Shaina Magdayao on the surprise casting of Ely Buendia as Emman

MANILA, Philippines — ONE OF THE BIGGEST REASONS THAT EXCITED SHAINA MAGDAYAO about being part of TV5’s new primetime series “My Bespren Emman” is seeing Ely Buendia take on the titular character.

The casting of the OPM rock icon as Emman (short for Emmanuel, which means “God is with us”) in the faith-themed drama with all characters carrying Biblical names was a tightly guarded production secret until he was revealed on Monday night. But it remains a mystery how he will figure in the complicated and intertwining lives of the characters played by Shaina, JM de Guzman, Sid Lucero, Ai-Ai delas Alas, among others.

In an exclusive interview with The STAR, Shaina shared some behind-the-scenes stories, particularly how finding the right actor for the part was not easy.

OPM rock icon Ely Buendia is revealed as the titular character Emman in ‘My Bespren Emman.’

“Nahihirapan talaga kami, to be very honest. Nahirapan kami humanap ng kung sino yung Emman. Andami-daming pangalan na nabanggit. Andami na rin nilang sinubukan na kausapin,” she shared.

But when Ely’s name came up, it immediately made sense to her.

Shaina with co-stars JM de Guzman and Ryrie Sophia, who play her husband Mateo and daughter Miriam.

“Kasi rock star talaga si Papa Jesus,” she said.

Citing Ely’s stature as a music icon, Shaina added, “And si Sir Ely parang for us, wow, he’s a rockstar. Parang oo nga no, I mean, he also has that impact on so many Filipinos, and so we are very grateful kasi itong impact niya, gagamitin naman niya for this kind of material.”

According to her, Ely’s presence on the show offers a refreshing take on the role of Emman, making the character feel more relatable rather than distant or overly idealized.

“But yeah, I mean, I like the fact na we are not — we don’t have an Emman who is the usual na nakikita mo sa photos or sa mga images. It makes Emman really so much more like all of us, like human, excellent in his own way,” she said.

The production team likewise felt fortunate when Ely finally agreed to join the project.

“I think, despite the wait, we’re very fortunate that he said yes. That’s why when I saw him on set, I really told him, ‘Hi Sir, thank you for saying yes to the show,’” she recalled.

She also shared that Ely himself was immediately drawn to the material.

“He said na nung nakuha niya yung script, siya daw mismo, gusto daw talaga niyang gawin. Like, he’s never done something like this ever.”

The role also marks his second major acting project after topbilling the Cinemalaya 2025 entry “Padamlagan.” That fact only made his participation more meaningful.

“And I guess may nabuhay na ibang creative (side). Of course, he’s a creative. He’s an artist, di ba? And siguro may na-tap yung ‘My Bespren Emman’ sa isang side niya, which is acting.”

Shaina stressed that the show itself was something she herself simply could not say no to.

“Actually, it’s the type of material — I’m not saying this because I’m part of the show — that you should not say no to.”

She explained that the series arrives at a time when she observed that many people are searching for something to hold on to.

“Ngayon na parang siyempre magulo. Parang nasa height tayo ng kaguluhan. Hopefully, ito na ’yon. Hopefully, hindi na madadagdagan pa, but nasa height tayo. Nasa peak tayo ng chaos, not just in our own country but also in the whole world.”

For her, “My Bespren Emman” is less about preaching and more about reminding viewers that they are not alone.

“To be able to do a material that reminds not just our viewers, but also kami rin behind the camera and kami mismo na bumubuo ng programa, to be reminded na hindi tayo nag-iisa during these challenging times is actually very important.”