‘Raising Mamay’ a different kind of mother-child story

Shayne Sava (left) and Abdul Raman

For the love team of Shayne Sava and Abdul Raman, being part of “Raising Mamay”—an upcoming afternoon series that centers on the mother-child relationship—had the young actors thinking about their own mothers and the sacrifices they made in raising them.

Shayne, who grew up with a single mother, will never forget the day her father left them.

“I was just 6 or 7 years old when it happened, but the memory is very clear. My mom knelt before my father, begging him not to leave us. She chased after him. I saw it all. Afterward, I stayed with her in our room and she was crying to me. I saw how devastated she was,” she recalled in a recent virtual conference for the said GMA 7 drama.

But the following day, Shayne’s mother tried her best to stay strong and hide her pain, as if nothing happened.

“I have idolized her since that day. I look at her as a hero, because despite what happened, she put on a brave face for me and my siblings. Then, she raised us all by herself,” said the “Starstruck” Season 7 female winner. “That’s why I love my mother very much.”

Role reversal

In “Raising Mamay,” which airs starting April 24, Shayne plays Abigail, a teenager who’s left to take care of her contemptuous mother, Letty (Ai-Ai delas Alas), after getting shot. Letty’s injuries caused brain regression, which had her acting like a child all over again. While assuming guardianship of her mother, Abigail learns more about her mom’s attacker and discovers her true identity.

“Its difference from other mother-child stories is that, this time, the roles are reversed—ina na naging anak, at anak na naging ina. While others are all about a mother’s sacrifice, this soap also tackles the children’s sacrifices for their mothers,” she said.

“It’s challenging for me, because it was my first time playing a character who has the responsibilities of a mom,” the 18-year-old Kapuso artist added. “The story made me realize the love our parents give us.”

This is Shayne’s first leading role, and with it, a new title: GMA’s “Afternoon Prime Drama Princess.” “I can’t believe it … It’s my first time hearing it, and I can’t help but wonder, ‘Is this real?’ I’m just so proud of all the things we have worked hard for. My heart feels like it’s going to explode. Kilig!”

“I’m blessed and grateful I was given this opportunity,” she added.

Like his life story

Shayne’s screen partner and fellow “Starstruck” Season 7 finalist Abdul, on other hand, immediately found similarities between his life and the plot. He has been taking care of his mother, who suffered a stroke last year.

“When I read the synopsis, I was like, ‘Wait, this is like my life story.’ Almost everything in the script I can relate to. I’ve been taking care of my mom and helping finance her medical bills. I take care of her medication and food,” Abdul said. “My relatives also helped and looked for ways to borrow money. But they’re also fighting their own battles.”

Nine months after the surgery, his mother is now showing improvements, Abdul said.

“She’s doing well now … But I was so heartbroken. I felt bad for her because I saw how it (stroke) affected her mentally and physically. Now, she’s gaining weight and is able to eat solid food. Her voice is coming back. I missed hearing it,” he said.

Meanwhile, working with Ai-Ai, Shayne said, was an honor.

“I grew up watching her movies, like ‘Ang Tanging Ina.’ I used to just see her on television. Now I get to talk to her, hug her, do scenes with her. She helped me a lot, so I’m thankful,” she said, adding that she’s excited and nervous about the show’s upcoming premiere.

“I don’t know how people are going to react. But it’s heartwarming and there are a lot of lessons to be learned,” she said.

Abdul couldn’t be prouder about his love team’s biggest break yet.

“I will always be Shayne’s No. 1 supporter. She has come a long way since our ‘Starstruck’ days. I will continue to push her to reach her potential, which she has a lot of,” he said.