ABS-CBN exec explains why Barbie Imperial deserves lead role in PHR ‘Araw Gabi’

Barbie Imperial. PHOTO from ABS-CBN Corporate Communications

Young star Barbie Imperial is the newest Kapamilya leading lady as she top-bills upcoming afternoon series “Precious Hearts Romances presents Araw Gabi” opposite award-winning actor JM De Guzman.

But just as many are excited for the television comeback of the “That Thing Called Tadhana” actor, many also seemed shocked at why the young actress bagged the lead role.

ABS-CBN business unit head Ruel S. Bayani clarified during the series’ press conference on Monday why Imperial is just the perfect girl to play the role of the innocent, happy and driven Michelle.

As a major television production of the network, a long audition process was done to find the right girl. So many names, both made and starting actresses tried out for the role. But more than anything, Bayani said he was not after the commercial recall of any name but he’s looking for someone who’s personality is extremely close if not identical to that of the one in the book.

“Nung nakita ko siya, sabi ko siya, siya. Sabe nila: ‘kaya ba niya?’ sabe ko hindi ko alam. Sabe ulit nila ‘ready na ba siya?’ mas lalong hindi ko alam,” he said.

With passion and belief in the project, Bayani said he is willing to stretch out his limits for “Araw Gabi.”

“Eh alam niyo naman ako matapang akong tao, handa akong sumugal sa pagbabalik ni JM, naniniwala ako sa pag-launch kay Barbie. Kung maghihintay pa ’ko na ‘ah itong young star na ‘to pwede na ba siya ano,’ no ang sa’kin Barbie will be Mitch and mapapatunayan niya dito sa show na ‘to na tama ang desisyon namin na piliin siya,” he added.

Bayani added that he’s very confident they made the “right choice with every single member of the cast and the entire production team” so that they could give the best product for the viewers most especially the loyal fans of PHR.

“Precious Hearts Romances presents Araw Gabi” conquers afternoon television starting April 30. /jpv