Jennylyn Mercado (left) and Gil Cuerva
Talk about starting the new year off on the right, sprightly, high-stepping foot, some exceptionally lucky and plucky starmaking roles have clinched major and potentially starmaking roles on TV, in drama series that will begin telecasting this month.
Topping the potential hit parade is new child star, Nayomi Ramos, who plays the protagonist moppet in the new soap, “My Dear Heart,” which also topbills Coney Reyes and Zanjoe Marudo. Other regular players include Robert Arevalo, Rio Locsin, Bela Padilla, Joey Marquez and Loisa Andalio.
Plot and theme parameters for the new series have yet to be released, but its trailer suggests that it could have a “paranormal” twist to it, with the little girl played by Nayomi perhaps being separated from her grieving parents by a tragic event, but still being able to at times interact with them.
Will Nayomi make it as 2017’s first, new child sensation? That’s for the show’s viewers to affirm.
For our part, we can share that she’s uncommonly telegenic and “vulnerably” appealing, and appears to be an innately sensitive player—precisely the qualities that her “otherworldly” character requires.
“My Dear Heart’s” other major come-on, in our view, is the presence of iconic actress Coney Reyes, who’s cast in the pivotal role of a doctor who appears to be significantly involved in Nayomi’s unique “situation.”
We hope that the series will make good use of Coney’s key participation in its storytelling, so the new production will benefit from her well-honed thespic gift.—And that other proven thespians like Robert and Rio will be similarly valued and utilized.
Another newcomer poised to assert his stellar chops and “K” this year is Gil Cuerva. He’s been tapped to costar with no less than Jennylyn Mercado in the Philippine adaptation of the hit Koreanovela, “My Love From The Stars.”
Sometime back, Alden Richards was deemed to be a shoo-in for the role of Matteo Do, the alien who falls in love with Jennylyn’s character.
But, he was pulled out of consideration because he and TV partner Maine Mendoza will costar in their first teleserye together, “Destined to be Yours.” So, newcomer Gil is “it.”
The commercial, print and runway model had to work hard to convince producers and series director Joyce Bernal that he was the best choice for the “otherworldly” character, for which other more experienced talents were also considered. But, he obviously pulled it off, so he could be 2017’s first young-adult “breakout” star!
The Filipino adaptation itself has its work cut out for it, because it has to live up to the original Koreanovela’s popular and critical standards.
A key factor in that challenging effort will be the romantic portrayals turned in by the new show’s leads, Jennylyn and Gil—so, the new male lead player is “forced to good” to fully live up to expectations. He simply has to make it—or bust!
Lucky for him, Joyce Bernal is doing the megging honors, because she seems to have a knack for discovering and honing new talents, and showcasing them at their best.
In her recent film, “The Super Parental Guardians,” for example, she transformed the child YouTube sensation, Awra Briguela, into a fey, droll and versatile comedian. Let’s hope her “magic touch” works on Gil, as well!