‘A blessing’: Coney Reyes marks 50 years in showbiz with new gen co-stars

MANILA, Philippines — Seasoned actress Coney Reyes is leading the forthcoming GMA Afternoon Prime drama, “Shining Inheritance.” The latter premieres on Sept. 9 at 4 p.m.

She considers the first-ever Philippine adaptation of a K-drama in the said timeslot and the opportunity to collaborate with the new generation of stars a manna from heaven or a gift.

She was referring to the likes of Kyline Alcantara, Paul Salas, Kate Valdez and Michael Sager, who have their own following.

“It’s a blessing from God to be working and to be working alongside Gen Z and the millennials,” said Coney in a recent press conference, “and also having an audience that is Gen Z.”

To her, there must be a reason why He has given her shows that allow her to work with the young people. A purpose one could think of is for her to show neophytes the value of commitment and passion for acting and the traits that lead to career longevity.

Her body of work, particularly on TV, also shows the age group of her collaborators that ranges from kids and teens to adults.

With that, the actress can keep up with the trends and talents, genre- and generation-wise.

“I know that many of my followers, you know, (are) the housewives. So, others are the children of my (previous) followers, (they comprise) the new generation,” shared she.

“Natutuwa rin ako kasi (I’m also happy about it because), believe it or not, I still have fans now who are younger, much younger than me,” added Coney, whose previous shows featured kid actors and gave her the chance to work with them.

She finds having such a diverse following a blessing.

“So, I just believe that there’s a purpose, and I’d like to stay close to what the Lord has created me to be,” shared she, adding to use her gifts for God’s honor and glory.

Coney, on the other hand, has added the “Shining Inheritance’s” Aurea de la Costa to her growing collection of characters. The latter is the family matriarch, who needs to choose her rightful heir or heiress.

“First of all, like the character, I’m a real lola in real life,” she said of her role in “Shining Inheritance.” “So, that really hits home, very closely.”

This time, she’s taking on a character with “dementia, may (she has) Alzheimer’s, it’s a challenge to me,” said Coney. “It’s another challenging role.” She was really excited to portray Aurea.

The fact that her show will be aired in the afternoon makes it more thrilling to her. It’s the same slot that her first drama on the Kapuso network was aired.

“You know it’s my 50th year this year in the entertainment industry, to be specific, last May 2024. I started in May of 1974,” she looked back on. “So, my first drama, ‘Coney Reyes-Mumar Drama Studio,’ was here in GMA. And that started in 1981, the year after I gave birth to my second child, and so, after that, talagang nanduon na ako sa after noontime show, laging ako na ang next (my show was aired next) di ba?, every Saturday.”

With that, Coney was sold on the idea.

“Parang it was a welcome thing for me. Parang, wow, may dahilan si Lord, kung ba’t ako nabalik sa afternoon slot (there’s a reason why He made me return to the afternoon slot),” said she.

“Akala nila kasi na parang, ‘Alam nyo na afternoon slot ito,’ na baka ayaw ko na kasi (they thought since it was in an afternoon slot, I would decline) because I was doing primetime na nga. I said, ‘Hindi, it’s exciting for me. It would be really wonderful to just see how it is again in the afternoon slot.”

It’s a perfect acting assignment to mark her five-decade-long career and counting, and make it extra memorable.

“It’s tough, there’s a lot because (I’ve been in the business for) 50 years,” replied she when asked about one of her shining moments as an actress. “Wala talaga akong ma-point out na in specific, eh. Well, I guess, what’s in my heart is that ang pinaka-shining moment ko talaga siguro na hanggang ngayon nandito pa ako (my most shining moment really is perhaps that I’m still here, working).”

“I’m just so blessed and I feel so grateful that God has allowed me to use what He has given me, the talent He has given me and until now that I’m 71 years old,” added she. “So, I just feel so grateful, thankful, blessed, so glory to God talaga sa lahat nang ginawa Niya sa career ko (with what He has done in my career).”

(After its pilot episode, watch ‘Shining Inheritance’ weekdays.)