Maricel Soriano out, Dawn Zulueta in

DAWN Zulueta

Dawn Zulueta is bent on giving a portrayal which “Maricel (Soriano) can be proud of in ‘Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin.’”

“After all, the role was originally designated for her (Maricel),” Dawn said on Monday.

Dawn replaced Maricel who was dropped by ABS-CBN from the coming drama series “Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin” after the Diamond Star berated costar Gerald Anderson on their first taping day early this month.

Dawn wasn’t bothered at all by the controversy and the fact that she was a mere second choice. “I don’t mind at all. I don’t pay attention to intrigues. I just want to start the year fresh and positive,” she said.

Accepting the project was not an easy decision for Dawn. Intrigues aside, the actress said she had to ask the permission of her husband, Davao del Norte Representative Antonio Lagdameo, Jr., who’s seeking reelection this year. “I wasn’t intending to work this summer because I’ve already promised to help Anton with his campaign. I just have to figure out my schedule and how to make it work.”

Debt of gratitude

More than the project’s story and all the creative people she’ll be working with, Dawn said it’s about giving back to the network that gave her so much last year.

She explained, “I’ve been wanting to be a part of an unforgettable project, and ABS-CBN (bosses) gave me  ‘Walang Hanggan.’ They trusted me.”

With Dawn now on board, ABS-CBN business unit head Deo Endrinal said they would have to tweak Maricel’s original role a bit.

“Definitely, Dawn will be approaching it differently than Maricel,” he said. “But the script will be pretty much the same.”