Manilyn feels for Eva

MANILA, Philippines - The story is close to her heart. Thus, Manilyn Reynes agreed to do the true-to-life tale of Eva Castillo in GMA 7’s SRO Cinemaserye without ifs and buts. Just a few details regarding Eva’s matters of the heart and Manilyn is all set to act — and sing — for televiewers to see and feel what Regine Velasquez’s former closest rival has gone through several years after their amateur singing contest days.

“Initially, I didn’t know about Eva until they told me her story and that Ate Redgs (Regine) was her rival,” Manilyn says. “Then, I said I can relate to her because I know how it’s like to be joining in singing contests.”

Manilyn was three when she started competing in amateur singing tilts in her native Cebu without feeling any hesitation even if she came close to the then most popular contestant. After all, Bato sa Buhangin, the first song she sang with mastery, had given her the edge as a young contestant. Her parents’ unwavering support also made Manilyn dream even bigger when she lost after performing Dulce’s Ako Ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi.

“Pero ako rin ang nagwagi when Mother Lily (Monteverde) saw me and I came to Manila when I was 10,” Manilyn offers.

Since then, a lot of changes happened and Manilyn was even tagged as the Star of the New Decade in the ‘90s. Her vocal talent, she says, was her ticket to success and popularity. That’s why stepping into Eva’s shoes is interesting for Manilyn.

The challenge for Manilyn is letting televiewers sense the pain Eva feels in seeing how popular her greatest rival (Regine) has become.

“I’m not saying it’s easy to play the role because we are both singers but what’s tough expressing that emotion na hindi simpleng sadness lang. It is more painful na parang, ‘I should be there too (where Regine is),’” Manilyn explains.

And although Eva has gone through a lot — from harsh criticisms when she was young to heartaches from past loves — her kind-heartedness has remained. This is what touches Manilyn the most.

“The sincerity is there every time she (Eva) speaks of gratitude to people who helped her especially to Regine,” Manilyn adds.

How does it feel hogging the spotlight with her singing and acting talent again?

“I almost jumped over to other station until I got the role in All My Life and now this one,” Manilyn replies. “I’m thankful to GMA and flattered that I was chosen among the many others who can also portray the role.”

The singer-actress also recently launched her latest album, Manilyn: A Loving Mom under Veda Productions and distributed by GMA Records.

What lessons does the show impart to televiewers?

“That there are really second chances. Though we sometimes failed in the things we did, never ever give up. It may be corny but true. Habang may buhay may pag-asa,” Manilyn concludes.

SRO Cinemaserye Presents The Eva Castillo Story airs Thursday nights beginning tonight.