Cassy Legaspi breaking away from twin bro Mavy in the entertainment world

Cassy Legaspi

Since entering the biz, Cassy Legaspi’s projects have mostly, if not all, involved her twin brother, Mavy, or the entire family. But she hopes to forge her own path, too, she said. And “First Yaya,” her debut series on GMA 7, could prove to be a crucial step.

“We want to break from the image that Mavy and I should always be together. We’re trying to make our way in the entertainment world, separately,” Cassy said in a recent virtual conference.

After all, being constantly presented as Mavy’s twin or as Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi’s daughter can be limiting. “We can’t just keep doing shows where we play twins,” she pointed out. “Of course, we will still accept offers that involve both of us. But we haven’t really experienced doing solo projects, so we would like to do that.”

Cassy’s goal is to do well in acting. And she has been putting in the work, undergoing workshops to hone her skills, which will be put to the test when the lock-in taping session for “First Yaya” starts later this month.

“I’m excited and nervous at the same time. I’m like, ‘This is it!’” related the 19-year-old celeb, who was initially worried that the shoot would be postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I actually thought it wouldn’t push through. I didn’t know what would happen, with the restrictions and all. But when I got that confirmation that we will do it, I got back to hardcore preparations,” she added. “I feel like I’m going to a boarding school. I’m nervous because I wouldn’t be able to see my family for a month; I will be on my own.”

Another first for Cassy is having a screen partner. Playing her love interest in the said series is another show biz newbie, Joaquin Domagoso, son of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.

“I’m excited to work with him. Since I have already worked with him in ‘Studio 7’ and ‘All-Out Sundays’ (variety shows), I feel like things will be more natural when it comes to acting. I think we will be more comfortable,” she said. “This is our first series, so that takes a bit of pressure off. No expectations. We will just help each other out and do our best.”

The original lead star of “First Yaya” was Marian Rivera, who had to back out because of safety concerns; Sanya Lopez stepped in as her replacement. But despite the casting change, Cassy isn’t any less excited.

“I’m still looking forward to it, no matter who the lead star is or cast members are,” she said. “I will just focus on doing my job and figuring out how I can portray my character properly.”

While she’s bent on pursuing an acting career, her studies are still a priority. How does she juggle work and online classes?

“If you find something you’re passionate about, the hard work and discipline will come naturally. The feeling of dread, that feeling of ‘I’m so drained’ will go away,” said Cassy, who’s currently taking up marketing in college. “Even if I’m tired at the end of the day and just want to sleep, I still find joy in that. I think it’s a sign of how much you want something.”

Before embarking on this new endeavor, Cassy’s mom gave her a valuable piece of advice: You can’t please everyone.

“I admitted to her that I felt pressure growing up. I want to become an artist but people might just see me as a Carmina 2.0, or they might expect me to measure up to her,” she related. “But as talented as she is, there are still people who don’t like her. But she doesn’t really care.”

“What’s important, she said, is that she loves her work and focuses on the love she’s getting,” Cassy added. “Once you love your work, everything else will follow.”