On June 17, GMA Executives Ali Nokom Dedicatoria, Cheryl Ching-Sy, and Director Don Michael Perez confirmed that they conceptualized the upcoming Kapuso series ‘Magandang Dilag’ for Binibining Pilipinas 2022 1st Runner Up, Herlene Budol.
At the media conference for ‘Magandang Dilag,’ Dedicatoria (Assistant Vice President for Drama at GMA Network, Inc) recalled conceptualizing the Kapuso series after seeing Budol in TV shows and her potential in acting.
“Ito pong Magandang Dilag, it was really conceptualized for Herlene Budol. Napanood namin kasi siya doon sa mga episodes namin ng Magpakailanman, and then sa False Positive, it rated very well, nakita namin ‘yung kaniyang potential na talagang napag-isipan namin sa entertainment group sa drama na why not conceptualize a show for her.
“So ang Magandang Dilag, it was really conceptualized for Herlene Budol. So wala po kaming inisip na ibang artista, ito po ay para sa kaniya lang.”
Ching-Sy (GMA Network’s Vice President for Drama) highlighted Budol’s relatability to Filipinos and the Kapuso audience.
“I think ang charm ni Herlene is her relatability to all of us, so I think she represents all of us. ‘Yung ating aspirations, ‘yung ating dreams, siya ang nagre-represent, siya ‘yung example na with hardwork and ‘yung natural charm natin, pwede kang maka-achieve ng success. So that’s why we chose Herlene.”
As for Perez, he claimed that Budol was born for her role in ‘Magandang Dilag.’
“She was really born for this role eh. Kasi noong when I came in, nagkaroon na sila ng preparations for this, tapos noong sumalang ako, nagulat ako na–kasi ang pagkakakilala ko sa kaniya, parang comedienne, and we’re given instructions na hindi dapat comedy ‘to. This is her launching vehicle as a dramatic actress.
“Ako sa totoo lang, I had very little expectation, kasi parang feeling ko, kung komedyante siya, tapos gagawin nating dramatic actress, pero nagulat ako na kayang-kaya pala niya. In fact, for a relatively new comer in drama, I’m very impressed with her acting skills.”
Budol became emotional after hearing the executives and the director’s remarks about her potential.
“Nabigla din po ako kasi hindi ko in-expect na–kung di rin po dahil sa kanila, hindi ko po magagawa lahat ng ‘yun kasi tinulungan po nila akong lahat. Ginuide po nila ako. Thank you po.”
‘Magandang Dilag’ stars Herlene Budol, Benjamin Alves, and Rob Gomez.
The cast also features Sandy Andolong, Chanda Romero, Muriel Lomadilia, Adrian Alandy, Maxine Medina, Bianca Manalo, Angela Alarcon, Prince Clemente, and Jade Tecson.
‘Magandang Dilag’ is under the direction of Perez and airs on GMA Network Afternoon Prime starting June 26.
