All is well with Yasmien

MANILA, Philippines - Yasmien Kurdi can now talk kilometric sans the hoarseness in her voice and severe sore throat. Reason: The malignant cyst that was spotted several months ago on the right side of her vocal folds had been successfully removed.

“I am currently undergoing a voice modulation therapy with Prof. Kitchie Molina through the help of (GMA) Artist Center,” shares Yasmien regarding her post-throat surgery. “I am required to attend the session once a week so I do it every Thursday. It’s my doctor’s advice to undergo therapy because according to him I am using my voice in a wrong way. I should not speak in a tone that is too high or too low, dapat ‘yung tamang-tama lang to avoid polyps or cysts from developing.”

The Kapuso talent reveals that a month after her operation, the hoarseness in her voice got even worse and no distinct words were coming out of her mouth. “Even if I refrained from talking for one month, wala pa din. That’s why, I thought I had totally lost my voice but, thank God, when my throat had begun to heal, unti-unting bumalik na yung boses ko.”

These days, it’s a no-no for Yasmien to clear her throat like “’yung pag-ehem” and to talk too loud. “I have this exercise to tune up my voice and I’m getting myself used to speak from the diaphragm.” Although still on therapy, her doctor has already given her the go-signal to return to work. That’s why, televiewers will see her anew in a dramatic role via the GMA 7’s remake of Yagit that is set to air weekdays beginning tomorrow, Oct. 13 on the Afternoon Prime block.

“I’m also thankful that the taping (schedule) for Yagit was moved kaya sumakto din naman sa pag-balik ko.”

In Yagit, Yasmien plays Dolores Makabuhay, who is forced to work as a GRO in a club to support her family. There, she will meet Victor Guison (played by James Blanco) who instantly falls in love with her despite her social background. But Victor's mom Doña Claudia (Raquel Villavicencio) does not approve of their relationship and tries to separate her son from Dolores even if she’s already pregnant. Doña Claudia succeeds with her plan and Dolores gives birth to daughter Eliza (Chlaui Malayao) without the knowledge of Victor. That’s why Dolores and Eliza are forced to live a tough life.

“The dance sequence is the toughest part, very challenging. I have to be seductive eh ako ang tigas ng galaw ko; parang siga. But it was a fun experience dancing in front of many guys. At first, I was really shy but I tried not to mind them, hahahaha,” Yasmien relates.

Director Gina Alajar, she adds, taught her to move seductively with several Kapuso dancers guiding her on the set.

Asked if she felt uncomfortable moving in a skimpy costume, Yasmien says that prior to shooting the dance routine, several costume fittings had been done to determine which one would look fine on her. “There’s a limitation on what we can only do on TV and ours is in the afternoon so we have to be careful about the costume.” 

Did her husband, Rey Soldevilla Jr., oppose to sexy dancing scenes?

“He’s the one who keeps on reminding me to move gracefully, landian ko daw.”

Aside from acting, Yasmien also writes a column about pregnancy for Celebrity Mom magazine. She shares mostly about her personal experiences — from pregnancy to giving birth to becoming a mom to Ayesha Zara.

“I also write the things that I have learned in nursing school (she graduated at the New Era University).”

But Yasmien makes sure to spend time for family and leisure. “I have learned to manage my time, especially now that I refrained from working as hard as before. We all need time to rest.”