Mean Maureen

Pretty, sexy and mean. This is the image Maureen Larrazabal is currently projecting as she takes part in GMA’s newest afternoon drama series, Pati ba Pintig ng Puso? Here, she proves that her years doing comedy have not tainted her talent in making other people feel bad. Maureen is back as a bad girl and she hasn’t lost the knack. Text by Jessa Ericka C. Bien Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio Years after her antagonist role in Sana ay Ikaw na Nga , Maureen returns to drama as Betty – the nurse whose work in the asylum is to look after Don Griego’s (Eddie Gutierrez) granddaughter Mabelle (Chynna Ortaleza). She makes sure Mabelle is always overdosed and asleep, to avoid any chance of her speaking with her brother Aldrin (JC de Vera). Despite her principles, Betty blindly follows everything the don says knowing he can harm her family if she ever disobeys. “So far, ito ang pinakamasamang character na na-portray ko. Ako ‘yung main kontrabida ni Chynna sa hospital (kasi) unti-unti ko siyang pinapatay” Maureen shares, smiling. “(It’s a) very challenging role – totally different from the roles that I play (now).” Used to playing light and comic roles, she admits having trouble keeping very serious and fighting her laughter back. “Dito kailangan seryoso ka. So sobrang bago ‘tong character na ‘to sa’kin. Parang freshman student ako sa character, kasi nasanay ako na patawa lang ng patawa.” The fact that she is naturally cheerful complicates the role for her. “Sobrang masayahin akong tao. Even my director is asking me not to smile, not to laugh – which is very hard para sa akin kasi konting ano lang, ‘Ay!’, tatawa na ako” she discloses. Despite the challenges, Maureen makes sure she gives her best performance every time the camera rolls. She takes time to internalize for her role and know the script by heart. “Para wala naman silang masabi. This time (kasi) merong mga words na kailangan alam mo ‘yung stress (at) kung pa’no ibibitaw.” Working with the seasoned director Gil Tejada is also a bonus for her. “Suportado naman niya ako. (Kasi) ‘yung first na nagkasama kami ni Direk Gil, kontrabida rin ako, so medyo hindi ako nahihirapan kasi alam na niya (kung) saan ako weak, kung saan (ako) okay, kung ano pa ‘yung dapat i-develop” she says. Maureen’s character was not originally part of the movie, but she assures the viewers that they can expect interesting surprises from her. “Hindi canned ‘yung character (so) mas marami siyang exciting na magagawa.” Is Maureen better in drama or comedy? Let your voice be counted in the forums !