Diana Zubiri returns to acting with ‘Mga Batang Riles’ after five-year break

Diana Zubiri. Image: Instagram/@dianazubirismith

After a five-year hiatus from show business, Diana Zubiri is returning to acting in the upcoming action drama “Mga Batang Riles” which is scheduled for a January 2025 premiere.

Zubiri’s casting was announced on GMA’s 24 Oras, which was broadcast on Tuesday, December 17, although details on her character are yet to be announced.

“Excited na excited ako. Kasi kami ang unang show na papasok ngayong Bagong Taon, kami ang opening ng taon na ‘to. Kaya masaya ako sa aking pagbabalik pagkatapos ng limang taon,” she said.

(I’m very excited. This is the first show that will premiere on New Year. We’ll be starting the year. This is why I’m excited to come back after a five-year break.)

Zubiri will be starring as the onscreen mother of Miguel Tanfelix, for which the actress had nothing but praises for.

“Magalang po ‘yung bata. May disiplina siya, tsaka nakita mo [na] trained kasi nga po since bata pa naman siya, artista na siya. Trained na siya. Professional. Okay na Okay ‘yung tandem namin bilang mag-ina. Talagang nagre-reach out sa’kin at nagbibigay siya ng effort,” she said.

(The kid is respectful. He has discipline, and you would see the fruits of training since he had been acting since he was young. He’s trained. He’s professional. We have a great tandem as mother-and-son. He also reaches out to me, and makes an effort to get close.)

Zubiri’s last projects were the film “In the Name of the Mother” and the “Bayad Danyos” episode of the anthology series “Tadhana,” which were released in 2020. She has since been based in Australia with her husband, Any Smith.

The actress is best known for portraying Sang’gre Danaya in the 2005 fantasy drama “Encantadia” and the follow-up series “Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia” and “Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas.”

She also made headlines after recalling her sexy flyover shoot in an episode of “Pinoy Pawnstars” in July 2024.