Ayen sees self in Amaya role

MANILA, Philippines - Ayen Laurel (photo) thrives on the challenges that doing Amaya has posed on her as actress. Touted as GMA 7’s biggest project bar none, the epicserye that premiered last Monday has had Ayen on her toes from the get-go.

“Every little detail on Amaya, from the elaborate costumes to the way we walk and stand up according to the character each of us play, to how we say certain words in the script, was researched and then tightly watched on the set to ensure authenticity,” she said.

“It’s demanding but you forget that when you see the results. It truly is one of the most beautiful Filipino TV series ever done.”

The praise comes from someone who is known to give her nod only to quality projects. Ayen reveals that after doing Beauty Queen which ended February, she could be accepted other offers just to stay in the limelight. However, the singer-actress chose to rest a bit while waiting for the commencement of shooting for Amaya where she is at her prime.

Amaya tells the story of a woman (played by Marian Rivera) who uses her extraordinary powers to lead her people in a time dominated by males. Ayen plays Hara Lingayan, the queen and wife of Datu Mangubat (Gardo Versoza). The singer-actress describes her character as one who’s very supportive of her husband but not blinded by her feelings.

“Lingayan is aware of what’s going on around her and she uses her wisdom accordingly,” Ayen said. “She’s outspoken.”

Once married to royalty in real life, Ayen can relate to the role but not the character’s disposition. “I’m more outspoken than Lingayan, more opinionated. This makes taking on the role more challenging because Lingayan is far from who I really am,” she said.

While shooting more scenes for Amaya, Ayen will mull over offers to play lead in several theatrical productions. She is set to fly to Palawan on June 5 to be one of the judges on Miss Earth Philippines.