My Destiny Ayen’s comeback project

MANILA, Philippines - Motherly duties prompted Ayen Laurel to get off the colorful carousel of show business for a spell but now she’s back via GMA 7’s My Destiny where she plays the single parent named Ruth Perez.

Actually, Ayen could have staged her return much earlier if she had wanted to what with several offers to play key roles, if not lead roles, in musicals. However, she opted to wait for the perfect project while enjoying her time with five-month-old baby Sofia.

“Family has always been my top priority. This is the reason why I’ve only  accepted projects that are worth my while and with work schedule that isn’t too hectic. I’m at that point in life when I don’t need to compete with anyone or prove anything so I can be discriminating in choosing work. I’ve found my niche as character actress and my only goal now is to keep improving my craft,” she said.

My Destiny satisfies those criteria all right. Touted as one of Kapuso Network’s biggest series this season, it stars Carla Abellana, Tom Rodriguez, Kuh Ledesma, Sid Lucero and Rhian Ramos, who all Ayen had worked with before, either on TV or in the movies. This results to a smooth working relationship which   benefits the light drama series that airs weeknights. “I didn’t have to adjust at all despite resting from acting,” Ayen shared. “It was just doing what I love best with muscle memory at work. On the first day of shoot, I wanted to sing Madonna’s This Used To Be My Playground,” she said, laughing. “I just felt so at home, everything so familiar.”    

She credits director Joyce Bernal for giving My Destiny her inimitable touch that has turned movies and TV series into gold in the box-office and ratings game. “It’s a  distinct style, yung tipong not pushing it too much, not down-your-throat drama. We’re all excited,” said Ayen.

Does she believe in destiny? Ayen has a level-headed take on the subject. “Destiny is not a matter of chance but of choice. Binigyan pa din tayo ng Diyos ng free will to choose (our path). Desisyon mo pa din in the end ang mag-de-determine ng lahat.”

And Ayen practices what she preaches. She gives her all in every project that comes her way. “Hindi pwedeng gawa ka ng gawa dahil lang sa pera o dahil pinilit ka. I know this because being a mother, andun na yung maturity ko in knowing about priorities. Even when it comes to my personal life, I know what to share to the public at kung ano yung akin na lang.”

It’s wisdom from a woman who has gone through a lot in the past year alone. While pregnant, Ayen had to deal with the death of her mom, too, “so you can just imagine the emotional rollercoaster I was on: Grief alternating with excitement.” Fortunately, Ayen has support system in her husband Franco Laurel and their three children.

My Destiny airs weeknights at 8:45  after Nino on GMA 7.