,” the first local adaptation of a K-drama series in the GMA Afternoon Prime, which premieres today at 4 p.m., Kate and Kyline come together to bring the characters Inna Villarazon, the bida, and Joanna De La Costa, the kontrabida to life.

It’s a reversal of roles for them, which is in contrast to their 2019 film, “Black Lipstick,” where Kyline was the lead.

“When I learned that Kyline was also part of the project, I got excited. Naka-sama ko na siya sa ‘(Black) Lipstick,’ (I worked with her in the movie) where she was our lead (star),” said Kate in a recent press conference for “Shining Inheritance,” adding that it thrilled her because she wanted to work with Kyline again in which the latter would portray a character that stands in the way of hers.

“I’m really grateful, and I’m thankful that she is Joanna to my Inna,” shared Kate. “I’m able to create (and form) my Inna because of (how she has built) Joanna and how she breathes life into Joanna... I’m happy to be able to have worked with you (Kyline).”

For her part, Kyline also expressed gratefulness to Kate, whose portrayal of Inna has complemented and completed her depiction of Joanna.

The production notes on the GMA Entertainment page describe Joanna as a spoiled brat, which is a stark contrast to Inna’s kind and responsible nature.

“Mahirap yung eksena, pero kung may ka-eksena ka na kasing galing ni Kate at nitong mga kasama natin sa stage, nagiging madali yung mahirap na eksena (doing dramatic scenes is tough, but if you’re with Kate and the rest of the actors here, who are really good, anything challenging becomes easy),” said Kyline.

Thus, the Sparkle GMA artists are up for the challenge to do some intense sequences that showcase the emotionality and personality of Inna and Joanna. It’s a way to present a sense of realism to the audience.

Prior to getting into their characters and giving a highly-emotional scene a go, the two stars would seek each other’s permission and collaborate on how to go over it, shared Kyline and Kate.

It speaks of their dedication and professionalism when it comes to their work.

Veteran actress Coney Reyes can attest to it. She shared that the two have their own ways to play a role, but they’re serious with it.

“They know what they’re doing. They’re studying,” said Coney, who is delighted and proud of working with the young bunch of talents featured in the series.

Since Joanna is a far cry from the bida roles she has played before, Kyline was also asked about portraying kontrabida this time.

“I requested my team (that I would like to) play kontrabida again because I miss playing a complex role and Joanna is really complicated,” said she. (She) is also kind, pero may ginagawa lang siya na hindi maganda (but she is doing something that’s not admirable or not good). Joanna is feisty and also aggressive.”

Becoming Inna on screen, on the other hand, has allowed Kate to further see the clear distinction in essaying a lead role.

“There’s a big difference,” shared she. “(From someone) who came from portraying a kontrabida role to (playing) inaapi (someone helpless)… Honestly, it’s draining… You have to convince yourself (that you’re Inna) na hindi ako magaling and all the negativity na sinasabi ng kontrabida characters (who is not good enough and you imbibe those negative thoughts villain characters have about Inna).”

To deliver what’s expected of her, Kate needs to focus on her role, but she gives herself the time to take a break, particularly during rest days, from inhabiting the life of Inna.

Regarding the pressures of being the lead star and the possibility of being upstaged by others, Kate never thinks about them. Her goal is to do justice to her role.

One of the signs that she’s doing the right thing or on the right track is the approval of the show’s director and writers. It only means that they’re happy with her portrayal.

The “Shining Inheritance” story will revolve around the three families of Villarazon, De La Costa and Abrigo, according to its web page.

Aurea, the owner of De La Costa Food Corporation, has to figure out her rightful heir or heiress.

Inna will meet the billionaire Aurea and from then on, life will never be the same again for them.

(Watch ‘Shining Inheritance’ weekdays after its premiere.)

Kylie Padilla will ‘tip the balance’ in ‘Asawa Ng Asawa Ko’

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

MANILA, Philippines — Kylie Padilla has entered the picture of “Asawa Ng Asawa Ko” as Hannah, the original wife and former partner of Leon (played by Joem Bascon). The versatile actress has been working on set for over two weeks now. Her character will add another interesting and intriguing layer to the thickening drama that unfolds every night in the GMA Prime series.

“She’s very ambitious and has a bit of a rebellious streak. If she wants something, she’s going to do everything,” said Kylie about her impression and understanding of her character in a recent group interview.

Everyone is excited about how Hannah will “tip the balance” and change the “Asawa Ng Asawa Ko” narrative course. Leon and Cristy (portrayed by Jasmine Curtis-Smith) are engaged to get married.

“I’m just having fun portraying my character. I love my character,” shared Kylie, who was part of “Mga Lihim ni Urduja” and made a guest appearance in “Black Rider” last year. “Alam mo kapag nag-trabaho ako na love na love ko yung character ko (you know when I work on a character that I really love), I don’t even think. I just perform. Ganun yung feeling ko dito.”

Kylie recalled that the role was offered to her a month ago. She inquired about the nitty-gritty of it, so to speak. And it was a yes for her. After all, she had enough time to take a break, to recharge, and to be ready to take on a new character. By the way, she’s also doing “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” on the side.

Given the past between Hannah and Leon and their relationship dynamics, Kylie will have more scenes with another reliable actor, Joem, who has an easy and breezy working experience with her.

“It’s their show, I’m just a guest. To hear it from a co-star, it’s a big deal. It feels good,” said Kylie. “Ang galing din kasi nila. I think it depends on who you are acting with. (It’s) less work kung may binibigay sa’yo. You know they’re all giving actors and direk Laurice (Guillen) is an actor’s director. I’m so grateful. So, I think I can just give back what they’re giving me.”

Asked what other details on Hannah she can share with everyone, Kylie said: “With her, kasi late dumating sa kanya yung motherly instinct (her appreciation of maternal instinct came to her later in life). She got pregnant and gave birth at 17. She’s very young.”

“Kinailangan kong intindihin kung paano niya nagawang iwan yung family niya, iniwan niya yung anak niya, yung asawa niya (as an actress, I needed to understand why she left her family — her child and her husband. At first, I couldn’t grasp why she had done it. That’s where I had to do the hard work to understand, added she. “Kasi ‘pag may character ka, kailangan may empathy ka talaga sa character mo (when you’re playing a character, you have to empathize with her). Otherwise, you cannot deliver. There’s no truth in the eyes at all. I needed to understand her and without judgment.”

What would probably be the reaction of viewers once they’d seen Hannah’s real identity and intention in the story?

“Baka mainis sila sa una, feeling ko (I feel they might get annoyed or dislike her),” said Kylie. But then, once they get to know Hannah, mamahalin din nila si Hannah. Sana (they will love her, hopefully).”

Eventually, Hannah will become a member of the armed group KALASAG. The idea of doing action-packed and adrenaline-rush scenes thrills Kylie, who also has a penchant for the action genre.

Away from the klieg lights, Kylie is a young mom to two sons, Alas Joaquin and Axl Romeo.

“‘Mama, ‘wag ka nang umalis (Mama, please don’t leave),’” said Kylie of her children’s reaction and plead whenever she goes to work. “I think parang mas gusto ko na ganun kaysa sanay sila na wala ako (it seems that I like that instead of them being used to my absence). I think it also teaches them independence in some way. Tsaka may healthy space na ma-mi-miss namin ang isa’t-isa (and there’s healthy space that allows us to miss each other).”

With that, Kylie is a picture of a happy working mom and actress.

(Asawa Ng Asawa Ko) airs Mondays to Thursdays at 9:35 p.m.) 

Abby Clutario explores love's many expressions in new album Lambing

 

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

February 22, 2024 | 12:00am

Singer-songwriter Abby Clutario treats fans and music aficionados to an album titled Lambing under AltG Records. The latter is composed of two originals Laho and Naglalambing and three cover songs that speak about the different facets and forms of love.

Kapuso multi-instrumentalist and singer, Abby Clutario, will drop her first album titled Lambing with AltG Records tomorrow, Feb. 23, on all streaming platforms worldwide.

The concept behind it, as Abby shared in a recent virtual interview, “is very close to us (or to our hearts). That’s love.”

Regarding its title, she added that lambing is one of the many expressions of love, and is associated with being nice and sweet to the significant other or special someone, if one may add.

“When we say in Filipino lambing, maglalambing, palambing naman and try to translate any of it in English, there’s no English word that will encapsulate its meaning,” Abby reflected. “The five songs that are here in the album have all forms of love in them.” So, the two originals and three cover songs are perhaps Abby’s take on lambing (fondness) and love.

“The carrier single is Laho, followed by Naglalambing and our favorite songs, which I released last year, they’re included in it, Chichi Wo Motomete (the “Voltes V” theme song). There’s Tadhana (by Up Dharma Down) and the original theme song of ‘Mulawin,’ Ikaw Nga,” said she.

The songs demonstrate the how-tos of showing love, like when one is shy about it, deals with a feeling of fear, wishes to reconnect with a former lover, or expresses it to a parent.

“So iba-iba at mahuhuli naman nila yun (the expression of love is different and varied, but the listeners will understand each expression) once they listen to the album as a whole,” shared she.

As for composing the originals, Laho and Naglalambing, Abby had music partners and guest artists who helped her put them together. However, she was in charge of the main instrument on each track. It’s a good thing that her previously released covers complement each other and the new singles. They all support the theme of love.

“I wanted to release an album in the love month,” said she. “We, Filipinos, when it comes to love and love songs, we’re really game for it.”

Asked what musical instruments are being highlighted in the songs, Abby answered, “With the cover songs (that I’ve released) before, the chapman stick is highlighted. You will still hear it in Chichi Wo and Tadhana. But for all the other songs, they are mostly keyboard-based, either with a piano sound or a synth sound. I also worked with awesome artists on this album, you will also hear (guitar), especially in Laho. It is a guitar-driven song, meron din kayong maririnig na ganun.”

As a music artist, Abby is wearing different hats — from being a composer, singer to instrumentalist and arranger. She knows that choosing the right set of musical instruments plays a key role in setting the mood of any song.

“When you’re choosing instruments or you’re already choosing instruments to represent your whole song, it’s usually called areglo or arrangement. Yes, I take that into consideration because I’m an arranger myself,” said she.

“When we compose, we already think of, let’s say, ito yung magandang tunog para dyan (this is the good sound for this) or this will complement these instruments.”

Being a multi-faceted talent is something Abby aspires to.

“Yun din yung gusto ko na makilala ako. Kumbaga, I’m a singer-songwriter. I get to play and I can make my own songs, but at the same time, I can support somebody.”

She was referring to another aspect of her music career, which Abby described as the “session world.”

“That’s where I just play keyboards for somebody (or fellow artists) to support them in their own kind of music,” said the singer.

To further introduce Lambing to the public, Abby will embark on an album tour as her publicity team informed this paper. The first stop is at 88 Fryer on Feb. 22, today. Joining her in the musical treat are Plume, Pido, and Charlene Ong as guest performers. She will grace 70s Bistro and 19 East on March 2 and 12, respectively. Abby concludes the tour on March 22 at Tago Jazz Bar.

(For details, visit www.gmanetwork.com.)

From submissive to fearless characters, Andrea Torres plays it to the hilt

Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star 

Since she wants to challenge herself and offer something new to viewers, Andrea Torres takes on the wealthy, bold, and smart Czarina in the GMA Telebabad series Love Before Sunrise. Her character is a stark contrast to Andrea’s loving mother, Sisa, in Maria Clara at Ibarra. But what also excites her to be part of the project is the opportunity to work with her idol, Box-Office Queen Bea Alonzo, and actors Dennis Trillo and Sid Lucero.

It’s a breath of fresh air to see Andrea Torres as the fearless and feisty kontrabida Czarina in Love Before Sunrise. This character and her meek, submissive, but loving Sisa of Maria Clara at Ibarra are poles apart.

Regardless of the nature of the role, Andrea commands attention because the Sparkle GMA Artist Center actress is playing it to the hilt.

“This one is far different from the last one I did,” Andrea affirmed the difference between Czarina, the empowered woman, and Sisa, the selfless mother of Basilio and Crispin, in a recent press conference. “Gusto ko kasi laging na-cha-challenge. Gusto ko laging nag-su-surprise ng tao (I always want to be challenged. I always want to surprise the audience by playing something new).”

This speaks about Andrea’s aim to portray varied roles and step up her acting game.

“And I trust my network. When they say, ‘We feel this is the next (right) project for you,’ gagawin ko talaga yun (I will do it),” added she, “kasi yun din ang naisip nila sa akin (That was perhaps the same thought they had for me when they tapped me) for my last one, which is Sisa.”

No matter how long actors have been doing their craft, they know that every role demands painstaking preparation to study and understand the challenges that come with it.

“It’s challenging for me to have Czarina that kind of lalim (character depth), na maka-relate pa rin sa kanya ang tao (and that people can still relate to her despite the character’s quirks),” said she.

“I had very nice scenes with Bea, such as confrontations between her character and mine, na lumabas pa rin yung pagka-kontrabida niya (that the kontrabida side of Czarina is shown). Hopefully, in some extent, the audience will be able to connect with Czarina,” added she.

A piece of information shares that Andrea’s Czarina comes from a wealthy family and is skilled at using her charm and influence to get her wants, wishes, and whims.

As everybody has already known, the character comes in between Atom and Stella, played by Dennis Trillo and Bea Alonzo. Czarina is willing to do whatever it takes, even giving up her engagement, to win Atom, and she takes advantage of the latter’s financial status.

She plays the typical and classic antagonist in any dramatic narrative.

However, when viewers watch the episodes, they usually consider her as someone who is “mean, na sosyal, nag-ti-trip minsan (well-off and sometimes a power tripper),” said Andrea. “Pero makikita ninyo dito sa Love Before Sunrise na merong malalim siyang pinanghuhugutan (You will see in Love Before Sunrise that there’s a deep reason why she is acting that way).”

That’s why when Andrea creates a character from the ground up, she said, “Parang hinahanap ko yung puso niya (I always look for her heart and core), na parang kailangan maintindihan ko siya, medyo nagiging protective ako sa kanya (There seems to be a need for me to understand the character and to be a bit protective of her).”

“I always think that the reason why she has this (privilege) feeling or she thinks she deserves everything is kasi lumaki siya ng walang love from her parents (because she grew up without parental love), the love that she wants from her parents and the support that she needs,” added she.

Aside from playing Czarina, described by one as a daring kontrabida, Andrea has been given the chance to collaborate with Kapuso actors Dennis and Sid Lucero (who plays the doctor named Roald), and her idol and Box-Office Queen Bea. She feels lucky to have shared the screen with them.

“Dennis, Sid, and I were very nervous and pressured to come to the set,” said she about working with Bea. “When she transferred to GMA, I wished to work with her. With Dennis, I also mentioned in my previous interviews my wish (and intention to be working with him). This is our third time. With Sid, we’re working again after My Millionaire’s Wife.”

Andrea and Dennis were part of the hit historical portal fantasy series, Maria Clara at Ibarra. Again, she took on the role of Sisa, while he was Crisostomo Ibarra, Simoun and Barry Torres.

“Grabe silang maka-trabaho, you see their dedication (to work). Ang ganda nung dini-discuss yung scene before it will be done (I like the idea of having a discussion among creatives about a scene prior to its taping).”

A GMA News Online story says that Andrea is learning from Bea by observing how the latter works on set, such as the importance of studying the script well, finding out “little things” in it, and shedding light on them.

Andrea and the rest had some time to preview some parts of the TV series before airing. The Kapuso actress said Love Before Sunrise seems like a movie, perhaps with its cinematic approach, “kung paano i-nin-troduce sina Atom at Stella at silang dalawa na mismo, pati na ang lahat ng mga taong nakapalibot sa kanila (like the way Atom and Stella were individually introduced and then as a pair, as well as the people who surround them). Nakaka-proud.”

Since Love Before Sunrise is about finding true love, falling out of it and giving love a second chance, the topic on having what-ifs was brought up.

“I don’t have what-ifs, feeling ko kasi lahat ay may reason talaga (I feel everything happens for a reason). Light lang akong magdala ng mga nangyayari sa buhay ko (I take things lightly in my life),” concluded she. “Hindi ko iniisip masyado yung mga ganung bagay sa buhay ko (I don’t think much about them). I just go with the flow, happy lang always (I am always happy).”

(Watch Love Before Sunrise weeknights at 8:50 on GMA 7 and GMA Pinoy TV. Advanced episodes are available on Viu.