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Multi-awarded actress Lorna Tolentino has played many roles since she was a child actress but portraying Sandra Sebastian-Trinidad, a principled president to a country about to face the end of the world in the upcoming GMA Network primetime teleserye Genesis, is a first and a special one. 

Multi-awarded actress Lorna Tolentino has played many roles since she was a child actress but portraying Sandra Sebastian-Trinidad, a principled president to a country about to face the end of the world in the upcoming GMA Network primetime teleserye Genesis, is a first and a special one. 

“Dream role ito. Never kong magagawa ito sa tunay na buhay,” Lorna said after the launch of Genesis Tuesday night and the presentation of its powerhouse cast, Team Genesis.

Lorna came close to being first lady of Quezon City when her late husband, actor Rudy Fernandez, ran for mayor in 2001 but lost. She briefly recalled her short experience in politics then, though she was not the one who sought public office.

Taking on the role of the president in a television series, Lorna recounted having to deliver long speeches, including a nationwide address. It was difficult, she recalled, “Wala naman akong teleprompter (unlike a real president).”

But the grand-slam best actress said she always prepares for any role given to her, as viewers will see in her sterling performance when Genesis starts airing on Oct. 14.

Lorna said her character of a “crisis president” had to be imbued with the toughness of a man and the heart of a woman and a mother. In the Primetime series, Sandra (Lorna Tolentino) would shed tears while announcing the end of the world to a calamity-stricken nation, something which she knows that real heads of state do not do in their public appearances.

“I cried because I have a heart,” she would tell her arch critic Ramona Escalabre, the former president played by Jackie Lou Blanco, after her nationwide televised address.

Genesis stars Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes, Rhian Ramos, Lorna Tolentino, Jackie Lou Blanco, TJ Trinidad, Irma Adlawan, Ronnie Henares, Carlo Gonzalez, Betong Sumaya, Luane Dy, Sasha Baldoza as Osie de Guzman, Rainier Gison, and Annette Samin. It’s directed by Miss Joyce Bernal and Mark Reyes.

Lorna said Genesis offers something different to Primetime viewing. “Nasasanay na tayo sa family drama. Ito, iba,” she assured, citing the story and the special effects.

“Mabubuksan ang isip mo (na paano) kung sakali?” she said, referring to the end-of-the-world scenario.

Don't miss the much-awaited premiere of Genesis beginning October 14, Monday to Friday on GMA Telebabad. - Text by Regina Bengco, Photo by Bochic Estrada, GMANetwork.com