GMA Network continues to set the bar high as it brings to light a family drama with a unique concept via “Unica Hija.”
The series, as headlined by some of Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s talented and sought-after stars: Kate Valdez as Bianca and Hope, Faith da Silva as Carnation, and Kelvin Miranda as Ralph, dabbles in human cloning.
All set to play equally important roles in the series are Katrina Halili as Diane and Mark Herras as Zach.
Kate admits that it is quite challenging to portray multiple versions of the same character in the soap.
“I’m not gonna lie, mahirap po siya. Nagkakaroon lang ng difference sa uri ng pamumuhay nina Bianca and Hope. First time kong magkaroon ng ganitong project at maingat po talaga namin siyang ginagawa dahil sensitive ang story. Marami pong matututunan ang viewers dahil hindi lang siya sa science at cloning naka-focus.”
Kelvin reiterates that now is the perfect time to give the viewers something unique with the out-of-the-box concept of the series.
“Mas mabuting ipakita na ang mga ganitong tema sa mga manonood para maihatid natin ‘yung mas malalim na mensahe nito. It’s about acceptance and second chances.”
Meanwhile, Faith shares how her real-life friendship with Kate helped them to pull off the intense scenes in the show. “Ang galing ni Kate kaya nadadala rin ako sa mga eksena namin. Maganda na may good relationship kami kasi kapag may sakitan, mabilis namin naiintindihan kung paano gagawin at walang pikunan.”
Katrina, on the other hand, recounts that this is by far her most dramatic role. “Akala ko noon grabe na ‘yung paghihirap ko sa Prima Donnas pero mas grabe pala ‘to. Before kasi physically lang ‘yung pang-aapi sa akin pero ngayon, rollercoaster of emotions talaga. Grabe ang iniyak ko rito.”
Mark also teases the audience that his newest character is a bit mysterious and dark. “Kakaiba ito sa mga role na natanggap ko before. Mostly kasi gumaganap akong leading man or mabait, but this time talagang iniba nila. Nagpapasalamat ako sa GMA kasi binigay nila ito sa akin.”
Adding spice to the program are the roles of Maricar De Mesa as Lorna, the cruel adoptive mother of Hope; Boboy Garovillo as Lolo Waldo, the funny and adoring grandfather of Bianca; Rere Madrid as Aica, the insecure daughter of Zach and Cara; Bernard Palanca as Lucas, the cunning and selfish assistant of Dr. Christian; Maybelyn Dela Cruz as Cara, Bianca’s best friend who will betray and cause her death because of jealousy; Biboy Ramirez as Jhong, the adoptive father of Hope who treats her like his own child; Issa Litton as Tamara, the wealthy mother of Ralph who is interested in human cloning; Jenny Gabriel as Trixie, the loyal best friend of Hope.
Completing the star-studded cast is the special participation of Alfred Vargas as Dr. Christian Sebastian, a scientist who is worldly-obsessed in his career but lacks affection for his family.
Unica Hija follows the story of Dr. Christian (Alfred) who develops a genetic engineering project. He spends most of his time at the laboratory while constantly neglecting his wife, Diane (Katrina), and his daughter, Bianca (Kate).
On the day before her birthday, Bianca seeks approval from her parents to go on a hiking trip with her friends. Although they worry for Bianca’s safety, Dr. Christian grants the wish of their most beloved daughter. No one thought that this would be Bianca’s last day alive.
While hiking, young Zach (Kych Minemoto) confesses his love for Bianca which was witnessed by young Cara (Therese Malvar). Because of her bitterness and anger, Cara accidentally pushed Bianca off the cliff. Cara tried to save her. Sadly, Bianca didn’t make it and she died.
Diane blames her husband for Bianca’s tragic death and leaves Dr. Christian shattered and desperate. He then came up with a daring plan to bring back his daughter through human cloning and hopes that this will also fix their family.
After successfully cloning his daughter, Lucas (Bernard) betrays him and tries to steal the baby, believing that this will give him a huge fortune. Will Dr. Christian be able to save and find his daughter? Will she be able to have a normal life just like the others? Will Diane learn to love a human clone of her daughter?
This exceptional 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; Senior Program Manager Redgynn Alba; and Executive Producer Mavic Tagbo.
The creative team behind Unica Hija is composed of Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head Richard Dode Cruz; Creative Consultant Kit Villanueva-Zapata; Head Writer Renato Custodio, Jr.; and Writers Reggie Amigo, Glaiza Ramirez, Patrick Ilagan, and Jai Cañete together with Associate Director Carlo Cultura Cannu.
The show’s director Mark Sicat Dela Cruz highlights the acting prowess of Kate in this very daring concept, “Isa siyang gem ng GMA. Sobra akong bilib sa kanya dahil ang dami niyang characters dito. Masusi rin ang pag-aaral namin about cloning, but more than the science, gusto pa rin naming ibigay sa audience ‘yung drama at ipakita kung paano bang maging makatao.”
Catch the world premiere of “Unica Hija” November 7 at 3:25pm on GMA Afternoon Prime.
