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Why Liezel’s story in “What Lies Beneath” left a lasting impact on Majoy Apostol

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Rianna Mae Santiago

<p>The “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/what-lies-beneath" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>What Lies Beneath</em></u></strong></a>” cast has been delivering their individual charms to Kapamilya Chat, with Mary Joy Apostol taking part in the February 20 episode to delve into her unforgettable and groundbreaking role as Liezel. </p><p>Beginning with the recent recognition she has received, Mary Joy felt elated that, throughout her teleserye and film journey, her portrayal of Liezel emerged as one of her most appreciated performances. </p><p>Before immersing herself in the role, she initially felt nervous upon learning about Liezel’s complex background, especially since it was her first time portraying a GL sub-story. Ultimately, she was pleasantly surprised by the crucial plot twist involving her character and Louisa (played by Mutya Orquia).  </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe width="1005" height="565" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7GK5HvdcC7I" title="Majoy Apostol | Kapamilya Chat 2026" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br/></div><p>On preparing for Liezel’s trending scenes, the Kapamilya actress shared that the brave church moment —where Liezel confessed to the public about her past relationship with Louisa, her queer identity, and Pastor Samuel’s control—was actually written as a three-page continuous scene. Since it was also decided to be filmed without cuts, she asked her sister for help in internalizing the monologue.  </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/1/16/what-lies-beneath-liezel-buong-tapang-inamin-sa-lahat-ang-pagmamahal-niya-kay-louisa-episode-65-2335" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>WATCH: Liezel, buong tapang inamin sa lahat ang pagmamahal niya kay Louisa | What Lies Beneath </u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Speaking about the reality of being queer as depicted by her character, Mary Joy highlighted Liezel’s son, Joshua (played by Lawrence Dela Cruz), praising how he represents the youth’s understanding of gender identities. She then emphasized the need for greater awareness of gender issues overall.</p><p>True enough, every event surrounding Liezel feels realistic and timely. Majoy extended a message of hope to those who relate to her character’s experiences—especially those who struggle to express themselves fully due to the watchful eyes of society. She wished further that such individuals find more courage and trustworthy people in their lives, who would allow them to focus on their growth in the long run—without, of course, harming others. </p><p>Growing more excited, Mary Joy Apostol recalled some of her most unforgettable scenes, notably the forest confrontation where she admitted her past affair with Louisa. She explained that during filming schedules, the cast had to retreat multiple times in the middle of heavy rains and unstable weather, returning only when conditions calmed down. </p><div><br/></div><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/1/6/what-lies-beneath-liezel-ikinuwento-ang-pinagdaanan-ng-relasyon-nila-ni-louisa-episode-57-2312" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>WATCH: Liezel, ikinuwento ang pinagdaanan ng relasyon nila ni Louisa | What Lies Beneath</u></strong></a></div><div><br/></div><p>Beyond that, rounds of chasing and the emotional intensity of the scenes added inevitable pressure on the actors and actresses, but she and Charlie Dizon were able to share smiles at the end of the day. </p><p>Regarding her onscreen best-friend chemistry with Charlie, who plays the outspoken Beth, their duo has been warmly embraced by fans, thanks to their contrasting personalities—Liezel’s gentle nature balancing Beth’s strength. </p><p>From Mary Joy’s dedication in reading the script intently days before the actual filming, she rarely found it difficult to deviate from her Liezel persona. Although, in a rare moment outside “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/what-lies-beneath" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>What Lies Beneath</em></u></strong></a>,” she remembered crying, alongside a director consoling her.</p><p>For her top three scenes as Liezel, she confidently mentioned the first—the long-awaited <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/1/16/what-lies-beneath-liezel-buong-tapang-inamin-sa-lahat-ang-pagmamahal-niya-kay-louisa-episode-65-2335" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>emotional confession at the church</u></strong></a> —followed by the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/1/6/what-lies-beneath-liezel-ikinuwento-ang-pinagdaanan-ng-relasyon-nila-ni-louisa-episode-57-2312" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>laborious forest confrontation</u></strong></a>, and finally <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/2026/1/15/what-lies-beneath-edong-ginawang-bahagi-ng-plano-ang-alitan-nina-beth-at-liezel-episode-64-2224" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>her bittersweet conversation with her on-screen husband, Angelo, played by Marlo Mortel</u></strong></a>.</p><p>Regarding her character’s younger version, taken on by Kolette Madelo, Mary Joy eagerly recounted her first reaction upon seeing Kolette and Mutya’s chemistry, underscoring that she truly felt the heart-fluttering and genuine connection between them and applauding Kolette for her dedication. </p><p>Like the rest of the show’s cast, she remained thrilled and grateful for fans who are deeply invested in the narrative, even forming their own theories about Louisa’s real murderer—which, in her initial guess, was Liezel’s father, Pastor Samuel. Being careful not to spill spoilers, she wrapped up her teasing by urging viewers to look forward to the next episodes. </p><p>Will Mary Joy Apostol’s character bring more secrets to the surface? Find out in “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/what-lies-beneath" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u><em>What Lies Beneath</em></u></strong></a>,” airing weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and <a href="https://app.iwanttfc.com/dFR6MWHAcVb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>iWant</u></strong></a>.</p>

<p>Mary Joy Apostol takes a deep dive into her compelling portrayal of Liezel in “What Lies Beneath.”</p>

Mary Joy Apostol takes a deep dive into her compelling portrayal of Liezel in “What Lies Beneath.”

Why Liezel’s story in “What Lies Beneath” left a lasting impact on Majoy Apostol

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Why Liezel’s story in “What Lies Beneath” left a lasting impact on Majoy Apostol

Rianna Santiago

Published February 23, 2026 12:30 AM PHT

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Updated February 23, 2026 12:44 PM PHT

Read More:

Mary Joy Apostol

What Lies Beneath

Liezel Basa

Kolette Madelo

Mutya Orquia

Kapamilya Chat

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