By NEIL RAMOS
GMA Network continues to makes it mark offering TV audiences progressive and advocacy-driven stories.
In their upcoming Afternoon Prime series, “Ang Dalawang Ikaw,” they are introducing us to three interesting characters who are battling complications in their lives as caused by Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).
One of them is strong-willed and family-oriented Mia Perez-Sarmiento, as played by Rita Daniela.
Another is the two-faced gund dealer Beatrice Ilustre, played by Anna Vicente.
Then there’s Nelson Sarmiento and Tyler Franco, two individuals existing in one person as played by Ken Chan.
Ken admitted preparing for the dual roles proved most challenging.
“I underwent a lot of processes for this,” he said in Filipino. “First of all, I had a workshop in GMA Network … we had a character sketch, how we dressed. We experimented around two months before our lock-in taping.”
“We also did a thorough research because this is a sensitive topic. It’s all about DID and it’s no joke. I also watched documentaries and films that have something to do with personality disorders,” he added, noting how everything was done under the guidance of a professional psychiatrist, Dr. Bernadette Arcena.
“She guided me on how people with this condition, with DID act … because we want the information we’ll show to our viewers to be right. We don’t want to make a mistake because this isn’t a joke,” he explained.
Rita was excited to work again with Ken.
She said, “We’re so comfortable with each other and we always give our 100% in everything we do, mapa-acting, hosting, or performing. I believe na Ken brings out the best in me and the same goes with him. Sa tagal na namin magkasama sa industriya, alam na namin kung paano namin aatakehin ‘yung roles namin both as individuals and as a tandem. I’m really happy and excited to be working with him in a series again.”
Meanwhile, newbie Anna could only express gratitude that she was cast in the show and alongside two performers she admires greatly.
“It is really a blessing for me na pagkatiwalaan ako ng GMA na mapabilang sa isang napakagandang proyekto na ito. I am really thankful to them for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent and to grow and learn more as an actress,” she shared.
Completing the highly talented roster of stars are Jake Vargas as Lucas Javier, a psychiatrist’s assistant and Mia’s friend who will eventually fall for her; Dominic Roco as Greg Perez, Mia’s protective and paraplegic brother; Lianne Valentin as Jo Escobar, Mia’s close friend who wants what’s best for her; Joana Marie Tan as Lani Delgado, Beatrice’s supportive and rational friend; Jeremy Sabido as King Bautista, Nelson’s friend who is a submissive husband to his wife.
“Ang Dalawang Ikaw” follows the life of Nelson, a loving husband with DID, and his wife, Mia. The couple struggles to keep their marriage intact as they deal with the challenges brought about by the existence of Tyler, Nelson’s alternate personality, and Beatrice, his lover.
Will Mia agree with Beatrice’s offer to share Nelson and Tyler? Or is Mia ready to let go of Nelson and accept Lucas in her heart? Will Nelson be able to fight for their marriage especially when Tyler is slowly taking control of his entire being?
“Ang Dalawang Ikaw” starts airing June 21 via GMA Afternoon Prime.
Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV and iQiyi, June 22.
