FROM THE TRAILER of “Mano Po Legacy: The Family Fortune”, it’s apparent that it’s about women empowerment and the story centers on three strong women: Boots Anson Roa, Maricel Laxa and Sunshine Cruz.
Boots Anson Roa plays Consuelo Chan, the family’s matriarch. Boots says that when she got the offer to do “Mano Po” as a TV series, she accepted it right away.
“I felt like I’m a fish thrown into the water kasi Regal made seven ‘Mano Po’ movies and I was in five of them,” she says.
“So it’s a very welcome feeling to be a part of ‘Mano Po’ on TV and to get to work with fine actresses like Maricel, Sunshine and Barbie Forteza.”
She also fell in love with her role. “Consuelo Chan is a fearless woman. She’s very wise and knows how to play her cards well.
"She never allows her emotions to take over and control her, but she’s very loyal to her loved ones. I think she’s one of the most colorful characters I’ve played in my career.”
As for Maricel Laxa, she plays Valerie Lim, the meddlesome mistress who messes things up with everyone in the family.
"She was last seen in TV5’s Christmas drama, “Paano ang Pasko”, playing a sacrificial mom. Now, she plays a villainous character.
“I just feel fortunate to get good projects like this,” she says. “Tumatalon ang dugo ko kapag may ganitong offers. Actually, contento na ako supporting my children now in their own careers but kung may magagandang projects na dumarating, hindi naman tama na tanggihan ko, di ba?
"Also, ‘Mano Po’ is special for me kasi it’s a homecoming for me sa GMA. I started my career in GMA when Mother Lily saw me sa ‘GMA Supershow’ and inalok ako to be a part of Regal Films. That started my acting career.
"I also accepted this because my son, Benjamin, told me he wants to see what I do on the set, so I take him along and I’m thankful that I’m part of this project.”
Sunshine Cruz, in turn, plays Christine Chan, the supportive aunt who will be an ally of Barbie Forteza against Maricel Laxa.
“I have seen the ‘Mano Po’ movies before and nagandahan ako so I felt I want to be a part of it kaya lang di nila ako kinukuha,” she says. “So when they offered this to me, kulang na lang na tumambling ako sa excitement.
"This is a dream come true for me. When they said hindi puedeng mahaba ang hair ko for my role, and I have to cut my hair, kahit na I’ve always had long hair, pumayag agad ako. Kung yun ba ang kailangan para sa role ko, di sige, go.
"I’m just happy to be back with GMA kasi before this, they also got me to be part of the Gabbi Garcia-Khalil Ramos episode in ‘Straight from the Heart’. That’s in the afternoon at ito naman, primetime na.”
Boots says all their characters will be well rounded in the eyes of the viewers.
“Magkakaroon ng back story ang bawat isa so there will be flashback scenes para maintindihan ng viewers ang motivations namin, where we’ll all coming from.”
And how does Barbie feel working with these fine and seasoned actresses?
“I feel so honored to be acting with them and I’m so happy to be a part of this project. When they offered it to me, speechless ako kasi I know the ‘Mano Po’ series is a big part of the film industry.
"This is also my first project after renewing my contract with GMA. Thankful talaga akong makasama rito kasi the script, with Direk Joey Reyes as head writer, is so well written.
"The story is well distributed sa mga characters and you’ll get carried away by the story, kaya abangan nyo when we start airing this coming January, 2022.”
