For Dawn Zulueta, the work matters

MANILA, Philippines – After the phenomenal hit series, “Walang Hanggan,” Dawn Zulueta is back in acting form for the newest primetime series on ABS-CBN, “Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin.”

Dawn, 44,took over the role that was originally for Maricel Soriano, in the wake of Marya’s alleged tensions with actor Gerald Anderson.

Dawn said she didn’t bother to know the back story of Maricel’s resignation. “When they called me up, wala akong [I had no] idea that I was replacing her.

Her being second choice is “not an issue” for Dawn.  

“I’ve been second choice naman in a lot of my projects before. Never naging problema sa akin iyon.

“Nakiusap lang ako that [I sought their consideration because] I will be helping my husband [Anton Lagdameo] for his campaign in Davao. So they delayed the taping hanggang sa matapos ang election [until the election was over].

“I am just happy that ABS-CBN did that for me and they still hired me after ‘Walang Hanggan,’ knowing na marami akong pinagkaabalahan din [that I was also preoccuped with many things].

“I owe them so much kaya whatever project they give me, tanggap lang ako nang tanggap [I just accept],” she smiles.

Eighties reunion

What made Dawn look forward to working in the new series is her reunion with co-stars Dina Bonnevie and Tonton Gutierrez.

“We did so many films during our Viva Films days. Lagi kaming magkakasama nila Dina and Tonton.” (Dina, Tonton, and I were always together.)

“In my first movie, ‘Nakagapos na Puso,’ Tonton was the leading man of Sharon Cuneta at ako ‘yung [and I was the] best friend na laging nakabuntot [who was always on her tail]. Before kami nag-showbiz ni Tonton [Before Tonton and I joined showbiz], we did a TV commercial back in the ’80s.

“With Dina, we did many films like ‘Akin ang Pangarap Mo’ [also with Tonton and Dawn’s ex-turned-friend Richard Gomez], ‘Pangarap na Ginto,’ and ‘Paano Tatakasan ang Bukas?’

“Kaya it’s one big reunion para sa mga [for the] stars ng ’80s!”

Mother roles

After playing the mother of Coco Martin in ‘Walang Hanggang,’ this time she plays the mother of Gerald Anderson who plays a young man accused of rape.

“It’s my second time to play the mother of Gerald. I played his mom in the movie ‘Catch Me, I’m In Love’ with Sarah Geromino. Gerald played the presidential son at ako ang [I was the] First Lady and Christopher de Leon was the president.

“Mas mature na siya ngayon and he has improved a lot in his acting. Of course, he is one of the handsomest young actors today.

“I can’t blame girls for falling for this guy. Malakas ang appeal niya talaga [His appeal is strong].” – Rappler.com