Juan Minute Spotlight: Mga Basang Sisiw

Back in the 80's there was this movie about abused children by their stepmother, Mga Basang Sisiw became a classic in pinoy movie which moved many hearts and also brought heavy drama by amazing child actors and actresses. Now the modern incarnation of the movie is relived on GMA Afternoon Prime. Check out out exclusive interview of the cast behind this heavy drama in the afternoon block featuring Maxene Magalona, Bianca Umali and Renz Valerio.

Mga Basang Sisiw is a Filipino drama television series developed by Dode Cruz and produced by GMA Network. It premiered on June 3. replacing Unforgettable on the networks coverted Afternoon Prime block, and on June 5, 2013 worldwide via GMA Pinoy TV. The series is inspired on Agustin dela Cruz's Classic Filipino film on the same title and topbilled by Lani Mercado, Raymond Bagatsing, Gardo Versoza, Maxene Magalona, Mike Tan and featuring Renz Valerio, Bianca Umali, Kimberly Faye, Hershey Garcia, and Miko Zarsadias in tne titular characters. The show is produced by Kaye Atienza-Cadsawan and directed by Ricky Davao.

The series chronicles the story of five siblings - Justin, Faye, Shine, Cha and Mickey - and their long and painful journey to rebuilding their once happy family.

On Maxene Magalona

Being part of the royalty may require an affinity for glitz and glamor, but Maxene Magalona stands out, as she prefers to savor the fun, little things that makes girls smile. The charming Kapuso actress is poised to take on her first kontrabida role in the GMA AFternoon Prime, Agustin dela Cruz's Mga Basang Sisiw.

"Ako si Vicky, sa mga Basang Sisiw, and this is my first time to play a kontrabida role, pero kailangan nilang abangan kasi hindi lang siya basta-bastang kontrabida," Maxene explains.

The self-confessed fan of anything feminine and classic is also glad to be part of such an exciting and unpredictable series. According to Maxene, "Maring twists and turns na mangyayari sa show  na ito kasi it's not your usual show na may kontrabida, may bida tapos, mananalo 'yung bida. It's an ensemble cast and lahat ng characters ng show na 'to importante."

Getting to work with newbies and veteran actors in the same series is something that Maxene looks forward to.

"Makakatrabaho ko ang maraming mga bagets! Of course, I'm so excited to work with Ms. Lani Mercado. It's my first time to work with her, and also Gardo Versoza and Raymond Bagatsing. Of course, hindi mawawala 'yung leading man ko forever na si Mike Tan," says Maxene.

Outside of acting, Maxene says that she spends her time just like any ordinary girl would.

"I like playing with my dog! I also like to go Jogging, boxing, shopping and going online. Syempre, I always use twitter and instagram. I also like hanging out with my friends, watching movies, watching TV Series," Maxene states.

A huge fan of chick flicks, tha Kapuso sweetheart shares that her favorire films Serendipity, 500 Days of Summer and 50 First Dates.

According to Maxene, music is her sanctuary. " I love hip-hop and RnB. Sometimes, I also listen to indie and alternative music pero favorite ko talaga hip-hop. Syempre, I take after my dada pagdating sa music. She adds.

On Bianca Umali

GMANetwork.com caught up Bianca Umali during the press launch of her show. When asked to describe the role, the Tropang Potchi host replied, "Ako si Faye. Since she's the eldest, she's the mom-like ate. Idol na idol ni Faye dito 'yung mom niya. She's spoiled but she's smart and responsible even though she's really sheltered."

Umali revealed that her character, Faye is the opposite in real life. She shares, "Talagang magkakaiba kami ni Faye. I mean I don't have a car. Sumasakay po ako ng jeep, tricycle, MRT, and nagbu-bus pa rin ako sometimes. Si Faye, siya yung mayaman m siya dito 'yung tipong maiiwanan lang sa gitna ng kalye, takot na takot na, so medyo challenge din kasi hiwalay siya sa buhay ko sa real life, but also nice kasi na-eexplore ko 'yung craft ko."

In order to get into the character, Umali stated that she always prepares for any role before taping even starts. "Pag dumating sa akin 'yung script. babasahin ko agad, lahat aaralin ko. Also, we had 3-day workshop before we started taping," Umali said.

The newest Kapuso drama actress is also excited to be working in the midst of veteran actors like Raymond Bagatsing, Lani Mercado, Gardo Versoza and Caridad Sanchez.

"Since this my first major soap, masaya kasi big stars din 'yung kasama ko. Talagang it's a new environment. Kumbaga, sometimes nakakastarstruck na katabi mo nalang sila. Hindi ko iniimagine 'yung sarili ko na makakaeksena ko sila ng ganito," shared Umali.

She also enjoys working with younger co-stars. "With the kids, they make it fun. Even though na mabigat 'yung scene, ang mangyayari is we keep on laughing with each other. Kapag work, we do work and kapag playtime, we play with them. Parang as an ate, I also want to make them feel comfortable, so they could understand everything," stated Umali.