Elle Villanueva grateful after landing 'Hari ng Tondo' role via audition: 'Unexpected blessing'

Elle Villanueva shared how auditioning for the upcoming series "Hari ng Tondo" turned into what she described as an "unexpected blessing" after landing the role of Andeng.

In an interview with GMA News Online during the project's story conference, the Sparkle star revealed that she auditioned for the role while taping another series.

"Unexpected 'to. Unexpected blessing. And also, I actually auditioned for this. So in the middle of taping, pumunta ako sa audition without expecting naman na ako 'yung makukuha, 'di ba? Try lang," Elle said.

She added that she prepared for the audition despite not expecting to land the role.

"Natuwa ako kasi ako 'yung nakuha nila. S'yempre pinaghirapan ko naman din 'yung audition ko, nag-prepare din ako doon," she said.

Elle then recalled how she first heard about her casting unofficially and unexpectedly while taping for "Apoy sa Dugo."

"It wasn't actually official when they announced it because parang casually announced lang siya and I heard it from a makeup artist na 'Uy, congrats! Ikaw daw si Andeng.' And then sabi din nung nagla-lapel, 'Uy, congrats! Ikaw daw si Andeng," she said.

Elle said the confirmation eventually came from her handler.

"Tumawag 'yung handler ko and then they said na ako na nga daw si Andeng. I'm super happy and grateful, s'yempre another project. Project after project, so very grateful. God's grace," she said.

Beyond the casting, Elle said she was drawn to Andeng because of the role's depth.

"I really like the role of Andeng. OK siya, may bigat. 'Yun 'yung hinahanap ko palagi," she said.

"Hari ng Tondo" stars Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid.

Also part of the cast are Rocco Nacino, Ryza Cenon, Ysabel Ortega, Arra San Agustin, Heath Jornales, Gary Estrada, Victor Neri, and Nonie Buencamino, with the special participation of Isko Moreno.

It is directed by Enzo Williams. —MGP, GMA News