Ysabel Ortega strikes one as a real-life princess who has everything carved out for her. This is partly true, as she has showbiz progeny, being the daughter of action star Lito Lapid. Her mom is the singer Michelle Ortega, who made a career for herself in government and married the former police general Gregorio Pimentel in 2018.
But she is also the first to tell those who care to listen that her showbiz journey has not been an easy one, despite being born to parents who were already established in their fields. Ysabel recalled that for almost six years, she worked her way up, trying out in numerous auditions like any aspirant would. She essayed different roles as a contravida, a third wheel of a love team, or just a part of the supporting cast.
"There were times that I just wanted to give up, times when I was really finding it hard to balance things because I was also finishing my studies. But the passion for my craft saw me through," the 23-year-old Ysabel said.
It was last year when the young actress finished her bachelor of arts degree major in political economy from the University of Asia and the Pacific. She cites "patience and hard work" as her key to surviving and successfully juggling both her studies and a thriving showbiz career.
There's no denying the fact, Ysabel's star is shining brightly now. She's undoubtedly the Kapuso network's newest It Girl, aside from being launched as the newest celebrity endorser of McDonald's.
On Aug. 29, she topbills "What We Could Be," the feel-good romantic comedy series which will be shown on the GMA Telebabad primetime slot. Directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, the series is the first collaboration between GMA and Quantum Films.
For the show, Ysabel gets much-needed support from a stellar team of veteran artists, which includes Celeste Legaspi, Joyce Burton, Soliman Cruz and Aleck Bovick.
Ysabel plays the role of Cynthia, the family nurse who is extraordinarily close to her family. Her two leading men in the series are Miguel Tanfelix as Franco and Yasser Marta as Lucas.
"I could say that it was all of us who made the series come to life ...our camaraderie, our chemistry," the young actress said. "I am thankful kasi sa unang scenes pa lang nag-click na kami. I could say that we really made the most of our scenes," she added.
Ysabel is the first to say that she's "super grateful" to her mother network, GMA, for giving her this big break and the opportunity to showcase her talent. It is also the network which has spotted the potential of Ysabel's perfect chemistry with Miguel, giving rise to the YsaGuel loveteam which already has a strong following.
After "What We Could Be," the pair will be seen next in Voltes V: Legacy scheduled for next year.