Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo is admired by the cast, including the director of the upcoming Karen Bordador story on the Kapamilya anthology series Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK), Tuesday, March 8.
During its media conference, award-winning actress Shamaine Buencamino started by saying, “Ako, ano, I know this is not political but siya talaga yung gusto kong tularan at tularan ng marami, ang ating VP, si VP Leni Robredo.”
She added how the Vice President put aside her needs for the service of the Filipinos.
“Kahit na ayaw niyang tumakbo bilang presidente, pinangunahan siya ng pagmamahal sa atin, sa ating mga mamamayan, sa ating bansa. Kaya kahit ayaw nang pamilya niya, medyo ayaw niya rin, eh talagang sumulong sumabak siya sa pag-run for our president.”
Lou Yanong likewise agreed with the actress. She stressed that Robredo is the testament that women should not be underestimated.
“The same po. Kasi ang dami nagsasabi na I always hear na, ‘Hindi kaya dahil babae siya.’ Medyo nati-trigger ako sa ganoon. Parang we are also strong, we can do a lot of things, we are capable to do a lot of things.”
Bordador, whose story will be featured on the show, and in time for Women’s Month, wanted the VP to “defy gravity.”
“I want her to make a statement in this country, and I want that pink flag all over the Philippines.”
She also expressed admiration to her mother who endured the hardships of having a daughter who spent five years in prison.
“Although she’s not a public figure she is a hero to me, then my mom. She is stronger, stronger than I am to be able to get through what I’ve gone through. I’m in jail pero you know, the family would experience a lot worse and she’s able to spearhead my entire life for five years.”
Kaila Estrada who will portray Bordador in the show said, “Of course VP Leni as well. I believe that she is what we need and alam niyo na po ‘yon.”
She also admired her mother-actress Janice de Belen, for being a strong woman.
“I know her the best and I’ve seen everything that she’s gone through. She’s actually my idol. Being a single mother raising five kids and being in the entertainment industry is not easy.”
Meanwhile, Direk Raz dela Torre, the one behind the two-part episode of MMK, believed that Robredo is a leader who faces criticism head-on.
“I think it’s also because of the amount of abuse that VP Leni Robredo receives. And just the grace that she is able to receive all of them and rise above it, and still maintain the kind of politics that we need today, imagine to rally behind radical love as your platform. I think that’s so inspiring.”
Furthermore, the director pointed out that it is best to wisely choose the next leader who, at the same time, is also a good public figure.
“I think really this is a crucial time for all of us and we need to have figures like her to look up to. And I think it’s important that everyone really reflects on that.”
The MMK episodes featuring Bordador’s story will be aired on March 12 and 19 via Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live YouTube channel, ABS-CBN Entertainment Facebook page, and iWantTFC.
