'Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law' inspired by Jo Berry, says headwriter
GMA Afternoon Prime series Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law, the first legal series in the Philippines, is inspired by Jo Berry's dream of becoming a lawyer, the show's headwriter and concept creator J-mee Katanyag said.
During the show's press conference, J-Mee said that she was inspired to create the show after Jo's episode in a show in GMA when she was still in high school.
"In terms of inspiration, nagsimula ito like two or three years ago. Isa sa mga inspirasyon namin ay si Jo Berry, siya talaga," J-Mee explained.
"Nakita namin na may documentary si Jo Berry tapos pangarap niya maging lawyer. Napag-isipan na, 'What if gumawa tayo ng eksaktong may Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap na medical milieu serye, gawa rin tayo ng iba pang milieu serye na law system naman, o 'yung justice system tapos si Jo Berry 'yung representation na 'yun.'
"Kung paano 'yung mga katulad nung mga manonood natin, 'yung mga kababayan natin, at 'yung mga tao sa laylayan, 'yung mga marginalized na Pilipino ay matuto tungkol sa legal system to be represented by Jo Berry.
"Doon nagsimula 'yung inspiration."
J-Mee added that the show will feature several guest stars, including Camille Prats and Nora Aunor, and each will tackle a different case.
In a separate interview, Jo revealed that it was her and her late father's dream for her to become a lawyer someday.
"Nung bata ako, hanggang ngayon naman, nasa goal ko pa rin siya, ang original plan is mag-law, pangarap po namin 'yun ng Papa ko," she said.
"Nung binigay nila sa akin 'yung role, kasi lagi akong tinatanong, 'Ano bang dream role mo?' So, wala akong masagot noon, pero nung binigay sa akin 'yung role ni Atty. Lilet, naisip ko na, 'Ay, oo nga, ito 'yung dream role ko.'
"Literal kasi mula bata pa ako, gusto ko na maging lawyer, ta's ngayon, nauna lang na naging role ko siya."
Joining Jo in Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law are Sheryl Cruz, Rita Avila, Bobby Andrews, Jason Abalos, Lloyd Samartino, Troy Montero, Glenda Garcia, Sharmaine Santiago, Ariel Villasanta, and Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan.
Also part of the cast of Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law are EA Guzman, Analyn Barro, Joaquin Domagoso, Zonia Mejia, Jenzel Angeles, and Hannah Arguelles.
Watch Lilet Matias, Attorney-At-Law, Mondays to Fridays, 3:20 P.M. on GMA Afternoon Prime and Pinoy Hits. It is also available online via Kapuso Stream.