Remember Mara Clara? The iconic family drama is known for launching into superstardom young and talented actresses such as Gladys Reyes and Judy Ann Santos (in 1997); and more recently Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes (in 2010).
Fast forward eight years since Mara Clara’s last adaptation, ABS-CBN is once again betting on two young actresses to claim A-lister status through their newest family drama, Kadenang Ginto. Starring former child stars Andrea Brillantes and Francine Diaz in the lead, with Dimples Romana and Beauty Gonzales playing equally hefty roles, the show is a spiritual successor to Mara Clara with its themes of family scandal and intense rivalry.
At the show’s recent presscon held last October 19, Andrea and Francine opened up about the pressure of being the next Julia and Kathryn.
“Ako po, medyo nape-pressure,” said Francine, who plays good girl Cassie. “Kasi siyempre Mara Clara po ’yon so kailangan kung gaano sila kagaling, gano’n din ako.
“So kinakabahan po ako palagi.”
Andrea, on the other hand, says that it’s not so much pressure but excitement that she feels. The young star, once known for playing meek roles, is now showing a new side of her as kontrabida Marga.
“Mas exciting po for me kasi ito po talaga yung first time ko as kontrabida so super excited kaysa sa pressure po,” Andrea said.
Andrea admitted that she found her new kontrabida role challenging, but that did not deter her from taking on the part with enthusiasm.
“Para po kasi sakin the more challenging ang isang role, mas tine-take ko siya. Kasi gusto ko pong nacha-challenge ako parati, para mas napu-push ako para mas kakaiba yung lagi kong nabibigay.”
What do you think? Are Andrea and Francine ready to be the top leading ladies of their generation?
