Directing Reboot Of 80's Hit 'Yagit' A Big Challenge For Gina Alajar

GINA ALAJAR is happy to be assigned in directing the reboot of “Yagit”, the hit 1980s soap that also became a hit movie. “’Yagit’ is really an answered prayer for me as I really want to direct child actors, being a former child actress myself,” she says. “It’s a big challenge for me rin kasi toprater talaga ang ‘Yagit’ noong araw, but we have to update it for today’s generation. The first challenge was recruiting the new child actors who’ll play the four leads. We held auditions in six big cities, including Iloilo, Cebu, Gensan. Sobrang dami talaga ang nag-audition at marami talagang magagaling, wala kaming itulak-kabigin. And after a long search, we chose Judie de la Cruz to play Jocelyn, the group’s ate; Jemwell Ventinilla as the roly poly Tomtom; Zymic Jaranilla, younger brother ni Zaijian, as Ding; and Chlaui Malayao as the six-year old Eliza, na magiging anak ni Yasmien Kurdi as Dolores and James Blanco as Victor.”


Does she miss acting? “At this point, no, because I’m enjoying directing so much. Thankful ako that GMA gives me projects that challenge me, like ‘Villa Quintana’ and now, ‘Yagit’. I don’t miss acting at all, but if there’s a good offer, why not?”
Also in the cast are the comebacking Wowie de Guzman as Chito, who loves Yasmien Kurdi very much; Kevin Santos as Kardo, the dad of Jocelyn and Tomtom; LJ Reyes as Flora, the abusive stepmom of the yagits; Renz Fernandez as Roman, a good cop who falls in love with Yasmien; Racquel Villavicencio as Donya Claudia, the haughty mom of James who looks down on Yasmien; Rich Asuncion as Odette, Raquel’s assistant so in love with James; Ina Feleo as Imelda, Yasmien’s best friend; Maricris Garcia as Cece, James’ villainous cousin; Franco Magalona as Maricris’ boyfriend; and child actress Steph Yamut from Cebu as Tiffany. “Yagit” will be replacing “Dading” that ends tomorrow afternoon. It’ll be seen after “Half Sisters” and before “Ang Lihim ni Annasandra”