Pressured No More

When Sinasamba Kita started, Valerie Concepcion was excited and wary at the same time. It was her first time to lead a major project and there were high expectations from those familiar with the original film on which it was based on. Text by Jessa Ericka C. Bien. Photos courtesy of Mitch S. Mauricio and the GMA Network. Shown in theaters in 1982 as award-winning actress Lorna Tolentino’s launching movie, Sinasamba Kita tells the tale of two sisters who had to share everything: from their late father’s wealth to the man they loved. Lorna played Nora, the obedient younger sister who always tried to please her elder sister, Divina (Vilma Santos). As GMA Network brings the cinematic gem to the small screen, it has selected Valerie to portray the challenging role of Nora. The moment she knew of the project, the young actress admits being pressured by her predecessor’s the excellent performance. She, of course, now has to catch the people’s attention and give life to Nora the way the veteran LT did. “I was under pressure kasi my role was portrayed by Lorna Tolentino, na award-winning actress” she says. “(Pero) kasi ngayon parang na-a-adopt ko na ‘yung role na Nora so nasanay na ako.” She adds, “Tapos ‘yung ginagawa ko ngayon, sobrang into it ako…so hindi na ako ganoong ka-pressured. Feeling ko, bagong soap lang (at bagong character) na kailangan kong i-portray.” Working with veterans Eager to give her all in her latest project, Valerie even braved the dangers of doing her own stunts. No one can forget the accident she met when she got hit by a car during a shoot, which, fortunately, she immediately recovered from. “Ngayon medyo may sakit pero konting-konti na lang, siguro dahil nagpapa-therapy ako,” she shares. Valerie has also been keen in her efforts in keeping up to par with her more seasoned co-stars, Wendell Ramos (Jerry Sandoval) and Sheryl Cruz (Divina Ferrer). “With Wendell, maraming kissing scenes, as in kissing scenes talaga ‘to, hindi lang smack or anything,” she narrates. “Noong una, medyo hesitant pa ako (pero) sa susunod talaga makikipaglaban na ako,” she ends, laughing. Working with Sheryl, likewise, is very amusing. Though she and Sheryl are mortal enemies on cam, she claims being in good terms with her when the camera stops rolling. “Ate Sheryl naman is like an ate to me talaga. Maalaga siya sa ’kin. Siguro she sees me na rin as a younger sister,” she says. Valerie notes that working for Sinasamba Kita is made better by the healthy relationships the cast members have for each other. “The whole cast is okay. (It’s) fun to be with them (kasi) makukulit at lagi kaming nagku-kwentuhan.” Catch Valerie in Sinasamba Kita, weekdays during Dramarama sa Hapon. You can also read this related story or view the show’s photo gallery . Tell other people what you think about Valerie and Sinasamba Kita in the iGMA forums! Get updates straight form Valerie herself through Fanatxt! Just send VALERIE to 4627 for all telcos. Each message costs P2.50 for Globe, Touch Mobile, Smart and Talk N’ Txt subscribers; and P2.00 for Sun subscribers.