MANILA, Philippines — Another inspiring story of a child is set to hit television as ABS-CBN premieres its new drama “Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit” on March 25.
The new daytime series directed by FM Reyes and Marinette Natividad-de Guzman will star a new face in the industry — rising child star Sophia Reola.
Ten-year-old actress Sophia Reola poses for the press at “Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit’s” media conference at the ELJ Building in Quezon City on March 19, 2019. Photo by Krissy Aguilar/INQUIRER.net
Reola, 10, will be portraying Mikmik who is orphaned after her mother Ella, portrayed by Kaye Abad, dies and her father Michael, portrayed by RK Bagatsing, is incarcerated.
Abad is all praises for Reola, saying she is passionate and willing to learn.
“Bilang ito ‘yung first na lead talaga siya, nakikita ko po sa kanya na willing siya to learn and hindi siya ‘yung matigas ang ulo. Nakikinig siya sa director kung ano ‘yung dapat. Ina-absorb niya lahat,” Abad said of Reola during the drama’s press conference on Tuesday.
(This is her first lead role. I can see in her the willingness to learn, and she is not hard headed. She listens to the director. She absorbs everything.)
“At ‘yun nga, willing siya matuto at masarap siya katrabaho kasi ngiti lang siya nang ngiti. Kung paano si Mikmik sa palabas, ganoon talaga siya in real life. Masayahin lang siyang bata,” Abad added.
(She is willing to learn, and she’s a joy to work with because she smiles often. She’s like Mikmik in real life, a happy child.)
Other premier actors are also in the upcoming drama, including Cristine Reyes, Pilar Pilapil, Ces Quesada, Dante Rivero, Enzo Pineda, Matet de Leon, and Keempee de Leon. Child stars Heart Ramos, Miguel Vergara, and Krystal Mejes are also joining the daytime series.
The Cast of “Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit” during their media conference at the ELJ Building in Quezon City on March 19, 2019. PHOTO by Krissy Aguilar/INQUIRER.net
Bagatsing said anyone can relate to the story.
“As you all know ang mga Pilipino ay malapit sa pamilya nila, sa mga mahal nila. Tatay ka man, nanay ka man, somehow pwede mong makita ang sarili mo sa story namin, pwede Kang maka-relate at meron kang pwedeng matutunan.”
(Filipinos are close to their families and loved ones. You may be a father or mother, but you can see yourself in our story. You can relate, and you will learn something.
“Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit” will replace “Playhouse,” which stars Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo, and will air before noontime show “It’s Showtime.” /ee