Kapamilya stars Ria Atayde and Maxene Magalona are coming back to the teleserye scene with their exciting roles in the newly released series Viral Scandal. Get to know more about their project and experience working with the rest of the cast in this exclusive Hotspot interview by DJ Jhai Ho!
From the get-go, Maxene and Ria both expressed their gratitude to be a part of such a revolutionary story. Compared to the traditional FIlipino teleseryes, Viral Scandal tackles various issues that are eye-openers for Pinoy viewers. It enlightens conversations people shy away from like mental health, sexual education, and harassment. Ria adds, “Apart from gusto namin mag entertain ng tao, goal din namin to educate and inspire… It’s just so nice as an actor to be a part of something that advocates for something more than just entertainment.”
While it is something new and daring, the stars said they were not afraid of how viewers would receive the story. Maxene explains, “I believe it was time for a show to talk about these things.” With the pandemic making people more conscious of how they live, everyone is more open to serious topics. Moreover, viewers are looking for more substance in the shows they watch and Viral Scandal was made to deliver on that. In fact, even Maxene and Ria get amazed by how well-written every episode of the teleserye is.
Maxene and Ria both deeply appreciate the roles they play. In the series, Maxene is Audrey Ramones who is the wife of Mayor Troy Ramones (Jake Cuenca). When Maxene found out about her role, she looked forward to it because she would get to work with Jake again after 18 years. The character was also very intriguing for her. According to her, Audrey is far different from her previous kontrabida roles. She’s more mature and knows what she wants. Her obsession with perfection is also a challenge that Maxene is willing to take on.
Ria, on the other hand, plays the lawyer, Atty. Lara Dizon in Viral Scandal. Initially, it didn’t sink in to her that she would be playing a lawyer because she was too excited to be a part of the show. When she found out she would be playing with skilled stars Charlie Dizon, Dimples Romana, and Jake Cuenca, she instantly said yes. It was only later that she realized playing a lawyer would be a lot of work with the long lines and technical words. Regardless, she was more than ready to prepare and execute it with all her heart.
The two actresses shared with DJ Jhai how talented their castmates are and how fortunate they are to be working with them. They also talked about how their lock-in tapings are a blessing in disguise. Although the threat of COVID can be scary, the lock-in tapings make them feel safer and allow them to fully immerse themselves in their characters and the series’ world.
While they are done with their initial taping cycles, Maxene and Ria truly miss the rest of the Viral Scandal cast. So, DJ Jhai invited them to a fun little game, “Tanong Mo Mukha Mo,” wherein they would ask their fellow castmates questions as he showed each of their photos. Find out Maxene and Ria’s questions for them in the rest of the video!