There are new kids on the afternoon block.
Jillian Ward, Sofia Pablo, and Althea Ablan are the faces of GMA’s latest afternoon soap, Prima Donnas, which telecast begins today. The three teen stars play the role of siblings Donna Marie, Donna Lyn, and Donna Belle, respectively.
“We are playing entirely different characters here compared to the usual characters people used to see us portraying. The difference now is that we’re more mature physically and mentally,” said former child star Jillian.
“As for myself, before I treat the set as a playground but now I have to be serious all the time,” she added.
The new drama is described as a heartwarming tale about family and love among siblings headlined by fresh faces, excellent character actress, and by one of the country’s bestcontravidas.
The drama casts Katrina Halili, Wendell Ramos, Chanda Romero, Benjie, Elijah Alejo and Aiko Melendez who returns to GMA after nine years. Actress Glaiza de Castro plays a special role in the series.
During Prima Donnas’ grand media launch held last week, the series director Gina Alajar talked about the premise of the drama and what makes it different from the previous shows she directed.
“This time I will be honing the talents of the three tween stars who play the title roles. The biggest challenge is motivating them to be in character and for the audience to distinguish each character based on their traits,” Alajar said.
The story starts with married couple Jaime (Wendell), the sole inheritor to the affluent Claveria Group of Companies, and Maita (Glaiza) find it difficult to bear a child. The couple then hired Lilian (Katrina), the daughter of their most trusted house helper, to be the surrogate mother of their unborn offspring. Lilian accepts the proposal and later on gives birth to three beautiful girls named Donna Marie (Jillian), kindhearted and driven; Donna Belle (Althea), ambitious and strong-willed; and Donna Lyn (Sofia), soft-spoken and the mediator between the two.
Life takes an unexpected turn for the three Donnas when Kendra (Aiko), managing director of Claveria Group of Companies, who has been eyeing Jaime and the Claveria fortune, will stop at nothing to get a hold of all of Claveria’s wealth and Jaime’s affection at the expense of the three young heiresses.
Family secrets, grudging relatives, and an endless pursuit of their real identity—will the bond of the three Donnas remain strong amidst the many challenges’ life throws at them?
The show’s creative team is composed of creative director Aloy Adlawan, creative unit head Dode Cruz, Concept Consultant Kit Langit, concept creator Maria Zita Garganera, headwriter Luningning Interino-Ribay, and writers Borgy Danao, Mike Ladera, and Kuts Enriquez.
This original series is headed by the SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Redgynn S. Alba and Executive Producer Marissa Hilario.
Prima Donnas premieres today after Hanggang Sa Dulo ng Buhay Ko, on GMA Afternoon Prime.
Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMAPinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.
