MEGAN Young recalls that she and partner Tom Rodriguez took a sensuality workshop.
The pressure that comes with working on “Marimar,” Megan Young admitted, is comparable to what she felt when she joined the Miss World pageant, which she won in 2013.
“Acting is my job, passion and life. This show is huge and important to me; it holds the same weight [as being a beauty titlist]. But I’m more excited than nervous,” she told reporters at a recent press conference for GMA 7’s second remake of the popular Mexican soap, which was originally top-billed by Thalia.
The Kapuso network’s first adaptation of the TV series aired in 2007 and starred a then-fledgling Marian Rivera and her eventual husband, Dingdong Dantes. This year’s iteration, on the other hand, has Megan in the title role with Tom Rodriguez as the leading man, Sergio.
The 25-year-old actress said she’s not one to do things half-baked, so she made sure to prepare well and her rigorous regimen included swimming and diving lessons, acting workshops and regular trips to the gym.
“I just don’t want to disappoint. The entire ‘Marimar’ team gives its all and I want to match that,” said Megan, who had to overcome her fear of open waters in playing her character, who lives in a small barrio by the sea and works as a pearl diver.
Sexy portrayal
And so, naturally, she will bare some skin in the show. Just how sexy will her portrayal be? “The best thing about her is that she’s attractive to others, but she doesn’t realize it…There’s an innocence in her,” related Megan, adding that she isn’t on any kind diet. “I just train and eat healthy.”
On working with Tom, Megan—a “Starstruck” Season 2 alumna—said there was a little awkwardness between the two of them at first. But they eventually got over it, with the help of a “sensuality workshop.” “We tried to know each other better. Our roles require so much emotional commitment, so it helps that we’re friends,” she said.
Good-looking partner
The GMA 7 talent described Tom as an “attractive, good-looking guy,” but dismissed talks of a possible romance with her partner. “I try to keep my professional and personal lives separate. I’ve been like that ever since,” she said.
HER CHARACTER has “an innocence in her,” says the beauty queen.
Meanwhile, asked if she thinks it’s too early to do yet another remake of “Marimar,” Megan said that the 2015 version will have considerable plot differences. “We have the same characters and the big moments will be there…But how we get there will be different. My character will be fiercer and more ambitious this time around,” she explained.
Directed by Dominic Zapata, the show also stars Jaclyn Jose, Zoren Legaspi, Lauren Young, Alice Dixson, Nova Villa, Tommy Abuel, Carmi Martin and Jaya. The series airs weeknights.
(apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph)