After shocking physical confrontations and word war unfolded in the recent episodes of Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, the show promises to take us to a higher level of thrill and ‘gigil’ as it goes in for its newest season.
As the show opens its Book 2, rising stars Kira Balinger and Grae Fernandez add color to the plot as Jacob and Hope, respectively.
Kira and Grae represent the new generation of artists – vibrant and always eager to learn. The determination, of course, is paired with raw talent that is both promising and malleable. The tandem feels honored and blessed to be working with some of the industry’s brightest stars. While most would feel intimidated, Kira and Grae just show ardent passion.
Grae feels more excited that his role isn’t just leaning on to heavy drama. Dreaming to become an action star, he will have a little taste of that in Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin. He hinted at some action scenes in the upcoming episodes, which is why he feels extra thrilled.
In contrast to his outspoken characters in the past, Grae would be seen more reserved in his new teleserye. As Jacob, the son of Marissa (Jodi Sta. Maria), he would grow up carrying emotional baggage forcing him to be wary of others. He only has one person he fully trusts, and that is Hope.
We last saw Kira portray Lemon Mabunga, the artsy no-fuss daughter and sister in Pamilya Ko. For her new serye, she’d transform into a diva. She’s the Queen Bee on campus but the naive unica hija of Ellice (Iza Calzado) and Gabriel (Sam Milby) at home.
The young artists are willing to go through all the challenges for their roles despite the limitations on the set. They expounded on the new 12-hour working period which is both an advantage and a challenge. The time constraint brings pressure for artists to always be on their toes. On the bright side, it leads to smoother production dynamics.
Kira and Grae reviewed the past episodes as part of their preparation. And as viewers, they saw nothing but excellence, so they know they have to keep up. They don’t want to break the chain of brilliance served by the whole team. They said they went through virtual auditions for the roles, another first-time experience.
Since they were on a lockdown “break” for a long time, Kira and Grae had to re-ignite the acting fire. She talked about one of her most challenging scenes so far wherein she had to reopen old wounds to be able to internalize. It triggered her anxiety. Thankfully, her co-actors and the production helped her get to the required emotions.
The up and coming stars look up to their senior co-actors. They added that everybody made them feel welcomed even if they’re the ‘bunso’ of the group. The set also becomes a training ground when you’re working with seasoned thespians generous of their knowledge. “We really feel the love, na nadiyan sila para tulungan kami to be better actors, so it’s really encouraging. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam,” Kira expressed.
Iza and Sam would playfully gatecrash the interview and poke fun at the young stars, proving that a family was born inside their little taping bubble.
Watch out for the exciting debut of Kira and Grae as Hope and Jacob in Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, weeknights, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z Channel 11.