Bea Binene ‘like an animal’ in latest TV series

THE TEEN actress wondered if she could pull it off.

When Bea Binene found out that award-winning director Laurice Guillen would be helming her coming drama series, she gasped—partly because of excitement, and mostly because of intimidation.

“I can’t believe it. I’m so honored and grateful, but at the same time, pressured and challenged. I feel compelled to work hard,” said the teen actress at a recent press conference for GMA 7’s “Hanggang Makita Kang Muli,” where she portrays a feral child confined in a dark room for almost her entire life.

Her screen partner is Derrick Monasterio, whom she also works with in “Vampire ang Daddy Ko.” Downtime during taping for that sitcom, Bea related, was usually spent goofing around. Not so on Laurice’s set.

“We rarely talk with each other, because we know we need to be focused,” said Bea, who described Laurice as “very professional.” “She expects a lot from her artists. One time, when I wasn’t able to deliver what was being asked of me, she helped me push myself.”

“We have been taping for only a few months, but I’ve already learned so much from her. I’m looking forward to more lessons as we go along,” added Bea, who was first runnerup in the reality talent search, “StarStruck Kids,” in 2004, at the age of 6.

A departure from the usual teeny-bopper roles she gets, Bea’s character, Ana Medrano, requires the Kapuso talent to act like an animal, as a result of isolation from the outside world and being deprived of human interaction. Only a dog keeps Ana company.

It was the first time she had heard of such a case, Bea admitted, and for a moment, wondered if she had enough acting chops to pull off the role. But soon she buckled down and did her homework.

“I really prepared myself for this show—I did my research, watched documentaries about the subject and underwent workshops,” the 18-year-old celeb said. “It’s hard… but it’s fulfilling when you finally get to see what you have toiled for onscreen.”

“Hanggang Makita Kang Muli” airs weeknights starting March 7, and also features Raymart Santiago, Angelika dela Cruz, Ina Feleo and Rita Avila.

E-mail [email protected]