Megastar Sharon Cuneta has recently returned from a highly successful concert tour dubbed "Dear Heart" in the US. The show highlighted her incredible talent alongside Gabby Concepcion and celebrated her lasting legacy in the music industry.

Just in time for her promotional efforts, Sharon is now focusing on her latest drama series, "Saving Grace," which premiered on Prime Video on Nov. 28. This series marks an exciting new chapter in her career and has generated considerable buzz among fans eager to see her in this captivating role.

During its debut, ABS-CBN Studios' newest drama series emerged as the top 1 most-watched TV show on Prime Video Philippines. Besides the Philippines, “Saving Grace” streams on-demand in over 240 countries and territories via Prime Video.

Produced by Dreamscape Entertainment, "Saving Grace" is the Philippine adaptation of Nippon TV's Japanese drama hit "Mother," which spawned various iterations in Turkey, South Korea, Ukraine, Thailand, China, France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, and Greece.

"It was so appealing for me. But first, it was about Julia (Montes). I finished my part of the series when I left for the tour," said Sharon, explaining why she had accepted the project during an interview at the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City on Dec. 6. "Just before I flew home, I received a message that it was well-received. It was No. 1 in the Philippines. Gosh! This is just the beginning. I know what we filmed." 

Sharon said of the magic of the series: "I believe in the Filipino touch and the attack on the series. Even in our acting, we cater to the world audience. Filipinos are sentimental and emotional. This is my first solid drama (on television). It's something new to me. I like taking care of people, so in a way, it helped me portray my character." 

She had previously worked with Julia in "Ang Probinsyano," where they became close. "We always kept in touch. She's like my daughter. Kulang na lang isinilang ko siya. We're very close."

In the series, Sharon plays a public service host who helps find Grace, played by promising child star Zia Grace. Julia portrays the role of Teacher Anna. 

"In doing this, kapag may eksena kami together nagtitinginan lang kami. There's so much we've shared already so laging raw ang emotions," said Sharon on co-star Julia. "It was also wonderful to work with the other cast members."

"Saving Grace" addresses the critical issue of child abuse, which Sharon believes should be more publicly recognized.

"It should not be hidden. I hope this creates awareness for the audience. Or those that have yet to pay attention to that problem. Some misled parents think that sparing the rod will spoil the child. That's different from actual physical abuse. A little discipline isn't bad, but I, for one, hindi ako mapalo.  

"Si Kiko ang disciplinarian. Pero kapag ako na, natatakot na sila. Minsan kasi kapag stress ang magulang, in a way naiintindihan mo yun stress nila pero I hope they see themselves in the characters and they figure na mali pala. There's always a better way," Sharon said. "Yung ibang kids kasi like in the States konting ano lang 9-11 agad. Minsan na-reprimand lang naman sila. Buhay kasi ang involve eh. Yung buhay niya (bata) masisira kapag hindi naayos. May mga lives na maa-affect din niya."

Sharon mentioned she would consider rescuing a battered child, similar to Grace's character in the drama series, if it meant helping someone.

"I will find out to what degree and why. Kung yung abusive character ni Jennica (Garcia) and Christian (Bables) ang basis, kukunin ko yung bata at gagawa ako ng paraan. Irereport ko yung parents and make sure mapupunta yung bata sa tama. Baka ako pa yung mag-ampon."

On retirement

Sharon has remained a vibrant presence in the entertainment industry, demonstrating her unwavering passion and dedication to her craft. 

Even after all this time, she continues to take on new projects and challenges, showing no indications of slowing down or losing her enthusiasm for performing. 

Her resilience and commitment to her art inspire her peers and audience, showcasing her enduring talent and love for the industry. She is not planning to retire from the entertainment industry anytime soon. 

"You can rest. Ate Vi (Vilma Santos) told me, 'You don't have to leave.' So I told her, 'That's right. I could be gone for a couple of years and then come back," Sharon said.

She added: "When you are here, you never retire. You may be gone for a whole decade. If it calls you back, you always have the heart. 

"For now, I am staying, but I am not planning beyond my retirement. I'm still planning on that. I want to grow old with Kiko (Pangilinan). I want my kids and grandkids running to me now and then," she said.

Blissful life

Sharon expressed that her marriage with Kiko is currently more fulfilling than ever. She highlighted their deepening bond, noting that they have grown closer through their experiences and developed a stronger foundation of trust and understanding.

"My life now is blissful. Kiko and I are stronger than ever. We're more relaxed because age does that. But we also know each other well after 28 years of marriage and 30 years of being BF and GF. 

"After 28 years of marriage and raising kids, you realized it's just you and me. We'll grow together, so we have to get along.

"I'm a homebody. I am supposed to see what everyone sees; I am an introvert. When I'm home, I'm quiet. I really am. I don't know the situation with chickens and eggs here, but I like talking to people when I am out. I like entertaining people. But when I am in my own space, I am by myself," Sharon said.

Sharon took some time to reflect on her life during the pandemic, a period that, despite its challenges, she learned to appreciate. She considered how the slowing pace of life allowed her to reconnect with herself and her loved ones. 

Amid the uncertainty, she spent more time alone, and gained a deeper understanding of what truly mattered to her. This introspection helped her recognize the importance of gratitude even in difficult times.

"With no offense to everybody during COVID-19, but this is just me. When the lockdown happened, it was heaven because it was what I wanted. I mean walang trabaho, walang istorbo. I could only be with my books, laptop, YouTube, movies, and family.

"So, for me, that was heaven because otherwise, lagi akong out. Of course, no offense; that was just me. It was the kind of life I've had. I finally had a chance, ironically, unfortunately, during the pandemic. It was a good thing because I wasn't sick. I really couldn't imagine what others had to go through.

"Just being home, I am really like that. Kiko is also a homebody. He occasionally goes out with his high school friends. We adore all of them, so that gives me more alone time. But we get along. We talk about food, we love to eat, we travel. We were crazy about kids. It's nice that Kiko is intelligent; I learned so much from him. I think he would not have married me if I was a dumb person.

"There's a lot of give and take. But it's just that he's an expert in a different field, and I am an expert in mine after so many years. We share so much that we can exchange and learn from each other. It's always the laughter and sense of humor, having a happy and smiling home. That's important to me. Parang I cannot live with somebody who is always serious," Sharon said.

On joining politics

Sharon will celebrate her birthday on Jan. 6, 2025. As she turns another year older, she feels "younger." She has simple wishes for her special day.

"Just good health for my family and me. Success for all of them also. Going out of my circle, I wish for a more peaceful and prosperous country," said Sharon when asked about her birthday wishes.

Sharon stated that she still couldn't envision joining politics in the future despite receiving invitations from political groups.

"I always say this: I may have the brains for it, and I certainly have the heart for it, but I am not sure if I have the stomach for it. I told my husband, not half-half, parang I'm 99 percent uninterested, but I never say never. So, one toe is into the door. 

"Parang, you are thinking sometimes na am I still in that season of my life when I will be most effective there or stay in my lane? 

"But you can only do a good job if you are 100 percent heart and soul to it. And at this point, I'm happy where I am. 

"I can serve in my own way without being in public office. I will leave that to Kiko. He has the best intentions, stomach, and heart for it. So he's the one who should be in politics," Sharon added.

Directed by FM Reyes and Dolly Dulu, "Saving Grace" now streams on-demand exclusively via Prime Video, with two new episodes dropping every Thursday.