Beginning (March 15), feel the kilig and excitement as GMA Network unveils the aspirational story of an ordinary woman who gets to lead an extraordinary life as the nanny of the President’s children and along the way, falls for the country’s highest officer in the romantic-comedy series “First Yaya.”
The original drama introduces the newest and highly-anticipated pairing of award-winning actor Gabby Concepcion as President Glenn Acosta and talented Kapuso actress Sanya Lopez as Yaya Melody.
Gabby reveals how everyone on set has formed a genuine camaraderie, “First time ko makakasama ang lahat ng cast, kaya maganda itong First Yaya kasi maraming ‘firsts’ na nangyari dito. Akala ko mahihirapan ako makipag-usap sa mga tao, but it turns out na lahat nag-blend at nag-jive. Maganda ang chemistry namin.”
The beautiful Kapuso actress, who has showcased her impressive acting prowess in her wide-ranging roles, shares how she approached the role of Yaya Melody, “Bago kasi sa akin ang rom-com, si Direk LA [Madridejos] ang nag-introduce sa akin kung paano siya atakihin at may movies na pinapanood siya para makatulong sa akin. Pero sinabi nga sa akin ni Direk LA, maging ikaw lang, kahit wala ka ng ibang gagayahin, ‘wag kang umarte at ikaw na si Yaya Melody.”
After a series of training sessions and seminars for his role as PSG Conrad Enriquez, the brooding and loyal member of the Presidential Security Team who falls deeply in love with Yaya Melody, versatile Kapuso actor Pancho Magno shares that he has gained a deeper level of respect for PSG members, “Iba rin talaga ‘yung respect ko, syempre sa mga yaya natin na kasama sa house, pati na rin sa mga miyembro ng PSG na may sarili ring pinagdadaanan in their lives. Pinipili nilang magsakripisyo not only for our leaders pero para sa country din talaga.”
Playing an important role in the primetime soap is seasoned actress Ms. Pilar Pilapil as Blesilda Acosta, Glenn’s wealthy and doting mother who will stop at nothing to make sure her son becomes the most powerful man in the country.
Set to make their love team debut in their very first drama series together are Cassy Legaspi as Nina Acosta, the rebellious and eldest daughter of the President who initially rejects Yaya Melody; and promising Kapuso actor Joaquin Domagoso as Jonas, a student activist and critic of President Glenn who unintentionally falls for Nina.
Also starring are the characters from President Glenn’s life: Gardo Versoza as Luis Prado, the incumbent Speaker of the House and President Glenn’s foe disguised as an ally; Maxine Medina as Lorraine Prado, Glenn’s feisty coworker who is determined to be the First Lady at all costs; Kakai Bautista as Pepita, the dining manager at the Presidential Reception house who makes life difficult for Yaya Melody; Cai Cortez as Norma, President Glenn’s trusted maid who becomes Yaya Melody’s confidante; Thou Reyes as Yessey, President Glenn’s overbearing but loveable millennial chief-of-staff; Hailey Mendes as Charlie, best friend of Jonas who secretly fancies him; Patricia Coma as Nicole Acosta, President Glenn’s second daughter who instantly likes Yaya Melody; Clarence Delgado as Nathan, President Glenn’s middle child who is often the mediator between Nina and Nicole; Thia Thomalla as PSG Val Canete, boyish security detail primarily assigned to President Glenn’s children who is not aware of her beauty; Jon Lucas as Titus de Villa, Speaker Luis’ most trusted right-hand man; Glenda Garcia as Marni Tupaz, a veteran political reporter who is often critical of President Glenn.
Joining them are the members of the Sanya’s family, the Reyes family: Sandy Andolong as Edna Reyes, Melody’s mother who is an emotional wreck and believes in all things practical; Buboy Garovillo as Florencio Reyes, Melody’s father with whom she shares the strongest filial bond; Analyn Barro as Gemrose Reyes, Melody’s sister who is often at odds with her; Anjo Damiles as Jasper, Melody’s first serious boyfriend who eventually breaks her heart; and Jerrick Dolormente as Lloyd Reyes, Melody’s youngest sibling who is very supportive of her.
First Yaya also features the special participation of Ms. Boots Anson-Roa and Ms. Jean Garcia.
Completing the all-star cast with special guest roles are: Andre Paras, Allen Dizon, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Tommy Abuel, Kiel Rodriguez, Mikoy Morales, Issa Litton, Lovely Rivero, Jenzel Angeles, Murielle Lomadilla, Wilma Doesnt, Atak, Cecile Paz, Michael Roy, Dennis Marasigan, Rollie Inocencio, Nicki Morena, Julius Miguel, Isabel Frial, Chinggay Datu, Lourdes Conde Serrano.
First Yaya follows the story of Melody Reyes, a high-spirited and diligent woman from a humble background. Strapped for cash and being the sole breadwinner of the household, Melody strives to provide for her family despite the numerous adversities life throws at her including an unresolved mishap. Years later, while working at an indoor playground, Melody instinctively rescues a child from an accident not knowing that the latter’s father is the incumbent Vice President of the Philippines, the widower Glenn Acosta.
Life takes an unexpected turn when Melody becomes the nanny of the children of Vice President Glenn, who will later assume the presidency. Soon romance blooms between the two but is challenged by PSG Conrad Enriquez who is also torn between keeping his loyalty to President Glenn and being true to his feelings for Yaya Melody. Will social and familial obstacles and struggles come between the budding relationship between Yaya Melody and President Glenn?
This original series, created by the GMA Entertainment Group, is headed by SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Ali Marie Nokom-Dedicatoria, and Executive Producer Joy Lumboy-Pili.
The drama is a product of the visionary minds of Concept Creators Jojo Tawasil Nones and Marlon G. Miguel; Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head Dode Cruz; Creative Consultant Kit Villanueva-Zapata; Headwriter Jojo Tawasil Nones; Senior Writers Marlon G. Miguel, Christine Badillo-Novicio, and Obet Villela; and Junior brainstormer Jai Shane Canete.
The series also showcases the famous and historic Manila Hotel as one of its taping locations.
Catch the highly-anticipated world premiere of ‘First Yaya’ – under the helm of esteemed director LA Madridejos and associate director Rechie del Carmen – beginning March 15, weeknights, on GMA Network.
Viewers abroad can also watch the series via GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.
