GMA Public Affairs’ weekly drama anthology “Tadhana” celebrates its first anniversary with host, Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera, leading the cast of a special episode airing today.
Aside from Rivera acting in the episode, the anniversary is more special because her husband, Dingdong Dantes, is directing it.
In a press conference, Rivera admitted she was nervous to be directed by Dantes.
“Hindi ko nga matawag na ‘Direk.’ (Sabi niya), ‘Direk ka diyan, Dong na lang (I can’t even call him ‘Direk.’ [He said], ‘Seriously, ‘Direk’? Just call me Dong.’”
“Surprisingly, takot talaga ako magpa-direk sa kanya kasi parang tinatakot niya ako na: ‘Ha, magkaka-alaman na tayo pagka-dinirek kita. Malalaman ko kung paano ka (I was so afraid to be directed by him because he had been trying to scare me, saying: ‘I’m finally going to see how you are when I direct you. I will know how you are as an actress),” Rivera shared, as quoted by the Philippine Entertainment Portal.
The 33-year-old actress admitted she felt the pressure.
During filming, Riversa said she approached Dantes and introduced herself: “Hi, Direk! I’m Marian Rivera po.”
And Dantes gamely replied, “Oh, hi!:
Since last year, “Tadhana” has shared inspiring stories of Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) enduring hardships and overcoming challenges to be able to improve the lives of their families back home. Viewers are given an opportunity to see the trials OFWs endure and how they persevere in the face of challenging circumstances.
Marian is grateful for the warm reception of viewers—especially of OFWs—to her program.
““Ako mismo nai-inspire tuwing mababasa ko ang script ng bawat episode. At nakatataba ng puso na isang taon na tayong nagbibigay ng leksyon at inspirasyon sa ating mga kababayan—para mag-ingat sila sa pag-a-apply nila ng trabaho sa ibang bansa at magkaroon ng katuparan ang pangarap nila sa buhay (I, myself, am inspired whenever I read the script of every episode. It warms my heart that it’s been a year since we have shared lessons and inspirations for our OFWs—so they will be more careful when they apply for a job abroad and fulfill their dreams),” said Rivera.
Dantes admitted that he had reservations accepting the rare chance of directing his wife but eventually took the project.
“I saw a different kind of actress, a different kind of Marian. Mas na-appreciate ko siya bilang artista, bilang tao, bilang nanay, dahil ganu’n siya kaseryoso sa kaniyang trabaho (I appreciated her more as an actress, as a person and mother because she’s very serious with her craft),” the 37-year-old actor and director said.
In the special episode, Marian brings to life the story of Jackie—an OFW who had to bear being away from her children to give them a good life by working in Bahrain during the ‘90s.
With her husband seriously ill, Jackie was left alone to raise their family. When the opportunity to work as a domestic helper abroad came knocking on her door, Jackie did not hesitate and accepted the job. It did not matter if this meant being separated from her kids. What was important was to give them a decent future.
Little did she know that an ordeal awaited her in Bahrain.
Jackie’s employer was cruel. On top of the physical abuse she got, she was prohibited to go out or even use the phone to call her family. Except for letters, she had no way of communicating with her loved ones in the Philippines.
Playing special roles in the episode are veteran actors Jackielou Blanco, Emilio Garcia and Lotlot de Leon. (JGA & PR)