SANYA LOPEZ never thought she’d play the title role of “First Yaya” as it’s originally conceived for Marian Rivera.
When Marian backed out as she cannot do lock in taping, Sanya got the surprise of her life when GMA-7 tapped her for the coveted role.
“Big blessing talaga siya for me,” she says. “This is such a big project. Ginastusan talaga ng GMA and it’s an honor being paired with Gabby Concepcion.”
So how is it working with Gabby?
“I was intimidated at first kasi siempre, Gabby Concepcion siya. Kinikilig ako sa kanya. Sabi ni Direk L.A., wag ko alisin yung kilig kasi kailangan yun sa character ni Melody na kinikilig talaga kaharap niya ang presidente ng bansa.
"It’s part of the magic daw. At first, parang very formal si Kuya Gab, hindi ko puedeng bakla-baklain. But sa lock in taping in La Union, okay pala siya, he connects very well with everyone.
"Lahat kami sa set, we became a family, not just magkakatrabaho. Later, napagtiktok ko pa siya, na never daw niyang ginawa sa buong buhay niya.”
When she started in “Encantadia”, she was projected as a sexy star and this is how she’s built up in her next projects. In “First Yaya”, she now goes wholesome. Is there some pressure since they’ll succeed “Anak ni Waray” which is a toprater?
“Our director, L.A. Madridejos, told us to just give our best to the show. Don’t be pressured daw, just enjoy what we’re doing. Pag tumaas ang rating, bonus na yun.
"But I really enjoyed ‘First Yaya’ kasi bago sa kin ang role dahil romcom ito and puro dramas ang ginawa ko before.
"Direk L.A. taught me kung paano siya atakihin. Just be yourself, sabi niya, huwag kang umarte, basta maging natural ka lang at yun na si Yaya Melody.”
Has she any experience being a yaya?
“Sa bahay, ako ang nag-aalaga sa lola ko at sa mga pamangkin ko, so parang yaya rin ako roon. Doon ako humugot para sa role ko as Melody in ‘First Yaya’.”
