Tele-viewers eager for an exciting blend of teen drama and music would do well to catch GMA Public Affairs’ newest show, “MAKA.”
Featuring a talented ensemble of young actors, including Sparkle stars Zephanie, Ashley Sarmiento, and Marco Masa, along with Sparkle teen talents Olive May, John Clifford, Dylan Menor, Chanty Videla from the K-Pop group Lapillus, Sean Lucas, and May Ann Basa, also known as Bangus Girl, the series explores the challenges Gen Z faces today, while also highlighting their interactions with other generations—millennials, Gen X, and boomers.
It follows the stories of high school students enrolled in the Arts & Performance (A&P) section of Douglas MacArthur High School for the Arts:
Zeph Molina (Zephanie) is the top singer in her section. Despite her talent and her innate leadership, Zeph struggles with stage fright.
“Crush ng bayan” Dylan dela Paz (Dylan Menor) is a notorious bully at their school who skips classes and instigates fights. Will things change when he joins MAKA’s Arts & Performance (A&P) section?
Ash Salonga (Ashley Sarmiento) is an 8th-grader known for her TikTok dance videos and online persona. Yet behind her outgoing image, she craves genuine connections.
Marco Reyes (Marco Masa) is a church choir member whose newfound crush pushes him to pursue theater. But will this be enough to fuel his passion for the arts?
Throughout his life, JC Serrano (John Clifford) has been exposed to art, albeit through his work at the Cebuano family-owned funeral home. Will he be able to prove his talent in visual arts at MAKA?
Livvy Ilagan (Olive May) is a passionate playwright and songwriter with a dramatic flair. Will this Cebuana find a deep connection with JC?
Chanty Villanueva (Chanty Videla) belongs to the upper class in MAKA. An outstanding singer of her class, Chanty is the pride of Grade 9 competing against Grade 8’s Zeph.
Sean Dimaculangan (Sean Lucas) is also part of the Upperclassman (Grade 9). Sean comes from a family of athletes who disapprove of his love for the arts.
Eighth-grader May Ann Cortez (May Ann Basa) might not excel in academics or the arts but this proud girl from Capiz will do everything to survive an independent life.
They will all learn under Sir V, played by Romnick Sarmenta.
An accomplished but infamous artist, Sir V returns to his hometown and reluctantly accepts a teaching position at a local public school – the Douglas MacArthur High School for the Arts or MAKA.
Through his unexpected role as a mentor, he discovers that both he and his students have much to learn from each other.
Romnick is only too happy to play the role of a teacher in the show.
In real life, the 51-year-old actor actually teaches at the Trinity University of Asia, handling courses on Writing Dramatic Materials for Broadcast Industry and the Emerging Media and Behavioral and Social Change Communication.
As to working with young actors in the show, he said, “I enjoy getting to know more people, especially from that age group, kasi kaedad nila ‘yung mga anak ko. It gives me an insight into how I can better understand my own children.”
He adds, “It gives me the opportunity to learn more about their generation and their individual stories. Hopefully, I can share some of my own experiences that might be helpful to them.”
Joining Romnick in the show are fellow “That’s Entertainment” alumni Tina Paner, Jojo Alejar, Sharmaine Arnaiz, and Maricar De Mesa, with veteran actress Carmen Soriano completing the all-star cast.
Directed by best-selling author Rod Marmol, “MAKA” will air Saturdays starting September 21, 4:45pm.
