Child wonders in Yagit

MANILA, Philippines - When GMA 7 recently invited select members of the entertainment press to a special preview of the first few episodes of its latest drama offering Yagit, no one ever expected that they’re about to witness an impressive acting from the four child stars who play central characters in the story.

Zymic Jaranilla, Jemwell Ventinilla, Judie dela Cruz and Chlaui Malayao displayed performances that were remarkably emotional and solid. Except for Zymic, the TV series serves as their acting debut.   

According to program manager Hazel Abonita, auditions were held to scout for new talents fit for the characters Jocelyn, Ding, Tom Tom and Eliza. Thousands responded to the call and a select few were able to make it to the next level until only four stood out from the rest.

“What we did during the auditions was we gave the children a spiel for Yagit as their test and when a child passed in the first level, another script prepared for the role he auditioned for would be given to him in the second round. Like Judie, she was given a script for the Jocelyn role and she delivered it before me and direk Gina (Alajar) during the final screening.”

Judie was jumping up and down in joy when she learned that she landed the part. And who wouldn’t? Judie relates that she was 565th in around 2,000 wannabes. She went to the auditions held at GMA at 10 a.m. and went home by early evening with a wide smile plastered on her face.

Jemwell, on the other hand, braved the long hours of travel from Marikina to SM Novaliches to try out for the Tom Tom role. “I was contestant No. 312 and my Mama and I were really determined to wait.” He relates that he’s been to many auditions before which, to his assessment, had already reached to more than 50. He, too, tried his luck in the singing search in another network and made it until the semi-final round.

“It’s really my dream to be an actor because I know that through acting, I can help my family in our financial needs. But I still go to school, I’m in Grade 7 at San Roque National High School. It is also important for me to finish my studies.”

Judie’s family inspires her to effectively breathe life to Jocelyn. It may be too harsh to compare her acting with the more established ones but her acting seemed so natural and far from being bland and rehearsed.

Chlaui, who plays Eliza, is the school girl who seems to love everything around her in the noodle soup commercial. She was five years old when she initially asked her mom to accompany her in acting try-outs and in Ad agencies for VTRs. Marian Rivera, Chlaui relates, is her acting influence.

“Salamat po, nagustuhan n’yo ang pag-arte namin. Sa totoong buhay po ganyan din ako,” says Chlaui.

Zymic closely resembles his kuya Zaijian in body language and in the manner of speaking. He says that Zaijian gives him a tip or two in acting. In fact, Zymic’s talent is already noticed in Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko, where he portrayed as the young Aljur Abrenica. He also appeared in Niño.

“When the role of Ding was given to him, he said in jest, “Sa wakas, matatalo ko na si Kuya,” Hazel discloses.

But Zymic hastens to add that there is no rivalry between them. “Gusto ko lang po s’ya magaya na maging child star.”

Zymic finds his role a bit tough, especially in scenes where the kid actors are being confronted by Raquel Villavicencio who plays Doña Claudia. Acting coach Ann Villegas makes sure the kids are comfortable with their roles before the cameras start to roll. They underwent acting workshops which also led them to work more easily with one another.

(Yagit also stars Yasmien Kurdi, James Blanco, Wowie de Guzman, Ina Feleo, Maricris Garcia, LJ Reyes, Renz Fernandez, Kevin Santos, Frank Magalona, Rich Asuncion and Steph Yamul. It will air on weekdays beginning today after The Half Sisters.)