After its first successful season, Prima Donnas, GMA’s top-rating daytime drama, returned for a second season. But apart from quelling the public’s curiosity about how the story will unfold, its young yet talented cast also stepped up their performance, showing viewers how they’ve matured both in the show and in real life.
Reprising their roles from the first season are Jillian Ward, Sofia Pablo, and Althea Ablan.
The second season aired last January 24, and fans of the series were quick to comment on how the actresses evolved their craft to act out intense scenes where they had to bring their emotions to another level.
During an online media conference, Elijah Alejo, who plays an antagonist in the series, admitted to using harsh words to make Jillian cry for a scene. Elijah even warned Jill before shooting their part.
“Sinabihan ko din si Jill na may masasabi akong masakit para mas maniwala ‘yong mga tao. Pero alam din ni Jill na I did not meant those words,” she shared.
However, Jillian later revealed that it was all her idea so she could deliver a convincing performance as well. Both their work ethics demonstrate their professionalism and creativity as actresses.
Although the young Kapuso stars are already showing the extent of their acting prowess, they never view each other as competition. Instead, they believe that they each have particular strengths that make them unique from other actors in the industry.
“Kami lahat dito may iba’t ibang galing. Si Direk Gina Alajar din ay very meticulous kaya walang nao-overshadow or mas nagsha-shine. Kumbaga, lahat kami may sari-sariling purpose sa show,” said Jillian, who has been acting for GMA since she was five years old.
Sofia added to this by saying that their director also offers each of them in the cast scenes throughout the series where they can demonstrate their talents and enhance their skills.
As for Althea, she sees acting as her passion, which is why she doesn’t consider her co-workers as competition. On the other hand, she views them as equals, and they will achieve their dreams together.
Besides showing more acting skills, the Prima Donnas cast also formed a stronger bond as compared to their previous lock-in taping for the series’ first season, especially since it took them three months.
“Mas nagkaroon ng bond compared sa pinakaunang lock-in namin kasi mas dumami kami, mas nagkaroon din ng time, mas nakakapag-bonding din kaya nagkaroon ng camaraderie,” Jillian explained.
The cast’s newly-realized bond also boosts their performance in the series because they feel more comfortable doing more demanding scenes around each other. Even Sofia and Althea’s partners, Allan Ansay and Bruce Roeland, respectively, also benefit from their off-screen chemistry.
“Kung hindi ko kasundo ‘yong ka-love team ko or on-screen partner, magiging mahirap. Pero si Allan naman so wala akong preparation at all,” Sofia said.
She added that what viewers see from their on-screen tandem mirrors their behavior and personality in real life, which is why they have no trouble working alongside each other.
