While other girls their age mostly care about kiddie stuff like playing with Barbie dolls after attending school and collecting things that fill their hearts with joy, GMA 7’s Munting Heredera darlings Mona Louise Rey, Kyle Danielle Ocampo and Barbara Miguel seem to have found a common ground where they can enjoy and at the same time fulfill their passion in acting. They love being in front of the cameras so much; you wouldn’t hear them complain or see them grouchy and tired.
There’s never even a dull moment while waiting for long hours in between takes during the Monday-Wednesday-Friday tapings. Mona, Kyle and Barbara have learned to adapt to showbiz life. They find time to play by converting the primetime drama set into one big playground. They put out their storybooks, Barbies, iPad or iTouch and play with them while waiting for director Maryo J. delos Reyes’ signal to be on-cam. All three of them proved true the cliché that there’s nothing too tough with the things you’re passionate about.
“I have a fever today,” Mona tells The STAR in the vernacular during a set visit. “But it’s okay, I don’t feel weak. I like it here (on the set). Besides, I took my medicine earlier.”
At age seven, Mona visibly reflects her dedication for the craft. Her mom Fatima relates that Mona will do whatever it is required of her. One time, there was a scene where the girl was supposed to be dipped in an improvised well. Mona screamed when the cold water touched her fragile body and she started to chill.
“The taping was packed up as the production team saw that the child cannot do the scene on that cold, rainy day but my daughter kept on begging me to request for another ‘take.’ But they have decided to resume the shooting the following day,” shares Fatima.
Even at home, Mona practices her acting with her sister. She is delighted when people recognize her in public places.
“Madami pong nagpapa-picture sa akin. ‘Pag pasok po namin sa mall madali lang pero mahirap na pong makalabas,” says Mona.
Asked if she still has time for school, mom Fatima replies, “She’s in Grade 2 now. We made an arrangement with the school (St. Monique) that she will attend classes two times a week and will take her exams on the scheduled date. Then, we catch up on her lessons by teaching her at home.”
Same with Kyle, her dad Daniel and Alliance Christian School made a deal that Kyle will attend regular classes every Tuesday and Thursday.
“After classes, she has to go back for her tutorials. Kyle also promised us that she will stop acting once she gets low grades. She’s Top 2 in class. So far, Kyle is enjoying school and work at the same time,” Daniel offers.
Dad Daniel didn’t expect last year’s summer workshop on acting, dancing and modeling would lead his six-year-old daughter to showbiz. His only aim was for Kyle and her brother Kurt to overcome their shyness when he enrolled them in the workshop.
“After the workshop, there came modeling invitations for Kyle. One was in for SM Storyland. Then, it was followed by other modeling stints.”
Kyle’s Michelle role in Munting Heredera came as a blessing. It was only Kurt who was supposed to audition but their mom tagged Kyle along.
“The timing was right because the show at that time was holding an audition for the Michelle role. Kyle was among the six chosen for recall then she eventually called for an acting workshop na,” Daniel says.
Is Kyle having a hard time with her little bad girl role?
“Madami pong nagagalit sa kin. Kinukurot ako sabi ko, ‘Hindi po ako masungit mabait po ako, acting lang po yun kasi pag di ko ginawa magagalit sa kin si direk,’” Kyle replies.
People also frown on Barbara as Kalila, the contravida daughter of Katrina Halili. But Barbara says she’s happy that people recognize her acting.
“May sumasabunot po sa akin, sabi ko po akting lang yun,” Barbara offers. “Pero ngayon mabait na po role ko kaya madami pong nag-papa-picture.”
Mom Renerich shares that she saw Barbara’s talent when the latter joined in the rival network’s talent show. Barbara also tried her luck in SM Little Stars until she passed the audition as Jillian Ward’s contravida in the Kapuso network’s Christmas series. It was soon followed by Munting Heredera.
The seven-year-old expresses her desire to stay long in showbiz. She knows acting requires her to be on her toes all the time. That’s why she makes it a point to come on the set prepared.
“No matter how long, I memorize my lines by practicing them at home in front of the mirror,” says Barbara.
Below, find out how the three kids keep a balance between work and play:
Mona during taping days:
8 a.m. — She wakes up and readies herself by taking a bath, brushing her teeth and dressing up. After, she eats her breakfast.
9 a.m. — GMA’s service van arrives to pick her up.
10 a.m. — On the set waiting for her take.
12:30 p.m. — Take her lunch. If time permits, she plays with Barbara and Kyle.
3 or 4 p.m. — Snack time or she takes a nap.
5 p.m. until taping ends — Work, work, work. After, Mona goes straight home in Las Piñas.
On free days, Mona wakes up at 5 a.m. to prepare for school. She leaves the house at 6 a.m. and stays in school until 3:30 p.m. She’s at home around 4 p.m. to study her lessons. Dinner is by 7 or 8 p.m. She hops on the bed at past 10 p.m. or after watching herself in Munting Heredera.
Kyle on school days:
6 or 7 a.m. — I wake up, brush my teeth and eat my breakfast consisting of rice, sausage or hotdog.
8 to 10 a.m. – I study my lessons then take a bath.
10 a.m. to 12 noon — Take a rest or play with my toys.
12 p.m. — Prepare for school.
1 p.m. — Attend my classes which end at 4 p.m.
4 p.m. — Head straight home from school.
7 p.m. — Go back to school for tutorials.
8 p.m. — Dinner time.
10 or 10:30 p.m. — Go to bed after Munting Heredera.
Barbara’s sked on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays:
If call time is 6 a.m., Barbara should be up by 5 a.m.
5 a.m. — Take a bath, brush her teeth and eat a little breakfast (“Usually biscuits lang,” Mom Renerich says. “But as soon as she arrives on the set, kain ulit.”)
5:30 a.m. — Service van arrives to take her to the location.
6 a.m. — Barbara arrives on the set.
12:30 p.m. — Lunch time.
1 p.m. — She’s either playing with Mona and Kyle or taking a rest until the director calls her to shoot a scene with her.
3 p.m. — Snack time then play or work.
7 or 8 p.m. — Dinner time.
8 p.m. until taping her scenes ends — Work and go home with Mom Renerich.
Past 10 p.m. or 12 p.m. — Watch Munting Heredera and then go to bed and sleep.