Why Almira Muhlach and Thea Tolentino are GMA’s ‘resident’ kontrabida duo

Almira Muhlach and Thea Tolentino are at it again as the kontrabida (villain) mother-and-daughter tandem in the GMA Afternoon Prime series, “Binibining Marikit.”

Their characters, Rica and Angela, respectively, in a way, parallel the parent-child partnership of Gani and Marikit, played by Cris Villanueva and Herlene Budol.

Almira and Thea navigate such a role with understanding and commitment.

“I think for the last eight years, lahat din ng nagawa ko here in GMA ay lagi akong kontrabida (all the characters I have played for GMA are villainesses),” said Almira in a press conference. “I’m humbled by the fact na nagagampanan ko po ng maganda yung mga roles na nabibigay sa akin as a kontrabida (that I portrayed my roles well).”

“Binibining Marikit” is the third time the veteran actress collaborates with Sparkle GMA artist Thea.

“It is also our third time to play as mother-and-daughter kontrabida, yeah, pangatlo na namin,” shared she. “First was in ‘Madrasta’ and the second was in ‘The Lost Recipe.’”

Available online information says Almira essayed the role of a social-climbing mother in another Afternoon Prime series, “Madrasta,” while a competitive and demanding entrepreneur matriarch in the fantasy romance, “The Lost Recipe.”

“Nung nasabi na siya ulit ang anak ko, sabi ko (when I was told that she would again play my child, I said), ‘Wow, it would be very easy na pahirapan ang aming bida (to torment the lead character) kasi tinginan lang naming dalawa ni Thea, di ba?,” said Almira. “I’m blessed to be included in the show and that the role was offered to me. Nung sinabi yung role, OK, yun na po agad (when the role was presented, I said OK right away). Wala na po akong natanong pa (I had nothing else to ask).”

Regarding why Almira and Thea are often tapped to play villain roles, Thea said, “dahil siguro sa mga mata namin (maybe because of our eyes). Para po sa akin, na-e-enjoy din talaga ako sa mga kontrabida roles dahil para sa akin, lahat ng tao may side na kontrabida (for me, I enjoy doing villain roles because I think there’s a villain side in us).”

Following her line of thought, one could say that this kind of role has also allowed her to feel and understand what it is to be a human being, who makes mistakes, but can redeem himself or herself, as common knowledge tells.

“It’s just that ang pinagkaiba ng bida, yung konsensya niya talaga ay nanduon (what differentiates a protagonist from the antagonist is the former’s conscience),” shared Thea. “Yung mga kontrabida talagang nakikinig sa mga inner demons nila (the villains really listen to their inner demons).”

At this point in the “Binibining Marikit” story, Almira and Thea’s Rica and Angela have made it clear with Marikit that the latter should step out of their way as Ikit’s stepmom and stepsister. If Marikit does, they will make her life miserable. Previous episodes show that the mother-and-daughter tandem has gained the trust of Gani, father of Marikit.

Rica has also convinced Gani to sell his piece of land, and her real personal motive will soon be revealed. It will jolt her and Gani’s family and marital life.

As for Thea’s “Binibining Marikit” character, who gatecrashed a party and met the handsome businessman Drew (Tony Labrusca), Angela is a bit different from Thea’s Rose in “Makiling,” described in a previous article as someone “who could be mean and nice in different situations.”

“Although mabait ako in person, pero hirap po talaga ako. Parang mas bagay talaga sa akin magmaldita (although I’m a kind person in real life, but I find it challenging to play a nice character. It seems that playing the snob, mean character fits me more),” said Thea in it.

Fast forward to now, Almira and Thea play it well as the kontrabida parent and child to see the resilience and goodness of Ikit.

Watch “Binibining Marikit” from Mondays to Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. on GMA.