Claudine Barretto is back on screen — and back with a bang.
The Optimum Star makes a special appearance in the upcoming Viva One series ‘Avenues of the Diamond’, where she plays the glamorous mother of lead star Aubrey Caraan.
In the show, Caraan takes on the role of Samantha Vera, a confident, high-profile model — a complete opposite of her real-life personality, which she describes as shy and reserved.
During the show’s recent media conference, director Gino Santos shared that working with Claudine initially felt intimidating. “At first, I was nervous, but I realized how sweet she really is,” he said. He then passed the mic to Aubrey, hinting that she had a more unforgettable experience with the veteran actress.
And Aubrey didn’t hold back. “Umiyak po ako sa takot,” she admitted with a laugh.
The singer-actress recalled feeling composed during her earlier scenes with fellow young cast members Heaven Peralejo, Marco Gallo, Jerome Ponce, and Krissha Viaje. But things changed once she shared the screen with Claudine and Bobby Andrews, who play her onscreen parents.
“I was okay at first, doing one take, one take… but when it was time to film our dinner scene with Miss Claudine and Sir Bobby, I started to panic,” she said. “The pressure just piled up — the excitement, the nerves. I couldn’t act properly.”
Aubrey said she felt embarrassed when director Gino had to pull her aside to check in. “He asked me how I was, and I said, ‘I’m nervous,’ and then I just started crying,” she revealed. “It was such a big project for me, and realizing I was working with Miss Claudine and Sir Bobby just made it all feel so real.”
Despite her nerves, Aubrey expressed deep gratitude for the support and patience she received from her co-stars. “They were so nice to me,” she said. “I’ll always be thankful for that experience.”
Avenues of the Diamond is the fourth book in Gwy Saludes’ University Series, adapted into a digital drama under Viva One. This installment centers on Samantha Vera (Caraan) and Dr. Clyden Ramirez (played by PBB alum Lance Carr), whose arranged marriage forces them to confront their clashing personalities and unexpected romantic chemistry.
The series also features Gab Lagman, Bea Binene, Wilbert Ross, Jarius Aquino, Nicole Omillo, and Hyacinth Callado, among others. New episodes will stream every Friday starting April 11 on Viva One.
