Make-or-break role for Kris Bernal

Bernal portrays a 25-year-old woman with the mind of a 9-year-old.

Kris Bernal couldn’t help but turn emotional at the press conference for her new TV show, “Little Nanay,” because, at one point, she thought she wouldn’t be able to land one of the lead roles—that of a mom with a learning disability.

“I went through three or four screen tests and wasn’t sure if I was getting the character right. I was worried I was going to lose the part,” she told the Inquirer.

But GMA 7 stuck with her—and, for that, Kris is thankful. “They could have gotten another actress for the part, but they chose me. And the show is in primetime, so the responsibility is big. That’s why I was crying,” Kris said.

Fortunately, she doesn’t have to bear that pressure alone. Joining her in the teleserye are seasoned actors: Nora Aunor, Eddie Garcia and Bembol Roco. She added, “I watched them on TV when I was young. Now, I get to work with them! ”

To get into her character, Tinay, a 25-year-old woman with the mind of a 9-year-old, the “StarStruck, Season 4” winner related that she watched such movies as “I Am Sam” and “The Other Sister,” and visited SpEd (special education) schools.

“I observed students with learning disability and tried to imitate the way they speak, stand, make eye contact and hold a conversation. I looked at the smallest of details,” Kris said.

She has been in the industry for eight years now and feels that “Little Nanay” is a “crucial” project for her—the kind that could possibly determine the future of her career.

“I’m determined to work harder. This could make or break me,” she pointed out. “I know that if I do my job well, more shows will follow. ”

Directed by Ricky Davao, “Little Nanay” also features child actress Chlaui Malayao, Mark Herras and Keempee de Leon. It airs weeknights on GMA 7’s Telebabad block.

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