Sharon Cuneta continues to captivate audiences, this time with her portrayal of Miranda in “Saving Grace,” the number one series on Prime in the Philippines.
As an amalgamation of Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Walters, Sharon said Miranda is a layered character with her own secrets and struggles. Sharon recently opened up about her transformation for the role, her family, her thoughts on politics, and the personal growth she’s undergone in recent years.
When Sharon walked onto the set of Saving Grace, the first thing everyone noticed was her renewed glow and slimmer figure. She attributes this to the physically demanding nature of her concert tours abroad, which often disrupted her sleep and meal schedules.
Despite the challenges, Sharon noted that the stress had an unexpected benefit.
“All the flying… east, west, east, west… iba-iba ‘yung oras… so stressful,” she admitted.
“Saving Grace” is an adaptation of the Korean hit series “Mother.” Sharon’s Miranda Valdez is a talk-show host with a heart for single mothers, hiding her own painful past. “She’s very guarded kasi marami siyang guilt,” Sharon explained. “She had to give up so much… and then she became very successful.”
For Sharon, the role is unlike anything she has ever done. Miranda’s complex nature — balancing authority with vulnerability — presented a unique challenge. Director FM Reyes encouraged her to “use [her] lower tones,” further pushing her to expand her acting range.
Despite the difficulty, Sharon found joy in the role, noting the nuanced connections with her co-stars. “Julia [Montes] was one of the reasons I accepted this project. Ang tagal na naming gustong magkasama,” she said.
“She’s like my daughter really, really, really, kulang na lang ni sinilang ko siya. We’re very close and. So in doing this. Sa amin no effort pag may eksena kami together, magtitinginan lang kami. There’s so much kasi we’ve shared already so. Laging raw ‘yung emotions namin laging present.”
She also had nothing but praise for co-stars Jennica Garcia, Christian Bables, Janice de Belen and child star Zia Grace.
“Everybody has given their best, even the kids, even sabi ko ‘yung tinatawag na extras ‘di ba? …Na appreciate namin kasi, you know when you’re doing a serye or a movie – any project – it’s really a team effort.”
“Saving Grace” tackles sensitive topics, including child abuse, which Sharon hopes will create awareness. “I hope this creates awareness… I hope [viewers] see themselves in the characters and figure out mali [ang ganito],” she said.
As a mother of four, Sharon emphasized the importance of nurturing and understanding children. Reflecting on her parenting style, she shared, “When they were small… it’s always better to sit them down, show them respect, and explain why.”
“Saving Grace” also touches on adoption and Sharon shares her own experience, recalling how her son Miguel came into their lives as a day-old baby and has enriched their everyday. Miguel, she noted, is almost as tall as his Daddy Kiko Pangilinan and just like his ates – KC, Kakie and Miel, and of course, Mama Sharon – has a mellifluous voice.
“Nagulat ako,” said Sharon.
“Merong marunong kumanta na hindi kagandahan ‘yung boses. … Si Miguel, alam mo yung ang ganda ng quality ng boses. Syempre hindi pa professionally kumanta but he’s having fun I was so touched.”
Despite the topic of retirement coming up, Sharon wasn’t ready to entertain the thought just yet. “You may be gone for even a whole decade, and if it calls you back, you always have a heart for it. I think for now I’m staying, but I’m not beyond planning my retirement.”
Prime Video’s “Saving Grace” drops two new episodes every Thursday only on Prime Video.
