According to Sahaya’s lead star Bianca Umali, the new series is not only focused on one aspect of life. It delves into the subject of love, family, education, including women empowerment.
“It’s all about the journey of life and how you are going to fight for the things you love and the things that you believe in,” Bianca told Manila Standard in an interview.
The series, which aims to capture the richness of Philippine indigenous culture through the humble life of Bianca’s lovely character, also trains the spotlight on the Badjao community.
“We want to present and re-introduce their culture and way of life without offending any of their members. That’s why the whole team is very careful and very detailed. We hired experts so we can portray the Badjao people as faithful as possible,” Bianca added.
Tonight on primetime, the Entertainment Group of GMA Network fulfills its commitment to bring viewers world-class entertainment with this newest offering.
This extraordinary epic-drama series also top billed by Miguel Tanfelix and Migo Adecer will give viewers a glimpse into a world that celebrates our true identity and heritage.
“Sahaya is the inspiring story of a determined and special Badjao who rises above all difficult circumstances in life that will challenge her resiliency as she maps her path towards self-acceptance, success, and admiration,” Bianca said of the series premise.
“She is blessed with extraordinary abilities which will lead her to inspire her family and her people, including Ahmad, her simple childhood friend (portrayed by Miguel) who has always been in love with her,” she shared.
Adding a twist to their story is Jordan, played by Migo, the wealthy Manileño who will compete with Ahmad for Sahaya’s love.
Joining them in this intriguing series are talented actors: Eric Quizon as Hubert, Jordan’s father whose business is coral mining at Sahaya’s village in Tawi-Tawi; Zoren Legaspi as Harold, Sahaya’s father who abandons her mother before he knew that they were about to have a child; Mylene Dizon as Manisan, a Badjao who fell for Harold and ended up raising and teaching their daughter, Sahaya, resiliency and good values; Pen Medina as Panglima Alari, Manisan’s father and the panglima (leader) of the Sama Dilaut; Debra Liz as Babu, Sahaya’s cheerful grandmother; Juan Rodrigo as Bapa, older brother of Panglima Alari; Ana Roces as Irene, Harold’s loyal wife who will do anything to protect her family; Ashley Ortega as Lindsay, Jordan’s spoiled cousin and the school’s queen bee; and Snooky Serna as Salida. a loving yet vengeful mother who will be the reason why Manisan and Sahaya will be separated.
Playing very special roles in the pilot week are Benjamin Alves as Aratu, Solida’s son and Manisan’s husband; Gil Cuerva as the young Harold; Karl Medina as young Atari; and Jasmine Curtis-Smith as the young Manisan.
To shed light on the culture of our Badjao brothers and sisters, GMA 7 hired consultants and recreated an entire set reminiscent of a real Badjao village in Calatagan, Batangas. The set promises to bring viewers a realistic vision of the Badjao community — a surprising feat only the Kapuso network delivers in a remarkable manner. Likewise for this program, the network sets the bar even higher as it uses for the first time a high-end cinema camera to create clean, sharp and cinematic images.
Sahaya is created through the visionary minds of writers Marlon Miguel and Jonathan Cruz. Suzette Doctolero headwrites the show. This grand production is under the helm of esteemed director Zig Dulay.
This original series, created by the GMA Drama group, is headed by the SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Senior Program Manager Helen Rose Sese, Executive Producer Milo Paz.
Join Sahaya as she brings pride to her culture through her captivating adventures beginning tonight after Kara Mia, on GMA Telebabad.
Kapuso viewers from across the globe can also catch their favorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News TV International. For the program guide. visit www.gmapinoytv.com.
