Jasmine Curtis-Smith broadens fan base with ‘Asawa Ng Asawa Ko’ role

MANILA, Philippines — By delivering an inspired portrayal of a young mother who cares for those around her in "Asawa Ng Asawa Ko," Jasmine Curtis-Smith has broadened her fan base. Her following now includes more matriarchs of the household, particularly mothers across age groups who can relate to the struggles and triumphs of Jasmine’s character, Cristy.

The latter is the former wife of Jordan, (played by Rayver Cruz) and is now engaged to Leon (Joem Bascon).

Having reached out to this market segment is music to the Kapuso actress’ ears.

“Yeah, siyempre, dumami ang mga mommies ko na fans kasi mga gusto nila Jordan pa rin ang ending natin (of course, my supporters, who are moms, have increased because they want Cristy and Jordan to get back together in the end),” said Jasmine in a recent group interview. “They call me Cristy when they see me on the streets now or in the malls.”

Calling Jasmine by her character’s name is a sign that Cristy has left a good mark or impression on audiences. It’s also a pat on the back for any artist.

“For me, really, more than being recognized as Jasmine, I love it when ganun na sila ka-engrossed sa story that hindi ka nila nakikita as the actor or as the personality (when fans are that engrossed or involved in the story that they don’t see you anymore as the actor or the personality). They just see the story and the character,” shared she. “So, ang saya (it’s fun) kasi na fu-fulfill namin lahat yun dito (because we’ve fulfilled it here in the show).”

That means characters have a recall among viewers based on an effective portrayal. It’s also nice to know how viewers have established “relationships” with the dramatis personae as they follow each individual story. They don’t just get entertained, but they are also engaged with the characters’ matters of the heart.

According to Jasmine, the cast and crew of the show have been taping for one year. This includes the weeks of work leading up to its premiere in January of the year.

The creative and production teams are lucky that the TV series has been extended.

Proof of it is the new character, Hannah (Kylie Padilla), the former partner of Leon and member of the armed group Kalasag. The female president of a group of companies still has feelings for Leon and wishes to be part of her daughter Billie’s life.

Previous episodes showed Cristy, Hannah and Leon come together to save Jordan from the hands of Alakdan.

From the start, Jasmine never thought of the angle that Hannah, someone from the past of Leon, would enter the “Asawa Ng Asawa Ko” narrative. Her character Cristy is not just dealing with Shaira, the woman in Jordan’s life, but also with Hannah. This brings changes to Cristy’s relationships with Jordan and Leon.

Thespians like Jasmine view all this as a welcome change, as one may say. It also gives them the opportunity to further explore the characters.

“It’s really great, the layers for each character have become deeper,” shared she, describing her character and role as “mabigat siya (heavy).”

As for what she has learned from playing Cristy, Jasmine said, “You know us, people, (including me, even as a viewer) like to watch characters that are a bit clean cut, gusto ko kapag mabuti siyang tao, mabuti siya all throughout (if the character is good, the character should remain one all throughout).”

“But I’ve realized with Cristy that kahit napaka-linis ng puso niya o nang gusto niyang mangyari sa buhay niya, puro ang gusto niyang mangyari, may mga chances na mali pa rin pala ang magagawa mo o hindi sa tamang paraan yung approach mo kaya hindi din mag-wo-work out o hindi din ibibigay sa’yo ng tadhana yung dapat para sa’yo sa panahon na yun (no matter how pure her heart is with regard to what she wants to happen in her life, there are chances that she may make mistakes, her approach is not appropriate or things will not go as planned. That’s why things won’t work out or fate won’t give her what she deserves at that point in time),” added she, who is working with Kylie for the first time and finds the latter “mabigay siya” or giving as an actress. So, for Jasmine, it’s fun collaborating with Kylie.

With the “Asawa Ng Asawa Ko” run being extended, Jasmine said, “It’s great. Daming nabibigyan ng work (a lot of people have been given work).”

“So, it’s awesome. It’s really awesome,” concluded she.

(Please watch ‘Asawa Ng Asawa Ko’ Mondays to Thursdays at 9:35 p.m. on GMA Prime).