GMA continues to set the bar high as it brings to light a family drama with a unique concept about human cloning via “Unica Hija,” which premieres this week.
The newest drama-sci-fi is headlined by some of Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s talented and sought-after stars: Kate Valdez as Bianca and Hope, Faith da Silva as Carnation, and Kelvin Miranda as Ralph.
All set to play equally important roles in the series are Katrina Halili as Diane and Mark Herras as Zach.
Kate admits that it is quite challenging to portray multiple characters. “I’m not gonna lie, mahirap po siya.
Nagkakaroon lang ng difference sa uri ng pamumuhay nina Bianca and Hope. First time kong magkaroon ng ganitong project at maingat po talaga namin siyang ginagawa dahil sensitive ang story. Marami pong matututunan ang viewers dahil hindi lang siya sa science at cloning naka-focus.”
Kelvin reiterates that now is the perfect time to give the viewers something unique with the out-of-the-box concept of the series. “Mas mabuting ipakita na ang mga ganitong tema sa mga manonood para maihatid natin ‘yung mas malalim na mensahe nito. It’s about acceptance and second chances.”
Meanwhile, Faith shares how her real-life friendship with Kate helped them to pull off the intense scenes in the show. “Ang galing ni Kate kaya nadadala rin ako sa mga eksena namin. Maganda na may good relationship kami kasi kapag may sakitan, mabilis namin naiintindihan kung paano gagawin at walang pikunan.”
Katrina recounts that this is by far her most dramatic role. “Akala ko noon grabe na ‘yung paghihirap ko sa Prima Donnas pero mas grabe pala ‘to. Before kasi physically lang ‘yung pang-aapi sa akin pero ngayon, rollercoaster of emotions talaga. Grabe ang iniyak ko rito.”
Mark also teases the audience that his newest character is a bit mysterious and dark.
“Kakaiba ito sa mga role na natanggap ko before. Mostly kasi gumaganap akong leading man or mabait, but this time talagang iniba nila. Nagpapasalamat ako sa GMA kasi binigay nila ito sa akin.”
Adding spice to the program are Maricar De Mesa, Boboy Garovillo, Rere Madrid, Bernard Palanca, Maybelyn Dela Cruz, Biboy Ramirez, Issa Litton, Jenny Gabriel and Alfred Vargas as Dr. Christian Sebastian, a scientist who is obsessed with his career but lacks affection for his family.
“Unica Hija” follows the story of Dr. Christian (Alfred) who develops a genetic engineering project. He spends most of his time at the laboratory while constantly neglecting his wife, Diane (Katrina), and his daughter, Bianca (Kate).
On the day before her birthday, Bianca seeks approval from her parents to go on a hiking trip with her friends. Although they worry for Bianca’s safety, Dr. Christian grants the wish of their most beloved daughter. No one thought that this would be Bianca’s last day alive.
The show’s director Mark Sicat Dela Cruz highlights the acting prowess of Kate in this very daring concept, “Isa siyang gem ng GMA. Sobra akong bilib sa kanya dahil ang dami niyang characters dito. Masusi rin ang pag-aaral namin about cloning, but more than the science, gusto pa rin naming ibigay sa audience ‘yung drama at ipakita kung paano bang maging makatao.”
“Unica Hija” airs Monday to Friday at 3:25 p.m. on GMA.
