Pauline’s hard work pays off

MANILA, Philippines — Pauline Mendoza’s hard work has paid off now that she topbills the upcoming GMA Afternoon Prime series, Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat. She described the latest development in her acting journey as a new, meaningful experience in a virtual media conference. Pauline had to pull out all the stops in a way as an appreciative gesture to this manna from showbiz heaven. A follow-up to her supporting stint in Kambal Karibal, Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat is another platform for Pauline to showcase her acting chops and what else she can offer.

“I was really challenged,” said Pauline. “Kung sa Kambal Karibal mabigat na yung mga eksena ko, dito sa Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat, mas mabigat pa (My scenes in Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat were more challenging than those I had in Kambal Karibal). Talagang sobra yung mga binibigay ko na emotion with my role (I have really given more, emotions-wise, with this role).” It’s safe to say that she took it in stride.

“(At the) beginning, she has a happy disposition (in life),” said Pauline of her character named Iris Salvador. “She is kind to family, friends and everyone. Iris is innocent.” However, at some point in the narrative, Iris will struggle in life. It’s a learning curve as some will put it. She is bound to change.

Details on this twist in fate will be revealed when the series premieres sometime this month. The tall order for Pauline was to get a grasp of her character’s old and new self, and build up the personality shift. “I have experienced different emotions (in playing this role),” she said.

Since she’s the face of the GMA drama, Pauline couldn’t deny the pressure that comes with it. “Hindi naman nawala yung kaba, yung pressure (the nervous feeling and pressure wouldn’t go away),” she said. “(But) I’m thankful for the help of my co-actors… They gave me the motivation I needed.”

According to Pauline, she also learned a lot from them and work on the set was easy, especially when the cast members became comfortable with each other. The Kapuso star thrived because the cast and the crew, led by director Jules Katanyag, supported her in developing Iris.

Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat revolves around the family as a theme, said executive producer Nieva Magpayo, and emphasizes the importance and the role of pagkakaisa (unity) and pagmamahalan (familial love) in resolving problems and sparing the family from falling apart.

Iris, who will reclaim what she has lost and what she rightfully deserves to enjoy, shows the strength of a young lady and the maturity she goes through. She is fighting for her family and her own happiness.

“To never give up,” Pauline said of the takeaways viewers and she herself can get from the Afternoon Prime series, “and that your family is always (standing) behind you whatever happens.”

Also in the cast are Carmina Villarroel, John Estrada, Tanya Garcia, Kristoffer Martin, Therese Malvar, Manolo Pedrosa, Dave Bornea and Liezel Lopez.