Francine Diaz is the phenomenal teen star whose time came just at the right time, and with the right project and the perfect role.
Prior to Kadenang Ginto, Francine was just one of those emerging young actresses playing kid or teenage versions of the female lead—from Pinang in Be My Lady to Rhian in The General’s Daughter.
But when Dreamscape Entertainment gave her a call-up for a story conference for their upcoming project two years ago, Francine was clueless about the role she will play before she entered the room. Since she was known for playing the young female lead, she thought this project won’t be any different.
But then when the characters were revealed, Francine got the shock of her life when the producers told her she was to play the lead character Cassie in Kadenang Ginto. This was truly a dream role for any young actress- a character that was considered in the mold of Mara del Valle originally played by Judy Ann Santos and in the remake by Kathryn Bernardo, their own breakthrough roles of their stellar careers in Mara Clara.
When she learned about it, Francine was dumbfounded and overwhelmed, even holding back tears during the course of the storycon. This was the start of something big, she thought.
And 16 months after the premiere of Kadenang Ginto, going to its final week, Francine indeed lived up to expectations and has since risen to the occasion, becoming one of the country’s top teen stars.
Her Cassie character is loved, sympathized, emulated by a wide following, who all praised her depiction of the kind, loving and delicate antagonist who faced maltreatment, detestation, and injustice through the course of the story. She would achieve, despite her tender age, cathartic vindication and retribution for all the wrongs done to her. This made the audience cheer for her.
And her name is on everyone’s mouths and social media posts, identifying with all she has gone through in the story. Not only was her character well written and developed, her portrayal was likewise moving and relatable, making Cassie a name people won’t forget for a long time.
In this Kapamilya Toplist, let’s revisit the moments Francine wowed us with this breakthrough role in Kadenang Ginto.
Catch the Kadenang Ginto’s thrilling “Battle of the Dragons” finale on February 7, Friday.