The role was extra challenging because of her pregnancy.
Ryza Cenon had no idea she was pregnant when she was offered to play the lead in the action series, “Bella Bandida.”
The actress gave birth to a boy last October 31.
But because she has started working on the project, she decided to proceed with it. Of course, she also thought of her co-stars and her director, Richard Somes.
As Ryza said during the Zoom media con, the preparation for the taping was not easy.
There was a possibility that the teleserye, a production of Viva Films, will be compared to the film, which had Rosanna Ortiz playing the title role. The movie was released in 1971 and was directed by Leody Diaz. It featured Eddie Garcia and Tito Galla.
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Ryza said she and the father of her baby, Miguel Antonio Cruz, are not yet married. It will come, she said, but they right now, their baby is their priority.
She is breastfeeding him.
“Kaya maingat ako, lalo na at I’m personally looking after him, dahil nahirapan ako nung ipinanganak siya,” she said, “Kaya ramdam kong on his own, medyo hirap din siya.”
She is just grateful that Miguel is an understanding and good dad.
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Had the pandemic not happen, actress and philanthropist Angel Locsin and producer-director Neil Arce would have tied the knot last Nov. 8.
But no regrets, they tell friends.
“Malay nga naman nila,” said a kibitzer, “baka it’s God’s will.”
Right now, both are busy. Angel hosts “Iba Yan,” which Neil directs. She also has her charity works, while he has numerous business ventures.
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Ronnie Ricketts is busy again. He is the director and producer of the film about Dr. Willie Ong, a known cardiologist who helps by giving free medical advice and also relief goods. Helping Dr. Willie is his wife, Dr. Liza Ong.
Hero Angeles plays Dr. Willie and Nora Aunor, revealed Dr. Willie, has agreed to play his mom.
Nora is currently in the cast of the GMA series, “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit.”
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Cassy Legaspi, one of the twins of Zoren Legaspi and Carmina Villaroel, is happy to work again with Joaquin Domagoso, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s son.
The young stars, who previously worked together in “Studio 7” and “All Out Sunday,” are paired in “First Yaya,” GMA’s new primetime series.
The cast and crew of “First Yaya” will be in lock-in and it is Cassy’s first time to experience the arrangement. She is grateful that her parents, who are themselves actors, and her twin, Mavy, understand the situation.
“Magkaka-trabaho rin siya na ‘di ako kasama o ang mga parents namin,” said Cassy. “At least, pareho na kaming 19.”
They are turning 20 in January.
Joaquin admits his role in “First Yaya” is his most important. But what excites him the most is having a leading lady.
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Playing the lead role in “First Yaya” is Sanya Lopez. She will be paired with actor Gabby Concepcion.
Marian Rivera, who was originally assigned to play the lead, begged off because of the lock in arrangement which would meant she cannot be with her young kids and husband, Dingdong Dantes. Marian and Dingdong’s son, Ziggy, is still breastfeeding.
