Yasmien's Return to Dramarama

Following the success of the primetime show "Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita," Yasmien Kurdi returns to the Dramarama block via the Sine Novela "Saan Darating ang Umaga." Reprising the role of Ms. Maricel Soriano, the StarStruck alumna now faces the challenge of living up to the award-winning performance of the Diamond Star.

At the photo shoot of the next Sine Novela, Saan Darating ang Umaga, Yasmien Kurdi sat down with iGMA for an exclusive interview to promote her new show and clear up some issues that recently made her emotional on national television.

Return to Dramarama

A blockbuster hit in the ‘80s, Saan Darating ang Umaga featured Ms. Nida Blanca and Ms. Maricel Soriano at their best. A tear-jerker and a values-filled story, Maricel Soriano won the Best Supporting Actress award in FAMAS for her portrayal of Shayne – the jealous daughter of Ruben (Nestor deVilla) and Lorie (Nida Blanca).

In the GMA remake, Yasmien will bring Shayne to life, a challenge indeed to the young actress. "Tita Maria, support ha, please. Hindi ko pa po siya (Maricel Soriano) natatawagan," confessed Yas who has once worked with Maricel Soriano in the film Bahay Kubo.

She pointed out that she’s doubling her efforts for this project to prove that she deserves the breaks that GMA has been giving her these past few years. "Pinaghihirapan ko talaga bawat eksena. Direk Mario J. de los Reyes pa ito, award winning director…After Direk Joel [Lamangan], Direk Mario naman," says the young actress who is obviously in awe of the renowned director, who also directed the original film.

New love team, old friend

Upon her return to Dramarama, Yasmien leaves her old love team behind and now concentrates on her new onscreen partner, Dion Ignacio.

"Si Dion sobrang at ease ako sa kanya. During StarStruck days, sya 'yung lagi kong katabi sa chair kapag bumabyahe kami or aalis kami. Tapos sya 'yung best friend ko sa guys noon. Hindi kami close ni Rainier talaga noon (smiles)," shared Yasmien with a smile.

After noting that she comfortable working with Dion, she said they she’s really happy that the young actor was given this break. "Deserve naman ni Dion [ang project]. Ang gwapo-gwapo nya. Sobrang proud po ako sa kanya at super support din ako sa kanya. Tapos nagtutulungan kami kasi sa [StarStruck] batch po talaga naming, walang iwanan. Mahal ko si DJ at kahit sino sa Batch 1."

Finally, she pointed out that fans will be surprised with her new partner but urged everyone to give her friend a chance. "Sana, kagatin nyo po tulad ng pag support nyo sa ibang ka-love team ko. Grabe kinakabahan din po ako," admitted Yas truthfully.


- Loretta G. Ramirez, GMANews