Jackie Rice takes another lead

MANILA, Philippines - It is said that good things come to those who wait. That’s probably what Jackie Rice put to heart rather than wallow in fear that another lead starrer would no longer come her way. You see, it had been seven months since her topbiller Sisid opposite Dominic Roco and JC Tiuseco was aired on GMA 7’s afternoon slot.

“At first, I was puzzled how come there was no project for me. Unlike before that offers come one after the other like Darna then Ilumina and then Sisid,” Jackie begins. “But I realized maybe people will grow tired if what they will always see on TV is me. So, it’s better to just wait (for the next project to come) and I have Bubble Gang naman so enjoy pa din.”

But the long wait is finally over because beginning today, Jackie shines anew as Erica on the Kapuso network’s afternoon prime Kasalanan Bang Ibigin Ka? with real-life father and son Michael de Mesa and Geoff Eigenmann as her on-screen “father and son lovers.”

Director Mark Reyes describes the afternoon series as “deliciously daring and sinfully addicting.” If you have sensed that this is not an ordinary soap dealing with the hurts and pains of love or broken families that resulted from lies, deceit and rivalry then, you must have already guessed that Jackie is no longer confined to sweet image roles.

“My role is quite tough. I didn’t expect that I’ll be playing way beyond teenager roles yung mga pa-tweetums lang gaya dati but I accepted it because I know I can do it,” Jackie assures.

The pressure, Jackie admits, lies heavily on her shoulders not only because she hasn’t experienced yet what the role requires her to do but also the fact that she will pit talent against acting veteran like Michael who has proven his thespic skills in the different shows he had starred in the past.

“Although he acts so well, he’s very down to earth. I texted direk (Mark) telling him na antagal kong walang trabaho tapos ngayon isang Michael de Mesa pa ang katrabaho ko. Sobrang saya ko talaga.”

Did she have a hard time acting with the Michael?

 “I feel nervous during our first meeting because I know how good an actor he is. But I have a feeling that he has a technique to make me comfortable. He often tells stories about his life. Inaalam din n’ya yung buhay ko at nakatulong yun para maging komportable ako.”

“Jackie is a very warm person. She’s quiet, she’s shy but I can tell she really works hard. She finds it (the role) tough so tinutulungan ko naman s’ya. She’s a very humble person,” says Michael about the 22-year-old actress.

Director Mark, on the other hand, tells, “I have worked with her in Ilumina and Encantadia way back then but now she’s a different person working with her compared to before na bata pa.”

The acting workshop prior to the start of taping has worked to her advantage. “It helped me get the feel of my character; where Erica is coming from. Most of all, I already felt at ease acting with Geoff because aside from the workshop, we were together in Spooky Nights. Di n’ya ko pinabayaan sa sexy scene namin.”

She, too welcomes suggestions of people around her especially in scenes that call for her to translate on TV the deep emotion of losing a loved one.

“But just like Erica. I’m a caring person. Maalaga ako lalo na sa mga mahal ko sa buhay. Here, I have a sister (Jennica Garcia) so I get to experience what it is like to have a sister because in real-life I have four brothers.”

What if she gets trapped in love with father and son in real life? “My conscience cannot bear it. I can’t stand to see father and son fight because of me.”