Kapuso star Jo Berry said she was surprised that her upcoming series "Lilet Matias: Attorney-At-Law" was partly inspired by her, as revealed by the show's creative team.

"Kinilig ako kasi ngayon ko lang narinig yun. I'm so happy dahil sobrang laking tiwala ang binigay nila sa akin," said Jo during the grand media conference for the series held at the Manila City Hall recently.

Asked if she was pressured by being the lead in the legal series, Jo said: "Sa totoo lang malaking pressure ito sa akin. But it's a good pressure kasi makikita naman nila kung paano maayos na ginampanan ang mga character namin. Tapos ang susundan pa namin ay isang magandang show."

(Actually, it's a big pressure on me. But it's a good pressure because they can see how our characters are played properly. Then what we're going to follow is a good show.)

Head Writer and Concept Creator J-mee Katanyag earlier said: "In terms of inspiration, nagsimula po ito two or three years ago. Isa sa mga inspirasyon namin si Jo Berry. Hinanapan namin siya ng palabas kung saan pwede siya. Then parang pangarap niya maging lawyer noon. Then napagisipan namin what if gumawa tayo ng serye tungkol sa law system naman at si Jo Berry as the representation kung paano matuto ang ating mga Kapuso sa legal system natin." 

(In terms of inspiration, it started two or three years ago. One of our inspirations is Jo Berry. We looked for a show where she could be. Then, it seemed like her dream was to become a lawyer. Then we thought, what if we do a series about the law system and Jo Berry to represent how our Kapusos can learn from our legal system.)

Jo prepared for the role of a lawyer who struggled in her personal life and career.

"Nanood ako ng mga series at pina-attend kami ng workshop with the production team bago nag-start ang taping namin. May kasama kaming lawyer every taping na tumutulong sa amin. Meron kaming consultant para tulungan kami sa pagbitiw ng lines. Maganda rin naman na hindi pa ako sanay sa role ko kasi it keeps me on my toes para pag-aralan ko yung role ko. Mahirap po talaga siya," she said.

(I watched a legal series, and we were asked to attend a workshop with the production team before our taping started. We have a lawyer with us at every taping who helps us. We have a consultant to help us with the delivery of lines. It's also good that I am still getting used to my role because it keeps me on my toes to study it. It is challenging.)

Jo was born with dwarfism, like her father and older brother. Her mother and other siblings do not have the condition. 

She is the youngest of four children born to Romilyn "Lynn" and Perry Berry Sr., a Spanish-American and the president of the Little People's Association of the Philippines.

Her first acting appearance was for the Kapuso drama anthology Magpakailanman in 2016. In 2019, she appeared in her first movie Kiko en Lala. Later, she also played the lead in the GMA afternoon series Onanay.

Reunion project

The series also serves as a reunion project for Jo and award-winning film director Adolfo Alix Jr.

"Naka-trabaho ko noon si Jo for a film and a short episode. Through the years, kapag nag-uusap kami, we've been wanting na sana makagawa kami ng serye. Now na ginagawa namin ang 'Lilet Matias,' nakita ko na rin ang maturity niya as an actress lalo na sa ganitong role na ang dami mong kailangang ipakita aside from her public persona as a lawyer, she has to deal with personal things like family issues and struggles with co-workers. Lahat yung pinaghandaan ni Jo. So nakita ko naman kung paano ginawa ni Jo yung mga scenes rito. Lagi naman kami nag-uusap ni Jo kung paano niya gagawin yung eksena," Adolfo said.

(I used to work with Jo for a film and a short episode. Through the years, when we talk, we've been wanting to make a series. Now that we're doing 'Lilet Matias,' I saw in her the maturity of an actress, especially in this role where you have to show a lot. Aside from her public persona as a lawyer, she has to deal with personal things like family issues and struggles with co-workers. Jo prepared everything. So, I saw how Jo did the scenes here. Jo and I always talked about how she would do the scenes.)

Beginning March 4, witness the story of “Lilet Matias: Attorney-At-Law,” which will inspire viewers to hold on to their dreams and self-worth despite the hardships and criticisms.

Jo portrays Lilet Matias as a little person with a strong sense of purpose. She fights for justice and defends the oppressed.

This inspirational drama comprises some of the most respected artists in the industry, including Maricel Laxa as Atty. Meredith Simmons, a feisty lawyer who has a heart for the marginalized sector; Sheryl Cruz as Patricia, a former beauty queen-turned-celebrity who cares a lot about her image; Rita Avila as Lorena, a philanthropist whom Lilet looks up to; Bobby Andrews as Ramir, Patricia’s husband and a successful businessman; Lloyd Samartino as Atty. Constantino De Leon, Lorena’s doting husband.

Also joining the powerhouse ensemble are Jason Abalos as Atty. Boni Linao, Lilet’s strong opponent in the law industry; EA Guzman as Kurt, Lilet’s funny and outspoken colleague; Analyn Barro as Atty. Aera Simmons, the smart and privileged daughter of Meredith; Glenda Garcia as Ces, Lilet’s caring adoptive mother; Ariel Villasanta as Emong, Lilet’s loving uncle; Shermaine Santiago as Lani, the evil aunt of Lilet; Troy Montero as Atty. Spanky Macaraig, Meredith’s confidante in a law firm.

Completing the star-studded cast are Joaquin Domagoso as Inno, a young celebrity and the charming son of Lorena and Constantino; Zonia Mejia as Trixie, the smart yet naughty daughter of Ramir and Patricia; Hannah Arguelles as Melay, Lilet’s sweet and supportive sister.

Atty. Lilet Matias strives to bring justice to those belittled by society. While defending victims of abuse, discrimination, and poverty, she discovers a case that will reopen old wounds.

The show is created by the acclaimed GMA Entertainment Group, led by Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Assistant Vice President for Drama Ali Nokom Dedicatoria, Program Manager Dennis Joi K. Bentulan, and Executive Producer Arlende D. Pilapil.

The show’s creative team is composed of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head Dode Cruz; Creative Consultant Denoy Navarro-Punio; Head Writer and Concept Creator J-mee Katanyag; and Writers Marlon Miguel, Benson Logronio, Jai Shane Cañete, and Libay Trinidad.

Catch the world premiere of “Lilet Matias: Attorney-At-Law” on March 4, weekdays at 3:20 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime and Pinoy Hits.