Dina: A mentor to young blood

MANILA, Philippines — As an actress, Dina Bonnevie has practically run the gamut of human emotions, particularly in drama (from teen drama Underage and Katorse; family drama Magdusa Ka and Tanging Yaman; political-cultural drama A Dangerous Life, Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak, Magtanggol and American Adobo; to adult drama Kapag Iginuhit Ang Hatol Ng Puso and Noon at Ngayon). In retrospect, the veteran actress thrives in relationship-driven dramas that explore human foibles and spirit.

Dina is banking on her treasure trove of roles essayed on the small and big screens to give Debbie Bermudez-Almeda, her doctor character in the Kapamilya soap The Blood Sisters, a life of her own.

“Perhaps, it gives hope to people who are not able to have kids of their own,” said Dina when The STAR asked about surrogacy, the issue where the dramatic narrative is juxtaposed against. “Parang siguro napapaintindi sa kanila na kung hindi kayo magkaanak, may solusyon.” The Blood Sisters mirrors a trend that there are medical (fertility treatment) options available to some couples that wish to have a family of their own. What Debbie doesn’t know is, the triplets named Erika, Carrie and Agatha, all portrayed by Erich Gonzales, are not hers. This could put a huge strain on Debbie’s marital life with Norman (Jestoni Alarcon).

“But later on, baka maging palaban siya (she could be feisty) because her husband Norman lied to her. Then Cherry Pie (Picache as Adele, the housekeeper-turned-surrogate mother) also lied,” Dina gave viewers some foreshadowing of what is to come. “Kumbaga Jestoni and Cherry Pie (made love) para makabuo ulit ng baby kasi nawala na yung egg na inim-plant sa kanya. So niloko nila (ang character ko). Maybe in the future, Debbie will fight back.”

Meantime, Debbie remains the doting career-oriented mom to the tres marias.

“It is interesting because it happens in real life,” Dina said of The Blood Sisters and its sense of realism. “Just recently, we saw a documentary on three brothers; they were separated at birth. Hindi talaga sinabi sa mga magulang na triplets pala ang anak nila. Enchong (Dee) uploaded it on our Viber (account), na nangyayari (ito) in real life. They only met one another when they saw each other in the university. I told myself, ‘It’s possible (to happen).’”

At this point in her career, Dina is in a position where she can share her expertise in acting with the young blood. “Me, I don’t mind being a mentor to others,” she said. “For example, when Maja (Salvador) and I did May Bukas Pa, she was so young then, batang-bata pa si Maja noon. I think Maja was only 15 or 16, hindi pa siya marunong umiyak. Then I taught her how to cry. (I told her to) just imagine yourself putting a pair of shoes on. Yung pangalan ng shoes ay yung character mo. So kapag sinuot mo na yung shoes na yun, ano ang nararamdaman ng character mo at the moment. (Tapos) pag-cut (na), hubarin mo na ulit yung sapatos. And now, look at her, di ba?” Dina, however, will only give tips to those who seek her help and guidance. Experienced actors will agree with Dina that the new crop of stars should come prepared on the set and respect those who came before them.

During the group interview, Dina expressed her joy in doing the soap.

“I’m enjoying working with the cast, we’re like family,” said Dina, who would do hula hoop in between takes. “We didn’t plan it. It just happened. Unang-una, Erich and I, we’ve become super close. Last Sunday, we went to church together, (with) my kids, my family. We had lunch also together. There I met her admirer. We’re like mother and daughter.” Dina added that she worked with director Jojo Saguin in May Bukas Pa, and Cherry Pie in the past. The soap has also allowed her to work with Tessie Tomas and Jestoni Alarcon for the first time. Attending the same church, Dina and Erich both starred in Two Wives.

“Yung nagpapasaya sa Blood Sisters ay yung para kaming pamilya,” she reiterated. “When we tape, naglolokohan lang kami. Pero kapag kailangan mag-work, serious talaga. Everybody is a professional.Everybody gets the chance to shine.”

Adding to that happiness is portraying Debbie, the agonizing mother of triplets as the character is being described by many. She is not a caricature type. “Kapag sobrang bad or black (yung character), I don’t like kasi may tendency yung mga tao na they tag your character to your personality,” Dina said. “Ang sama ng ugali niyan. But it’s just a role. Good thing with  Debbie, she is kind.”

Given where she is at now, the actress finds delight in playing Debbie and in being Dina on cam and off cam, respectively.

(The Blood Sisters airs Mondays and Fridays before TV Patrol.)