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Carla Martinez and Maila Gumila share honest opinions of “Nag-Aapoy Na Damdamin” lead stars

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Liezel dela Cruz

Veteran actresses Carla Martinez and Maila Gumila add more weight to the oversized dramatic genius of <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/nagaapoynadamdamin">“Nag-Aapoy Na Damdamin.”</a> It’s challenging at times, considering that their director FM Reyes is strict about character consistency. But their brilliant and endearing co-stars make their roles and scenes easier to navigate.In the story, Carla portrays Loleng, the loyal help of the Salazars. One might see her as just a background character but Loleng actually plays a pivotal role in the life of Dr. Philip Salazar (JC de Vera). She has witnessed every turn of events in the Salazar household and taken care of Philip like her own. Viewers will see what lengths she will go to in hopes to protect the Salazar family’s secrets. “As you keep watching, doon n’yo makikita why she’s so crucial in the family affair,” she teased.<div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="2746383"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div>Manang Loleng is a breath of fresh air as compared to Carla’s previous roles which are mostly powerful villainous women. While she goes to set not worrying a bit about her makeup and wardrobe, somehow it’s challenging to be playing somebody quite opposite of her real-life personality.Meanwhile, Maila is Victoria, the mother of Atty. Lucas Buencamino (Tony Labrusca), Philip’s mortal enemy. Maila mentioned that she postponed her trip to the United States just to say yes to this project. And she thinks she has made the right decision. Not only is she challenged as an actress, but she’s also mesmerized by the depth of the story and its execution. “The things that Victoria does in this story are not really for the faint of heart,” she hinted. “Sometimes I’m also taken aback with the script, so far.”While they belong in warring camps in the story, Carla and Maila hope to share some scenes. With the creatives’ brilliant and unexpected execution, they know everything’s possible with their teleserye. Even they are amazed to follow the narrative as it unfolds. That’s why they advise viewers to never miss a single scene, and catch up with the pilot episode in case they missed it because it established the root of the war between the Salazars and Buencaminos.The two highly respected thespians have known each other for long, but it’s only now that they’re sharing a project. Clearly, through the years of friendship, these women have developed a mutual admiration. And this admiration extends to their younger co-stars as well.Asked about their experience working with the show’s main quartet, they had sweet words to say about Tony Labrusca, praising his humility and honesty. He’s a nice boy, as Maila puts it. She and Carla share the same opinion that Tony has a thirst for learning. “When he doesn’t understand something, he will voice it out. He’s not afraid to say, ‘I feel uncomfortable doing this. I feel uncomfortable saying this.’ He will ask for help if he needs it,” shared Maila.In Carla’s words, Tony is “very teachable.” In this industry, veterans appreciate when their opinions matter because they, themselves, continue to evolve and learn each day. They appreciate young actors who are eager and honest because, in showbiz, complacency can be deadly.While Tony is all about humility and honesty, JC de Vera is marked by his hard work and dedication. Maila has worked with him in <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/thebetterhalf">“The Better Half”</a> and she’s happy to witness his transition into a loving family man, which reflects his focus on his life goals. As an actor, she sees how he studies his character and plays it well. On the other hand, Carla works with JC for the first time but she’s instantly admired his pleasant personality. She likes getting to know him through their fun discussions about random topics.Of Ria Atayde, the acting titans had endearing stories to tell about their anak-anakan. “She’s my baby,” gushed Carla, who was Ria’s teacher before she entered showbiz. “I always believed in her. So, I’m just excited for Ria… One thing about Ria is she’s very frank. She’s very honest and sincere. She loves you and she’s very smart.”Maila is Ria’s ninang in real life and therefore saw how she blossomed into a beautiful lady, a strong woman like her character, Melinda. She believes that Ria fits her character to a T. She oozes that hot and powerful ‘Melinda’ vibe.Talking about Jane Oineza, the veterans sounded soft and loving. It’s obvious how they adore Jane as an actress and a woman. As Maila said, there’s no question about Jane’s ability, given her wide experience as a former child star-turned-leading lady. “Malalim” is how they described Jane’s talent. She added, “The Jane that I knew back then many years ago is exactly the same Jane. The fame did not change her. It hasn’t gotten to her head. Mabait na bata. Masarap kasama.” Carla further revealed, “When you see her in person, she’s just so childlike. She’s bubbly.”“Don’t we all love Jane?” they said almost in unison.The acting giants feel blessed to be working with a bunch of bright and pleasant co-artists. Theirs is a happy set. They have found a family that keeps each other sane after doing intense scenes. “With such a heavy story to tell, masaya kami sa set,” smiled Maila.<div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="06b9cac5decc13edae3497a22831561a" data-ivs-spid="3001384" data-ivs-vid="2746328"></ivs-player> <script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div>As experienced artists, they are never selfish of their thespic wisdom when somebody asks for help. They prefer to be asked than volunteer their pieces of advice. But sometimes they can’t help but speak up. Maila admitted, “Sometimes hindi ko matiis. Kasi parang lost, alam mo ‘yun. So, kailangan ko magsalita para lang, kunyari sa eksena nasa set na kami at malapit na mag-take pero mukhang lost pa rin ‘yung artista, we help each other. Kasi kaeksena mo, eh, then I will give an advice.”Carla offered, “I have this motherly thing. So, even when they’re difficult, I always try to see how I can make an entry point. It’s really more of connecting.” She added that some younger stars are just afraid to ask for help, so somehow she’s learned how to flick through the situation. “I think what’s important is you are very sincere and you really just want to help.”Even with their expertise, Carla and Maila admit that they have their off days as well. Factors like lack of sleep and their mood can affect their performance, thus it’s truly important to study their characters well and choose the technique that will work best.It also boils down to one’s listening skills. After all, acting is a give-and-take process between co-actors. “Remember that acting is just reacting. It’s not just about emotions but about the objective. What’s your objective? Ano ang gusto mong makuha sa ka-partner mo,” shared Carla, who is also an acting teacher.The guests tell viewers to buckle up because they’re in for a shocking ride in <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/nagaapoynadamdamin">“Nag-Aapoy Na Damdamin.” </a>Just when you think you’ve got the hang of the story, a major plot twist will keep your eyes peeled for the next turn of events.Catch “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/nagaapoynadamdamin">Nag-Aapoy Na Damdamin</a>”, every Monday to Friday, at 3:45 pm, on <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/kapamilya-channel-livestream-12685">Kapamilya Channel,</a> <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/kapamilya-online-live-12710">Kapamilya Online Live, </a>TV5, and A2Z.

Veteran actresses Carla Martinez and Maila Gumila share off-cam stories about their new teleserye “Nag-Aapoy Na Damdamin.” 