Yasmien Kurdi (center) with husband Rey and daughter Ayesha
Skimming through the comments section of Yasmien Kurdi’s recent Instagram posts, one would find a smattering of messages written in Spanish.
As it turned out, Yasmien had sparked a following in Ecuador, where her 2018 television series, “Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka,” was aired by TC Televisión—one of the South American country’s state-owned networks.
“I love my Ecuadorian fans. The messages they send me are incredible. They tag me in their posts, and they even follow my loved ones on social media. I try to reply to them in Spanish, too,” she said in a recent video interview.
Yasmien related that she received a call from TC, telling her that the final episode was widely watched, so much so that the network had to air reruns. “We were so excited when we learned about it,” said the Kapuso actress, who hopes to visit Ecuador once the Covid-19 pandemic dies down, and it’s’ safe enough to travel again.
“If it weren’t for the pandemic and the lockdown, I would have gone there. Lilipad ako—agad-agad! (I will fly—right away!)” she said. “I would love to go and meet them there.”
This isn’t the first time Yasmien managed to capture the hearts of international viewers. In 2017, she earned praise from Malaysian viewers for her performance in “Sa Piling ni Nanay,” which was aired on the local network TV3.
“Last year, upon arriving in Malaysia, I was surprised to see that some fans went to the airport and waited for me. ‘Why do they know me?’ I asked myself. They recognize me as an actress. They also call me by my character’s name,” she recalled.
For Yasmien, knowing that her work is being appreciated by people from other countries is an incredible feeling. “Nakakakilig! Because they’re of different nationalities and they support you—they support Filipino-made shows,” said the 31-year-old star.
After being in quarantine for more than two months, Yasmien admitted that there are some things she has been missing about the daily grind in show biz. “I miss the routine—waking up at 4 or 5 a.m. and being ready on the set by 7. These days, I sleep and wake up late,” she related.
“But once I get called for work, then I will be ready; it’s our job. A production can’t resume without artists,” she added. “And I’m sure there will be precautionary and safety measures before we start working.”
In any case, Yasmien feels that actors, directors and producers will have to face some new challenges when it comes to the creative process. “They will have to conceptualize something that still falls under the guidelines,” she surmised.
No kissing scenes? “Maybe we will have to do with long-distance relationships!” Yasmien quipped, laughing.
As a mother, Yasmien said she has become even more thorough and mindful about her daughter’s health and well-being in these times.
“I always remind my daughter to wash her hands and not go outside the house. I also protect my child’s mental health because of the drastic changes in her usual routine and lifestyle,” she said, adding that she has had to explain to Ayesha, 7, why she can’t do the things she used to do for now.
“Like the fact that she can’t visit and play with her friends, do outdoor activities, or go to school,” she said. “I have to explain to her the current situation: Why we do social distancing and why we have to comply with this ‘new normal’ setup. I made her understand that this is just temporary and that one day, she can play with other kids again.”
For now, Yasmien is busy “multitasking,” juggling household chores, tending and tutoring Ayesha, and coming up with new content for her social media accounts.