All set to showcase her range and versatility as actress is highly-talented Sparkle star Jillian Ward.
She is to star in GMA’s newest afternoon series, “Abot Kamay Na Pangarap” alongside one of the country’s finest actresses, Carmina Villarroel, and accomplished actor, Richard Yap.
Jillian admits her role in the series, that of a prodigy eventually carving a successful career as doctor despite difficulties, is by far her most challenging yet.
“Priceless talaga ‘yung experiences ko rito,” she says. “Tinuruan kami ng live brain surgery as part of our immersion. Kaya mas lalong tumaas ang respect ko sa mga doktor. Sa totoo lang kinakabahan ako, but I’m very grateful and excited.”
Carmina deems the story fresh, exciting.
“Isa na naman ito sa mga una ng GMA dahil may medical aspect siya, so it’s something new. Hindi rin mawawala siyempre ‘yung kwento ng pagmamahal ng isang ina sa kanyang anak. Hindi siya hardcore drama pero tagos talaga sa puso and it will talk about hope,” she relates.
Richard, on his part, considers his role in the series a dream-come-true. “I took up pre-medicine in college pero hindi ako tumuloy kasi ayaw ng father ko. Since hindi ako naging doktor, I might as well just play one. Completely different din ang genre nito for me. It’s about family, love and career. You’ll see a different Richard Yap here.”
Joining the star-studded cast are Dominic Ochoa as Michael, the caring boss of Lyneth who has secret feelings for her; Pinky Amador as Moira, Robert’s domineering wife; Andre Paras as Dr. Luke, a junior neurosurgery resident who is kind and motivating to Analyn; Chuckie Dreyfus as Dr. Ray, a close friend and voice of reason of Dr. Robert; Sophie Albert as Hazel, the insecure and spiteful girlfriend of Michael; Denise Barbacena as Dr. Eula, a smart and bubbly general neurosurgery resident who will become Analyn’s friend; Wilma Doesnt as Josa, the funny best friend of Lyneth; Ariel Villasanta as Cromwell, the loving husband of Josa who treats Analyn and Lyneth as his own family; Dexter Doria as Susan, the wicked stepmother of Lyneth; Kazel Kinouchi as Dr. Zoey, the beautiful and competitive only child of Robert and Moira who will be Analyn’s rival in the hospital; Jeff Moses as Regan, a janitor who will become Analyn’s friend in the hospital; Alexandra Mendez as Jhoanne, the supportive classmate/colleague of Analyn; John Vic De Guzman as Dr. Ken, a junior resident of general neurosurgery who doubts the skills of Analyn; and with the special participation of Heart Ramos as young Analyn.
“Abot Kamay Na Pangarap” follows the story of an illiterate mother, Lyneth (Carmina) and her genius daughter, Analyn (Jillian).
They go through hardships together while hoping that someday, they would reach their dreams and share each other’s triumphs.
Because of poverty, Lyneth was not able to study. When her father died, she went to Manila to work as a flower vendor. She then meets the handsome and rich Dr. Robert (Richard).
Lyneth falls in love with him and later on gets pregnant.
Surprisingly, Robert is already married to someone else and he doesn’t want to take responsibility for Lyneth’s child.
Lyneth’s boss Michael helped her instead to give birth and raise a beautiful and loving daughter, Analyn.
Years later, Lyneth would struggle to send her daughter to school because of financial problems.
Until one day, a researcher discovered Analyn’s exceptional intelligence. She gets featured on television as the genius child from a poor family. This will open the doors for her to receive a scholarship and study in a prestigious medical school.
Amid all the odds in life, will Analyn achieve her ultimate dream to become a doctor? How can she guide her mother toward literacy? Is there a second chance in love for Lyneth and Robert?
The series is made possible under the supervision of GMA SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; VP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; AVP for Drama Ali Nokom-Dedicatoria; Program Manager Edlyn Tallada; and Executive Producer Joy Lumboy-Pili.
The creative team behind this incredible show is composed of Associate Director April Vicencio; Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Content Development Consultant Ricky Lee; Creative Head Richard Dode Cruz; Creative Consultant Denoy Punio; Head Writer Geng Delgado; Writers Lobert Villela and Kenneth Angelo Enriquez; and Brainstormers Ma. Christina Velasco and Jai Shane Cañete.
“Abot Kamay Na Pangarap,” under the helm of LA Madridejos, starts airing Sept. 5.
It would go on to issue new episodes Mondays to Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. after “Eat Bulaga” on GMA Afternoon Prime. Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.
