Kate Valdez levels up acting by playing dual role in new drama

MANILA, Philippines — Poised to deliver her most challenging role thus far is Kate Valdez in the GMA Afternoon Prime series, Unica Hija. The Sparkle actress traverses the separate yet connected tales of Bianca and Hope, set against the drama and sci-fi backdrop. This is a breath of fresh air for Kate herself and her fans, who have seen the Kapuso talent in mostly a string of kontrabida (antagonist) and supporting roles. Her journey of portraying a dual role begins today after Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap.

“When it comes to the characters, I’m able to differentiate one from the other because of their (social) status in life,” said Kate in a virtual group interview for Unica Hija, which presents the idea of human cloning. “Bianca is sheltered and has the support of her entire family, while Hope lacks (whatever Bianca has). She needs (and longs) for love and looks for her real parents.”  

Such disparity between the characters’ fates and fortunes gives Kate the ground and grip to approach each role differently but Bianca and Hope share a commonality.

“They both want family love,” said Kate. “Bianca wants her family to remain intact because her parents are having (marital) problems in terms of time (spent together). Hope literally doesn’t have parents. It’s difficult for her to find that love in (the people whom she considers) family, maraming naranasang paghihirap at pananakit (she has experienced suffering) from her stepmom and step sister.”

Based on the show’s video preview, Kate’s Hope will have allies in Jhong, her adoptive dad, played by Biboy Ramirez, and Ralph, portrayed by Kelvin Miranda, whose onscreen partnership with Kate will be further explored, unlike in their tandem in the episodes of GMA 7’s Dear Uge and GTV’s Tols.

“What I can say about my character is, he is one of those people who will protect Hope sa napaka-gulong mundo (in a chaotic world),” shared Kelvin, who was paired with Bianca Umali in Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss. “I’m the son of the billionaire, who seems to have a hand in what’s happening in the story. (With that,) there will be conflict (between Hope and my character).”

With co-star and leading man Kelvin Miranda, whose character Ralph forms part of Hope’s support group.

With regard to the topic of human cloning, the creative team did careful research by reading pertinent studies and watching documentaries. From the thoughts of the show’s creatives, one could gather that aside from the aspect of science to it, Unica Hija tackles the idea of finding one’s identity and presents the saying, “Ang daling maging tao pero ang hirap magpakatao,” which speaks about the day-to-day challenge for human beings to show compassion and love for others. All of this can be linked to talks about the marginalization of a society’s certain sectors because of gender or group affiliation. The thrust of Unica Hija, however, is the need to belong, aside from the need to be accepted, that Hope, the human clone will struggle to find and fulfill.

“For me, they will realize and learn a lot from it,” said Kate of what’s in store for audiences and what the latter can find in watching content like Unica Hija. “(The show) is not totally focused on science or cloning.”

With its trailer being aired, the show, which touches on a controversial and polarizing topic, has been receiving good feedback. Kate and Kelvin are aware of the pressure that comes with it.

“For me, may kasama po yung tuwa and at the same time pressure (there’s the feeling of joy and feeling pressured),” said he. “Of course, we cannot meet all the expectations of every televiewer, iba-ibang opinyon yung pwede nating matanggap, maaaring sa iba papasa, maaaring sa iba hindi (we may get varied opinions, others may agree or disagree)…  Sana ma-maintain namin mula sa simula hanggang sa dulo na mapasaya, mapaiyak, at talagang maantig ang puso ng viewers (I hope that we will be able to keep the viewers, from start to finish, entertained, and make them cry and touch their heart).”

Asked about the experience of playing their roles and acting in scene after scene, Kelvin had this to say: “I can’t say that every scene is easy. Every scene is difficult for me. You need to justify the journey (and the connection) of the scene to its destination. Even if you have already read the script, you can’t help but be surprised (and awed) by the actions made by the characters for their loved ones. In every scene, you need to study it and be prepared for it.”

For her part, Kate considered the experiment scene as the most challenging part so far, “which I found physically and emotionally draining. Isa (ito) sa mga pinaka-mabigat sa akin na nagawa ko,” said she.