Martin del Rosario’s acting shines in GMA 7’s new drama series

Fans can expect an acting powerhouse in Kapuso actor Martin del Rosario as he breathes life into a new role in GMA 7 network’s remake of the 1987 melodrama series “Pinulot Ka lang sa Lupa,” which originally starred television and movie pillars Lorna Tolentino, Gabby Concepcion and Maricel Soriano.

In this new series remake, Del Rosario shares top billing with other Kapuso gems including Julie Anne San Jose, Benjamin Alves, LJ Reyes and Jean Garcia. He plays the character of Arthur “Kiko” Villaraza.

“I think they wanted to give the plot a different twist,” Del Rosario shares. “In the original plot, it’s the usual triangle. They thought it would be more interesting to see someone else adding tension to that equation. That’s me.” 

He added, “I will play Santina’s (Julie Ann) best friend who will fall for her in the process, but she just sees me as just a friend, especially when Ephraim (Benjamin) comes into the picture. I’ll play a fighter here. I will fight for Santina in the course of the story.” 

Compared with the other cast members, Del Rosario does not feel too pressured to live up to old roles as he plays a new character.

“More of an advantage, less of the pressure, since there will be no basis for comparison with the original version. So I’m free to tackle the role the way I want to. No need to stick to formulas,” he said.

Yet, Del Rosario admits that the role “is indeed very challenging.”

“My role is yung medyo bugoy na makulit (somewhat a bad boy who is annoyingly playful). I rarely play that character, and I’m also not like that in real life. That’s why I really put a lot of effort and detail in my role here,” he said.

To have a better grasp of his character, the Kapuso actor reviewed the original episodes “just for me to have a reference on the story’s theme.”

He said he found the remake a far cry from the original as it “holds its own frame.”

He is thankful to the director, veteran actress Gina Alajar, and expressed admiration for her handling of the production.

He shared, “I like working for Direk Gina. You can feel her passion for her craft, and she knows how to motivate her actors and bring out the best in all of us. I feel lucky working with her.”  Clarizel Abanilla