JUST A THOUGHT: “Every choice before you represents the universe inviting you to remember who you are and what you want.” — Alan Cohen
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IDOL SI MAMA: Her mother, she says, is her idol.
Up and starting actress Inah de Belen picked her mother, Janice de Belen, as her role model when asked how she wants to plan her career.
Dropping her paternal surname Estrada in favor of her mother’s family name, Inah said she first cleared it with her father, actor John Estrada.
“He didn’t like it initially, but I guess he’s now beginning to understand it,” she said at the media launch of her jumpstart to TV stardom, “Oh, My Mama.”
The 22-year old said she made the move upon the advice of her managers at GMA. They figured there are already a number of Estradas in the entertainment business, and one more Estrada won’t help clear the picture.
“Whereas there are only two de Belens in the business, my mother and Tita Gelli,” she explained.
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MOTHER ROLE AGAD: “Oh, My Mama” is described by GMA as an extraordinary story of love and family.
The new series, set to premiere September 19, is the TV adaptation of a 1981 movie starring Maricel Soriano. It tells the story of a teenager who suddenly takes on the role of a mother to five street children while searching for her father’s love.
Inah says the greatest challenge is playing a mother role. “I’m going to deal with kids. I should learn how to act like a mother.’’
For her first teleserye, Inah has for leading men Jake Vargas (cast in an offbeat role) and Jeric Gonzales (in a romantic part).
Joining them are versatile actors Gladys Reyes, Ryan Eigenmann, Epi Quizon, Yul Servo, Francine Prieto.
Adding star power to this series is the special participation of seasoned actress Sheryl Cruz.
The five kids playing Inah’s children in the series are Therese Malvar, Jhiz Deocareza, Bryce Eusebio, Sofia Pablo, and David Remo.
“Oh, My Mama” airs from Monday to Friday, after “Eat Bulaga” on GMA. (NESTOR CUARTERO)