As someone who debuted in the industry as a child star, Shaina Magdayao has managed to build an impressive resume that others could only dream of. From a mother to a superhero, she has practically portrayed it all. Surely, fans have a favorite character. But who is hers? The Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit star is ranking some of her most memorable performances in the Teleserye Challenge!
Two of her earliest projects were Marinella and Ang Tanging Ina. The latter gave her friendship in the industry that has managed to survive through the years. “Hanggnag ngayon kapag nakikita kami, nandoon pa rin ‘yung bond na ‘yun,” she revealed. But at the end of the day, it was while playing Rina in the 1999 show that she was able to establish building blocks. For the rest of her long and successful career, it will be the lessons learned from Marinella that would serve as her foundation.
Moving on to her fantaseryes, Rounin was undoubtedly a fun set. It was one of the first fantasy-action series that aired on television. Lobo, however, was the one that represented her transition to a woman both on and off screen. The love triangle with Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin was her first mature role. In real life, she was 17 years old and on the threshold of adulthood.
Kambal sa Uma was another fresh experience for the actress back then. “Usually ako ‘yung binubugbog, ako ‘yung sinasampal, ako ‘yung inaapi. This was my first strong character,” she explained. Aside from this challenge, Shaina also had to overcome her insecurity about the audience’s assumptions about her. Being a superhero on “Dragonna” had its own obstacles. But all the physical exhaustion was worth it because the plot is child friendly, “Nata-tap niya ‘yung mga bata and then at the same time ‘yung mature audience.”
Continuing her mature portrayals, Rubi was the love story that officially marked her growth. “Naka-break na ko from the really parang teeny bopper role,” she explained. Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo took her progress to a whole new level. “That was, I think, one of the first shows ng ABS-CBN na nag-tackle ng ganoong ka-controversial na plot,” she added. This made the characters’ journey more relatable.
Eventually, Shaina played her first mother persona in Nathaniel. Until this day, she cannot help but praise her on-screen baby boy Marco Masa. In fact, she is confident that the young actor will last in the industry. “He’ll always have a Naynay Rachel in me,” she expressed. Meanwhile, in Juan Dela Cruz, she was the one being taken care of. Her part was draining because she had to wear prosthetics. But the crew and staff, which handles FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, never failed to make her feel comfortable, “Sobra kong inalagaan ng pamilya na ‘yan.”
Finally, before Grace made her Nang Ngumiti Ang Langit debut, there is Asintado and The Better Half. Both teleseryes left a lasting impact on her, not just an actress but as a person. “Mayroon pa ba kong magagawa? Parang nagawa ko naman na lahat,” she thought to herself until The Better Half came along her way. Then, it was Asintado that made her more secure of her identity. “Talagang mamahalin ko nang buong buo si Samantha,” she decided.
So, which portrayal is Shaina Magdayao’s favorite? “I won’t ever be who I am if wala siguro ‘to,” she explained her final answer. Check out this video to find out which teleserye that is!