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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider TAKING THE PLUNGE: Sofia Pablo is newest TV mermaid

TAKING THE PLUNGE: Sofia Pablo is newest TV mermaid

Published Apr 23, 2022 10:22 am

Ariel in Disney's "The Little Mermaid" eagerly wants to be human.

Kapuso tween star Sofia Pablo is the opposite.

She wants to take Ariel's place even if for a while.

Thankfully, she doesn't have to make a deal with someone evil to make her dream come true.

Her home network, GMA, in partnership with Regal Entertainment, made it possible, signing her up as lead of the weekly afternoon mini-series "Raya Sirena."

Of course, she could only be happy, deeming it "a dream come true."

"Parang ang sarap po sa feeling na ito na, natupad ko na and it's not just one episode like last time, ngayon talagang mermaid."

Note she already donned Raya's fish tail prior in an earlier incarnation of the tale, in "Regal Studio Presents: Raya Sirena."

And now, she's grateful and honored that she was given a chance to do a repeat.

In an interview, Sofia admits she feels some "pressure" diving into the role again.

"Kasi grabe yung tiwala na binigay nila sa amin, yung investment nila sa 'Raya Sirena' and I'm really hoping and praying na sana maging successful ito katulad nung unang napanood ng tao 'yung 'Raya Sirena' sa 'Regal Studio Presents' na one episode lang pero maraming nanood, maraming tumutok and nag-trending ng ilang araw. Sana ganun din yung impact ng 'Raya Sirena' na mini-series.”

The heartwarming fantasy series is not focused on simply entertaining viewers. Producers hope that it will encourage people to overcome their personal battles, while realizing the importance of genuine support and love from friends and family.

It will continue the story of Raya (Sofia) as she returns to the Casa Elena resort where she first turned into a mermaid. She has learned a great deal from that experience as she becomes a more loving daughter and a good friend to Gavin (Allen Ansay), the son of their resort’s caretaker.

The 16-year-old star of the show maintained she and Allen as with others involved in the project put their best effort to come up with a winner.

"Talagang ginagalingan namin," she said. "Kasi, like, sabi niyo po ang daming ibang love team and ang daming mas may name kaysa sa amin pero pinagkatiwalaan po kami... Kaya we're really, really, happy na binigyan nila kami ng chance para ipakita yung kaya namin gawin."

As to her adjusting swimming with faux tail, Sofia proudly asserted that it will be very much a cinch since she's been doing it even as a kid.

"Medyo sanay na," she confidently said, reiterating she's an "expert."

GMA First Vice President for Program Management Department Jose Mari Abacan revealed how they decided to produce the seven-part mini-series.

"When we did the 'Regal Studio Presents: Raya Sirena,' wakasan talaga siya so we didn’t know na may clamor na sundan siya ng medyo mahaba-haba. So, nung pinag-uusapan namin gagawa ba tayo ng 'Raya Sirena 2' within 'Regal Studio Presents?' Nag-usap kami ni Roselle, tingnan natin baka pwede natin gawin na seven-part series para hindi nagmamadali. Pag nag work ito, sana araw-araw na.”

COO & Vice President of Regal Entertainment Inc. and Regal Multimedia Inc., Roselle Monteverde, in turn, highlighted the secret behind the success of Sofia and Allen’s loveteam.

“They look so cute together and iba 'yung chemistry nila on screen and off screen. Sa tingin ko, hahaba naman talaga ang journey nitong dalawa nating young stars kasi they are very passionate sa career nila, nakikita ko naman yon.”

Directed by Crisanto Aquino, "Raya Sirena" premieres today, April 24, 3:05pm, right after GMA Blockbusters.

Related Tags

sofia pablo raya sirena GMA 7
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