Arzen Rose Dulzura

Mutya Orquia and Krystal Mejes get to the core of their “What Lies Beneath” characters

Article (news)

Rianna Mae Santiago

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761095155852New Project (28).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>With a powerful start to the newest Kapamilya thriller series, “<a href="http://whatliesbeneath.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>What Lies Beneath</u></strong></a>” naturally highlights their young talents. Mutya Orquia (who plays Louisa Mae Soria) and Krystal Mejes (who plays Erica Melendez) talk for nearly an hour with host Jeremiah about their immersive experiences with their respective characters on the October 20 <a href="http://chat.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>Kapamilya Chat</u></strong></a> stream.  </p><p>To begin the heartfelt conversation, Krystal teased about the series’ essence: “Kung paano mag-uunravel ‘yung mga sikretong ‘yun, you guys have to really look out for that,” she said </p><p>The Kapamilya actresses couldn’t help but open up about the pressure they felt while portraying Louisa and Erica, who are emotionally driven younger versions. Krystal expressed that when she found out that she was going to play a younger version of Kaila Estrada, the pressure was inevitable as she views the talented actress as someone who “carries herself with substance and grace.”  </p><div><iframe width="928" height="522" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zBYEHB7HHWs" title="Mutya Orquia and Krystal Mejes | Kapamilya Chat" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Despite the pressure, both young artists repurposed the feeling to excel more in their craft. “Andon lagi ‘yung pressure, pero hindi ko hinahayaan na mag-sink-in,” Mutya added. </p><p>Krystal and Mutya both mentioned that they auditioned for the difficult roles and had workshops with older versions of their characters, with Krystal working with Kaila Estrada in particular.  </p><p>Diving deeper into their characters, while being careful about ‘spoilers,’ Krystal summarizes her character, Erica, in one word: “resilient.” She explained, “The way I know her and the way she was written in the script and was directed… what inspires me the most about her is her quiet bravery.” </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/21/what-lies-beneath-erica-naglakas-loob-na-ipaglaban-noon-si-edong-episode-109-22-0022"><strong><u>WATCH: Erica, naglakas-loob na ipaglaban noon si Edong</u></strong></a></div><div> </div><p>At the same time, Mutya warmly described Louisa as a sweet and gentle flower going wild. “Sobrang lakas ng loob niya… When it comes sa mga friends niya, ‘yun ‘yung soft spot niya talaga,” she emphasized. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2025/10/21/what-lies-beneath-alice-beth-at-mel-muling-inalala-ang-kabutihan-ni-louisa-episode-2-2138"><strong><u>WATCH: Alice, Beth, at Mel, muling inalala ang kabutihan ni Louisa</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Host Jeremiah did not hesitate to pose a thought-provoking question to the young actresses, asking which characters they would like to play from the series if given the opportunity. Without a doubt, both chose Jake Cuenca’s character, Edong Santiago, Amurao’s notorious drug pusher and the only suspect in Louisa’s murder. “Lahat [ng characters] may bubog, lahat may sikreto. Pero, never pa ako naka-experience ng ganoong role,” Mutya shared. </p><p>Krystal added, “Kuya Jake’s character or Louisa. Both are challenging but also fulfilling kapag nagawa ko nang maayos.” </p><p>Mutya and Krystal were also encouraged to send messages to their characters, assuming they were real. “Louisa, sana matanggap mo na okay lang din minsan magpahinga, na protektahan mo din ‘yung sarili mo at hindi lang lagi yung taong nasa paligid mo,” Mutya expressed.  </p><p>For Krystal’s Erica, “Thank you for being strong, and thank you for standing up for what you think is right and for the truth,” she said. </p><p>Ending the session with another contemplative question, both actresses chose one word to describe the teleserye. Mutya teased again, “Lies. ‘Yung nakikita n’yo sa trailer wala pa ‘yun sa kalahati.”  </p><p>Krystal highlighted the show’s tone: “Compelling. Sa bawat lies, mape-persuade ka talaga. Hindi mo alam kung totoo ba ‘yun or hindi. Kahit binabasa [namin] ‘yung script nalilito [kami]. Nobody [actually] knows who killed Louisa.” </p><p>Don’t miss an episode of “<a href="http://whatliesbeneath.abs-cbn.com"><strong><u>What Lies Beneath</u></strong></a>,” which airs at 8:40 pm weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z and TV5. You can watch the episodes in advance on Netflix and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb"><strong><u>iWant</u></strong></a>.</p>

<p>Mutya Orquia and Krystal Mejes, stars of “What Lies Beneath,” reflect on their journey as younger versions of Louisa Mae Soria and Erica Melendez on another episode of Kapamilya Chat.</p>

Mutya Orquia and Krystal Mejes, stars of “What Lies Beneath,” reflect on their journey as younger versions of Louisa Mae Soria and Erica Melendez on another episode of Kapamilya Chat.