Agot Isidro on Carmela: 'It's a family drama that's a bit risque'

Fresh from her Best Actress win at the New Wave division of the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival, seasoned actress Agot Isidro takes on yet another off-beat and challenging role in the upcoming GMA Telebabad series, Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw.

In her most recent film, Mga Anino ng Kahapon, Ms. Agot portrayed the role of a woman afflicted with schizophrenia. In Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw, she will breathe life into Amanda, a beautiful woman who will be forced by circumstances to become a prostitute.

Does she think that the Filipino audience is ready for the themes that will be explored in her upcoming series?

She answered, “Dapat, kasi nangyayari naman iyon. We cannot just play safe, that’s why okay din ang shows ng GMA, especially My Husband’s Lover because they touch on subjects that are normally taboo and hindi pinag-uusapan.”

She continued, “Kailangan bigyan ng ibang flavor, hindi lang puro family drama. Well, Carmela is a family drama but it’s a family drama that’s a bit risque.”

The high-caliber actress mentioned that she has a penchant for roles that are quite unconventional. When asked what her dream role is, Ms. Agot answered, “It just comes. You cannot plan it, but if some bright scriptwriter or some storyteller would come up with a good role or a challenging role and considers me to play it, okay sa akin ‘yun kaya wala akong masasabing specific na dream role.”

How did she react when GMA offered her the role of Amanda?

“When this role was offered to me, sabi ko, don’t hold back kung ano man ‘yung naiisip ninyo na taboo, off-beat or challenging. Ibigay niyo lahat,” she said.

What is she looking forward to in her newest project?

She stated, “Maraming magagaling na artista. Nandito si Direk Laurice [Guillen ], veteran actors like Freddie Webb and Roi Vinzon. I’ve never worked with them before. Si Direk Laurice sa workshops, pero not as a co-actor. For me, ‘yun ang aabangan ko. Siyempre sila yung de-kalidad actors.”

“Of course, the Marian-Alden love team is something to watch out for kasi you wouldn’t think na ipe-pair sila sa isa’t isa. Ako, I’m excited with how they’re gonna do it, but I’m sure they’ll do a good job. They’re very dedicated,” added the award-winning actress.

Catch Agot Isidro as Amanda in Carmela: Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw beginning January 27 on GMA Telebabad. -- Samantha Portillo/Bochic Estrada, GMANetwork.com