An exclusive look into the much-awaited remake of the Filipino classic
When you talk about iconic Filipino entertainment, the original “Maging Sino Ka Man” film top-billed by Robin Padilla and Sharon Cuneta undoubtedly has a sacred place in history. This year, as the special limited series is set to make a comeback, we catch up with the new leads and one of breakout love teams in the Philippine entertainment industry—Barbie Forteza and David Licauco—to discuss the challenging yet rewarding experience of filling in the shoes of industry legends.
Barbie’s first venture into the entertainment industry was through TV commercials.
“I started in TV commercials then met an agent who got me the audition for the role of young Jodi in Stairway To Heaven,” she shares with The Global Filipino Magazine. Her eyes light up as she emphasizes how she always “wanted to be an actress.”
David, however, comes from an athletic background—basketball, to be precise.
“I had to stop playing basketball in 2014 for personal reasons. I started going to the gym when I was in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. Athlete talaga ang background ko,” David explained with The Global Filipino Magazine.
On a personal note, he shared that he was drawn to acting as an alternative to his athletic pursuits.
“I tried bodybuilding at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde; I knew I had the build and charisma to try something new,” he said, adding that he was approached by agents to be a model, and that he wasn’t confident in his appearance at first.
Both actors have come a long way since their debuts. When asked about their evolving acting styles, Barbie notes, “I’ve become more technical. I am more aware of my environment, the shots, and the emotions required in a scene.”
David agreed, adding, “Acting is not just a job but also a craft that demands dedication and skill, not merely good looks. I’ve attended various workshops, invested time and money. I want to be a leading man, and for that, I have to work hard.”
Balancing the pressures and privileges of fame can be an overwhelming challenge.
“Fame is not just about pressure; it’s more about responsibilities,” David reflects.
Barbie resonates with this sentiment. “Setting personal boundaries is the most challenging part. I try to understand as much as I can, but sometimes, things should be set straight,” she shares.
The challenges and rewards of ‘Maging Sino Ka Man’
Barbie and David expressed immense excitement about their latest project.
“The characters were tweaked to fit us, and even the story was given more layers of character background,” says Barbie, exuding excitement.
“This will be totally different from the original but we kept the core of the film which was finding love in the midst of chaos,” she added.
David prepared intensively for his role, watching Robin Padilla’s original portrayal multiple times. “It was challenging, especially the fighting scenes. They’re more realistic now, although safety is still a priority,” he mentioned. “But I enjoy it a lot; each fight scene is memorable for me.”
Away from the limelight, David is an aspiring entrepreneur. “Life is like a chain reaction. Showbiz taught me patience, empathy, and discipline, which I carry into other industries,” he shares. Currently, he’s venturing into the restaurant and construction sectors. “Every day, I try to work on my businesses.”
Barbie, too, has advice for those dreaming of entering showbiz.
“Being an actress is not easy; it’s not just about acting. Be kind but don’t let people take advantage of you,” she cautions.
What lies ahead
In a concluding note, when asked to sum up their experience in three words, Barbie described it as “Challenging, action-packed, kilig,” while David called it “Exciting, Challenging, Beautiful.”
As they both dive into new projects and challenges beyond “Maging Sino Ka Man,” one thing remains abundantly clear: their commitment to their craft and their love for storytelling make them perfect choices for reviving this timeless tale. Both actors are excited for the world premiere this September, and so are we.
Behind the success of this much-anticipated remake is a strong and dedicated team from GMA Network Entertainment Group. At the helm are Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group; Cheryl Ching-Sy, Vice President for Drama; and Helen Rose S. Sese, Assistant Vice President for Drama. The production is also enriched by the expertise of Camille D. Hermoso, Senior Program Manager; Enzo Williams, Director; Darling P. Torres, Executive Producer; Aloy Adlawan, Creative Director; RJ Nuevas, Creative Consultant; Mark Duane Angos, Head Writer; and writers Benjamin Benson Logronio and John Kenneth De Leon. Adding further creativity to the brainstorming sessions are Meryl Margaux Bunyi and Louize Andrei Al-Shehri.
To watch the world premiere of ‘Maging Sino Ka Man’ this September, subscribe to GMA Pinoy TV. Visit www.gmapinoytv.com/subscribe for more details or follow @gmapinoytv on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, and Viber channel.
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This article has been published in Volume 4, Issue 4 of The Global Filipino Magazine. If you have a unique life story or know someone who does, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us at eic@theglobalfilipinomagazine.com. If you’re interested in obtaining a print copy of the magazine, please contact Mr. JP Cosico at +971 54 482 0661.