Heartless no more

Katrina Halili has been known to portray kontrabida roles effectively. In fact her roles in Majika and Marimar made her one of the most convincing antagonists in the country. But all these is not enough for this talented young lady. She wants to do more challenging roles – those that will depict her as someone with a good heart. Text by Loretta G. Ramirez, Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio The newest offering of GMA’s dramarama, Pablo Gomez’ Magdusa Ka, presents a star-studded cast headed by Katrina Halili who plays the role Christine. As her first non-kontrabida lead role, Kat was subjected to a lot of controversies. Reviving a classic An original Dina Bonnevie starrer, Magdusa Ka showcased the acting prowess of Ms. Bonnevie. Reviving this classic on TV, Katrina now portrays Ms. Bonnevie’s role. “Napanood ko ‘yung original, sobrang nag-enjoy ako doon sa movie,” says the young actress. She said that she wanted to prepare and make the role of Christine as believable as possible to the viewers. But her efforts were met by a lot of doubts which bred controversies as to whether she can really portray effectively this award-winning role. “Actually ‘yun nga ang nagiging pressure, kailangan kong mapaniwala ‘yung mga tao na nakakaawa ako pero hindi naman sobrang paawa dito si Ms. Dina. Strong din siya, palaban,” shares Katrina about her role. She further clarifies that she knows that the viewers will need to adjust in watching her portray a totally different role from those roles that they have grown to associate with her. “Well hindi ko naman sila pipilitin na maniwala sa akin. Gagawin ko na lang lahat ng kaya ko, ng lahat ng magagwa ko para ma-prove sa kanila na kaya ko ito,” says Katrina rather defensively. But she is not alone in addressing these rumors. The legendary director, Maryo J. delos Reyes is helping Katrina surpass these issues and is making sure that she will give justice to her role as Christine. Vocally supporting Katrina’s transformation to becoming the protagonist of the story, the award-winning director had no doubts that she will pass with flying colors. “I-prove niya na mali silang lahat at tutulungan ko siyang i-prove na mali silang lahat,” were Direk Maryo J. delos Reyes encouraging words for Kat. Good but not weak Magdusa Ka is a story about women empowerment. It portrays women as strong individuals who know what to do with their lives and who can even manipulate the lives of those around them. “It’s about woman’s empowerment and the emancipation of a woman. Hindi lang dahil nagkaroon siya ng mga exploitative situations kumbaga it is how she rose above these situations,” explains Direk Maryo. As for Christine’s character, she is a young lady who does everything to alleviate hers and her mother’s life for the better. Her life will make a drastic turn when she discovers her real identity. Now that Katrina’s career is taking a different path now, there is a bit of good news to the male fans of Katrina. “Actually dito sa Magdusa Ka ‘yung role ko dito, hindi pa rin mawawala ‘yung sexy. Sa bar ako nagtratrabaho, waitress, pero darating ‘yung time na magkakasakit’yung nanay ko at. Basta panoorin na lang nila (laughs),” teases this young vixen. With that invitation from Katrina, should you think twice in watching this latest offering from GMA’s Sine Novela? Catch Pablo Gomez’ Magdusa Ka weekdays right after Daisy Siete on GMA’s dramarama block. For more features about the show, click on the following links: A night of controversies A mix that clicks Katrina Halili leaves sexy contravida roles to Iwa Moto If you missed the iGMA Live Chat with, Katrina Halili and Iwa Moto, don't worry. Keep checking the website for their coming webisode and chat transcripts! Feel the Fun with Katrina and Iwa! Text KATRINA (or) IWA and send to 4627. Each Fanatxt message costs P2.50 for GLOBE, SMART and TALK N TEXT, while it costs P2.00 for SUN subscribers. (This service is available only in the Philippines)