Marian Rivera steps away from ‘First Yaya’ role: ‘Mahirap sa akin naka-lock in’

Marian Rivera confirmed that she will no longer do the GMA teleserye First Yaya, which was set to pair her up with actor Gabby Concepcion.

In an interview with Pep, the actress said she cannot be away for long from her two children – 1-year-old Sixto and 4-year-old Zia – since the taping protocols call for them to be locked in shooting.

“Sabi ko, kinausap ko ang GMA kung paano ang magiging protocol nila sa taping.

(I talked to GMA how the protocol will be during the taping.)

“Sinabi nila, may lock-in, hindi muna uuwi, or parang Descendants na nandun lahat,” she said referring to the show Descendants of the Sun starring her husband Dingdong Dantes, who taped the show in Rizal away from his family.

(They told me there will be a lock-in, that you’re not allowed to go home or like how Descendants did it.)

She admitted that she was looking forward to doing the show since the character was something she was looking forward to do.

“Kasi, mahirap sa akin naka-lock in, hindi ko makikita ang mga anak. Nagpapadede pa ako kay Sixto, inaasikaso ko pa si Zia sa online class niya. (It’s hard for me to be locked-in. I will not be able to see my children. I’m also breastfeeding Sixto and also taking care of Zia since she’s doing online class.)

‘Tapos, hindi ako uuwi ng bahay? “Sabi ko, ‘Naku, paano ito, hindi ko kakayanin.’” (And then I was told I cannot go home? I said I might not be able to handle that.)

GMA’s management she said tried to adjust the schedule but due to the safety protocols like self-isolation, she just made the decision to say no for her family’s safety.

Despite backing out, Marian said she is thankful that GMA has been understanding of her situation. 

“Sinabi naman nila na naiintindihan naman nila ang desisyon ko na hindi ko kayang gawin,” (They told me they understand my decision that I cannot do it.)

GMA has yet to announce who will replace Marian.

First Yaya was announced as part of the line up of GMA’s new shows in celebration of the network’s 70th anniversary.

Some of the network’s shows resumed taping with safety protocols in place after it was suspended due to the lockdown. – Rappler.com