For television star Sanya Lopez, Yaya Melody Reyes’s strongest traits are her being responsible, caring, and loving person. She may be naive at times but she knows when to assert her rights and fight for the things she believes in.
“She always puts other people’s welfare first. She cares so much about her family and the people she loves,” the 24-year-old actress told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview.
Yaya Melody is the character she plays in the series First Yaya, which premieres tonight.
“She knows when to voice out her opinions especially when she thinks that the situation is unfair. Alam niya rin kung kailan dapat lumaban, paano rumespeto at higit sa lahat ay kung piano magmahal,” she added.
The series follows the aspirational story of Yaya Melody who gets to lead an extraordinary life as the nanny of the President's children and along the way, falls for the country’s highest officer.
According to Sanya, Melody is a high-spirited and diligent woman from a humble background. Strapped for cash and being the sole breadwinner of the household, Melody strives to provide for her family despite the numerous adversities life throws at her including an unresolved mishap.
"I am new to rom-com, it was our director who introduced me kung paano siya atakihin at may movies na pinapanood siya para makatulong sa akin. But he always told me to be myself, kahit wala ka ng ibang gagayahin, 'wag kang umarte at ikaw na si Yaya Melody,” Sanya talked about how she gets into character.
The original drama introduces the newest and highly-anticipated pairing of Sanya with award-winning actor Gabby Concepcion as President Glenn Acosta.
Playing important roles in the series are Pilar Pilapil and Pancho Magno.
Set to make their love team debut in their very first drama series together are Cassy Legaspi as Nina Acosta, the rebellious and eldest daughter of the President who initially rejects Yaya Melody; and promising actor Joaquin Domagoso as Jonas, a student activist and critic of President Glenn who unintentionally falls for Nina.
Also starring are the characters from President Glenn's life are Gardo Versoza, Maxine Medina, Kakai Bautista, Cai Cortez, Thou Reyes, Hailey Mendes, Patricia Coma, Clarence Delgado, Thia Thomalla, Jon Lucas, and Glenda Garcia.
Joining them are the members of the Sanya's family, the Reyes family are Sandy Andolong, Buboy Garovillo, Analyn Barro, Anjo Damiles, and Jerrick Dolormente.
First Yaya also features the special participation of Boots Anson-Roa and Jean Garcia.
Completing the all-star cast with special guest roles are: Andre Paras, Allen Dizon, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Tommy Abuel, Kiel Rodriguez, Mikoy Morales, Issa Litton, Lovely Rivero, Jenzel Angeles, Murielle Lomadilla, Wilma Doesnt, Atak, Cecile Paz, Michael Roy, Dennis Marasigan, Rollie Inocencio, Nicki Morena, Julius Miguel, Isabel Frial, Chinggay Datu, Lourdes Conde Serrano.
The series also showcases the famous and historic Manila Hotel as one of its taping locations.
First Yaya, under the helm of esteemed director LA Madridejos and associate director Rechie del Carmen premieres tonight on GMA Network.
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‘Love of My Life receives rave reviews from netizens, viewers
Well-loved family drama series Love of My Life continues to capture the hearts of viewers with its riveting scenes and interesting characters making the show a constant trending topic online and a hit among Filipino households.
The plot thickens as Adelle (Carla Abellana) strives to conceal her feelings for Nikolai (Mikael Daez) who, on the other hand, has conceded in pursuing her and has decided to marry Kelly (Rhian Ramos) who is also bearing his child. In an effort to forget the groom-to-be and to keep the Gonzales family together, Adelle seeks aid from their matriarch, Isabella (Coney Reyes), to help keep her feelings for Nikolai a secret.
Meanwhile, as seen on numerous social media and streaming platforms, avid viewers and fans of the series took to social media to express their appreciation and feedback over the show's well-rounded plot and relatable characters, with some even asking for an extension or a book 2 of the series.
Since the beginning, the show has garnered a significant worldwide following and for this, esteemed director Don Michael Perez expressed his utmost gratitude to their loyal Kapuso viewers and supporters.
"I am so thankful for the overwhelming positive viewer response we have received since day 1. At first, I was a bit apprehensive because this is not your typical teleserye where there’s a clear delineation between bida and kontrabida. In LOML, all the characters are real in the sense that they all have flaws along with their good qualities, and that makes them all relatable and lovable. The rave reviews and excellent ratings are a validation of the talent and hard work of the entire team," he said.
The director also shared what he believes is the most important takeaway from watching the series, "I think the lesson we can take away from LOML is that there is no greater joy than the happiness that our family can give, no truer pain than the tragedy of losing the ones we love, and no sweeter sacrifice than giving ourselves willingly and selflessly for the loves of our lives."
Don't miss the exciting and heart-tugging story of the Gonzales family in the finale week of Love of My Life until March 19 on GMA Telebabad.
