Kind-hearted mother role, answered prayer for Katrina

MANILA, Philippines - Katrina Halili (photo) admits she is very happy with her newest project for GMA Network. She will play one of the main protagonists in the upcoming primetime series Niño.

The 28-year-old actress will portray the role of Hannah, the kind-hearted mother of the title character Niño to be played by Miguel Tanfelix. Katrina says that she could not help but feel excited about playing the good-girl role in her next soap because she doesn’t want to be typecast in kontrabida or antagonistic roles for the entire span of her showbiz career.

“It’s exciting because it’s different. Nabigyan ulit ako ng chance kasi panibagong character na naman ito. I hope to be able to give my role in Niño justice so people can see that I’m capable of doing something different. I’m used to being cast as the villain. So used that I think I have grown tired of it,” Katrina says during the pictorial of Niño.

She shares that it was in 2008 when she first played a protagonist role via the hit Sine Novela: Magdusa Ka. That’s why she is thankful to GMA for entrusting her with another project where she will showcase her versatility.

“Thankful ako nung natanggap ko ito. Sabi ko kay direk Maryo (J. delos Reyes), ‘Alam niyo eto po yung gusto kong role.’ ‘Wow, answered prayer,’ he said. That’s why I’m feeling nervous at the same time pressured.”

Katrina is likewise very delighted to be working again with the multi-awarded direk Maryo. Niño will be the fifth project of Katrina with direk Maryo after the programs Magdusa Ka (2008), Rosalinda (2009), Munting Heredera (2011) and Magkano Ba Ang Pag-ibig? (2013).

She reveals that it’s always a privilege to work with direk Maryo who is very professional on and off screen. She has learned many things from the director who would always remind her to have good work ethics.

“Hindi mawawala yung takot kay direk Maryo every take, kahit sabihin mo na okay kami ni direk pero pagdating ng blocking, professional talaga siya. Lahat pinapansin niya. Kahit sa totoong buhay, sinasabihan din niya ako. Kaya masaya ako.”

Katrina also shares that she is excited to finally work with Tom Rodriguez in the series. She says, “It is my first time to work with him. I’m excited to finally work with him. I watched (his teleserye) My Husband’s Lover. I was a fan of their show.”

In the program, Tom plays the role of Jonathan, Niño’s hardworking father and Hannah’s husband.

Meanwhile, Katrina says that viewers will appreciate Niño because of its inspiring story for the whole family and the good values it will impart to the kids. “It is a beautiful story. The show aims to give hope to the people. Problems do come our way, but solutions to them as well.”