Publicity photos of Yassi Pressman
Actress Yassi Pressman admitted vacillating when the dual role in “Kurdapya” was offered to her, but that she eventually managed to overcome her hesitation.
Kurdapya is a sitcom inspired by the popular classic movie of the same title helmed by by late director-screenwriter Pablo S. Gomez. In the series, Pressman plays the title roles of “Kuring” and “Daphne.” Kuring grew up in the province with her cruel, extended family, while Daphne was raised in the city under the guidance of her strict father who is the CEO of a publishing conglomerate.
Pressman, during the grand mediacon for the series, said that her initial hesitation was borne of the realization that she was about to wade in untested waters in doing a sitcom, especially when it called for two characters of disparate background.
“Noong una, to be honest, sinabi ko po kung puwede ko pong pag-isipan muna kasi kinakabahan ako dahil sa pressure at hindi ko po yata ‘yun forte,” she said. (At first, to be honest, I said if I could give it a thought because I got nervous, of the intense pressure, and I felt that it was not my forte).
The actress claimed that since the producers were pressed for time, there was no opportunity to practice or conduct workshops before the taping.
“Actually, dumiretso na kami dahil sa time limit,” she admitted. (Actually, we went on because of the time limit).
Since the genre is new to her, there were some adjustments for the actress especially in delivering the jokes.
“Tinitimpla po namin lalo na noong unang araw kasi medyo sanay ako sa subtle noong una, natural kaya sabi ni direk, ‘hayaan mo na, Yas. Bitawan mo na lang like, let go talaga. ‘Direk, gaano po ka-let go?’ ‘Let go talaga.’ Kaya tsini-check ko siya palagi kung okay na ito,” she said. (We’re adjusting especially the first day because I was used to subtle comedy, natural that’s why my director said ‘just let it go.’ I asked, ‘Direk, how far will I let it go?’ Just really let go.’ That’s why I always check him if it’s already okay).
One of the much awaited scenes in the series was when Kuring and Daphne would finally meet, which is expected to provide a twist in the story that would eventually change their lives.
Exploring the themes on family, love, and self-discovery, “Kurdapya” also stars Marco Gumabao as Carlos, Kuring’s childhood friend, and the apple of her eye; Nikko Natividad as the nouveau rich Tadeo, a suitor who was favored by Daphne’s father; Ryza Cenon as the gold-digging girlfriend of Daphne’s father; Katya Santos as Kuring’s strict and ambitious aunt; Candy Pangilinan as the funny ex-con mom of Kuring and Daphne; and Lander Vera-Perez as the twins’ father. EDV