YSABEL ORTEGA was teary eyed after the press preview of “What We Could Be” in Trinoma since a lot of people congratulated her for her moving performance as a young nurse who is fired from the hospital where she works when she is the breadwinner in their family.
She then works with an annoying old woman who is so mean to her (Celeste Legaspi) but who later becomes so attached to her when Ysabel saves her life from a fire.
When Celeste dies in her sleep, Ysabel is surprised to find out that she left all her properties with Ysabel.
But of course, the relatives of Celeste won’t take this sitting down, led by Joyce Ann Burton who quickly contests the will left by Celeste.
We’re sure Ysabel’s character, Cynthia, will quickly win the hearts of viewers as she has basically a heart of gold.
“I’m really thankful for GMA and Quantum Films for giving me this biggest break in my career,” she says.
“I started with ABS-CBN but walang nangyayari sa’kin doon, so I thought I’d just give up at mag-aral na lang ako uli.
"I did, and natapos ko naman ang studies ko. Then I moved to GMA and my first assignment with them was as the younger sister of Alden Richards in ‘The Gift’.”
It’s a good role and a lot of people noticed her.
“Then GMA got me to do the live version ‘Voltes V’, and even before it’s shown, dumating nga itong ‘What We Could Be’ na mas mauuna pa ngayong ipalabas.
"My patience and hard work really paid off well. Naiyak din po ako while watching the preview and even my mom (Michelle Ortega) cried dahil na-touch din siya.”
She wants to thank her leading man, Miguel Tanfelix, for helping her.
“Ang laking tulong sa’kin ni Miguel. I learned so much from him professionally while we’re on the set.
"We have many scenes together and tinutulungan niya ako. I’m so grateful kasi there’s a lot of pressure on me as I’m a newcomer compared to him.
"It’s nice to have a support system like Miguel. Halos araw-araw kami nagkikita, we’re there for each other, giving energy, and I felt it’s a good team work talaga.
"Mas lumalim talaga ang friendship namin at ang aming working relationship.”
So is it true that they’re now playing beautiful music together?
“We’re really very close ni Miguel but we’re just trying to enjoy the moment.
"Hindi kami nagmamadali, basta masaya kami ngayon, walang pressure. We’re looking forward to work with other people.”
What does she like in Miguel?
“I love his sense of humor. Ang saya kaya ng may joker sa set, laging good vibes. He makes me smile and laugh. He’s very caring, such a gentleman.
"Kahit puyat na kami, we give each other needed energy kung kailangan. And that’s very important for me, kasi I can feel na nandun yung care and respect niya for me. I’m glad that he’s part of my journey and my career.”
“What We Could Be” starts airing this Monday night at 8 PM. right after the newscast “24 Oras”.