We can list down a number of differences among new comer Jo Berry, character actress Cherie Gil, and superstar Nora Aunor. They came from different backgrounds, have varied experiences, motivations, and beliefs most probably.
Even in the new series airing tonight on GMA, amid playing the same role as mothers, we can still see how different these actresses are from each other. And that’s what’s unique in the series they are starring in. Since mother, or motherhood for that matter, is synonymous with love, Onanay (the title of the drama) would like to feature love as it takes on all forms.
Jo Berry takes on the role of Onay, a woman born with Achondroplasia or a bone growth disorder which impeded her growth. Because of this, she is often the subject of ridicule but she chooses to remain positive in life. She gave birth to two beautiful daughters—Maila and Natalie—who cannot be more different from one another. Despite a tragedy and traumatizing events, Onay’s motherly love remains pure and unconditional, the way every mother is to her child.
Playing equally important roles are Nora Aunor as , Onay’s supportive mother who will do anything for her child, and Gil as , a former beauty queen and now a wealthy owner of an online fashion magazine. She is also Onay’s mother-in-law who will make her and Nelia’s life miserable.
“Malaki ang appeal ng ina bilang isang character,” La Aunor said in an interview. “Sa totoong buhay, ano man ang sama ng isang magulang, o ng isang ina, dapat yung anak minamahal talaga yung nanay. At kailangan ipagtanggol yung nanay, ‘di ba? Kasi kung wala naman yung nanay, wala naman yung anak. Yun lang siguro yung sa akin.”
Onanay aims to touch the hearts of viewers by showcasing the immeasurable power of love and how there is nothing that a mother wouldn’t do for her child.
“Maganda yung storya tungkol sa isang ina kung papano magmahal ang isang ina sa isang anak. At kung papano yung pagtungo ng anak sa isang ina. Yun yung puso dito eh,” the superstar shared.
Aunor further said that working with a dynamic cast and crew is helping the series a lot. Not only that they motivate each other on the set, they have already created a healthly working enviroment.
Joining the lead stars in the series are young actresses Mikee Quintos and Kate Valdez playing siblings Maila and Natalie.
Maila is a perfectly cheerful and obedient daughter who is willing to stand up to anyone who makes fun of her mother. She dreams of graduating and giving her family a comfortable life.
Natalie, on the other hand, is spoiled, arrogant, and thinks highly of herself. She is ashamed of her mother’s physical appearance, which is why she often takes out her frustration and anger on Onay.
Completing the powerhouse cast are Gardo Versoza as, Nelia’s younger brother who will treat Maila as his own daughter; Wendell Ramos as, a rich and careless man who used to be an alcohol and drug addict who will later on play an important role in Onay’s life; Rochelle Pangilinan as , Onay’s childhood friend who works at a beauty salon and is very supportive and endeared to Maila; Vaness Del Moral as, Lucas’ jealous and possessive wife; Enrico Cuenca as, a handsome school jock who will fall for Maila; and special guest Adrian Alandy as , the loving and responsible husband of Onay who fell in love with her because of her beautiful innate qualities.
The series is under the helm of esteemed director Gina Alajar with the creative team composed of creative director Roy Iglesias, creative head Richard Cruz, creative consultant Suzette Doctolero, headwriter Luningning Ribay, writers Obet Villela, Geng delos Reyes and Tina Samson-Velasco, and brainstormers Borj Danao and Brylle Tabora.
Onanay is created by the GMA Entertainment Group under the supervision of Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable, Vice President for Drama Redgie A. Magno, Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Helen Rose S. Sese, and Executive Producer Nieva Sabit.
Kapuso viewers abroad can also catch Onanay via GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. To check the program schedule for each territory, visit their official website at www.gmapinoytv.com.
