First Yaya director LA Madridejos lauded actress Marian Rivera for choosing the safety of her family. He also praised Sanya Lopez for her dedication to her role in the teleserye.
At the press conference for the teleserye, director LA revealed that Marian called him when she decided not to accept the role in the teleserye because of her family’s safety. He also lauded the actress because she put her family’s safety first.
“Una nga kong tinawagan ni Marian nung nag-decide sya na for safety ng kanyang family di na muna nya tatanggapin. And, bumilib ako sa kanya dun sa totoo lang,” said Director LA.
Director LA also praised Sanya for her portrayal of the role. He also lauded Sanya for listening well to feedback and that she used the media’s comparison between her and Marian to her advantage.
“Masaya ako sa performance ni Sanya hindi lang dahil sa kung paano sya umarte kung di sa kung paano sya tumatanggap ng kung ano yung ituturo namin sa kanya. Kung ano yung sasabihin namin sa kanya. Kung paano sya mag adjust. Even yung sa comparison with Marian na lagi nyang naririnig natutunan nya yun gamitin to her advantage,” said Director LA.
Director LA also thanked Sanya for owning the role, noting that the actress considered the role as a blessing.
“Wala akong ibang pasasalamatan dun kung hindi si Sanya. Kasi inown nya yung role eh. Minahal nya yung role, minahal nya yung trabaho and hindi lang nya tinuring yun na isang project na hindi dapat sa kanya. Wala syang ganong mentality ang sa kanya is, may role na binigay, it’s a blessing,” said Director LA.
In November of 2020, Marian opted to turn down her role in First Yaya because of the locked-in filming, prompting showrunners to choose Sanya to take over.
Director LA helms the production of the teleserye First Yaya. Airing its pilot episode this March 15, 2021, the series features GMA Network prime actors Gabby Concepcion and Sanya Lopez. With them are stellar cast including Maxine Medina, Pancho Magno, Pilar Pilapil, Gardo Versoza, Sandy Andolong, Buboy Garovillo, Cassy Legaspi, Cacai Bautista, Thou Reyes, Glenda Garcia, Analyn Barro, Joaquin “JD” Domagoso, Anjo Damiles, Jerrick Dolormente, Cai Cortez, Kiel Rodriguez, and Jhenzel Angeles.
