Shaina & Denise after The Better Half

MANILA, Philippines — Even while televiewers are hankering for more intense drama and suspense scenes in The Better Half (TBH), the ABS-CBN’s hit afternoon soap is coming to a close this week.

According to its female lead stars Shaina Magdayao and Denise Laurel, their characters Camille and Bianca, respectively, have so many emotionally-draining moments — from the very start until their last two taping days — that perhaps, as Shaina put it, have already affected their health. That’s why both of them wish to take a much-needed rest as soon as the soap airs its finale episode. 

“Parang kasi ‘yung katawan ko, I feel na wear and tear because I started working at a very young age,” begins Shaina. “I think it started last year when I renewed my contract and promised myself to be serious with my work. It’s not that I wasn’t serious before but this time, I felt more passionate since hindi mga birong proyekto ang naibibigay sa akin, especially when they pitched this project to me.

“From the (soap’s) very beginning, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Sa simula pa lang baliw-baliwan na si Camille because she couldn’t bear the loss of her husband, so lahat ng klaseng breakdown ginawa na ni Camille and there’s more to go.”

Her role has challenged her so much that it somehow took a toll on her body. “So, I guess at this point in my life na mas seryoso (ako), it’s not Shaina whom you see crying but my character and I think (it) shows in my health at hindi pa masyado na maganda na natapat din na nagka-hypothyroid ako.”

And though she knew health issues usually required a lifestyle change, it would seem impossible for actors whose schedules are unpredictable. For her body to compensate for the “abnormalities” of showbiz life, the Kapamilya actress tries to hit the sack early every after taping day to get the much-needed eight hours of sleep.

“If you notice, I haven’t appeared in ASAP lately because I took a leave. It’s really tough to be a dancer (in the Sunday afternoon variety show) and at the same time to be Camille (in TBH). Gusto ko munang ibigay ang 110 percent ko sa soap.”

And as much as she wants to take a longer break after TBH, several projects are already lined up for her, which she considers as an early birthday present from God. Shaina will be turning 28 on Nov. 6. 

There’s no let-up on emotionally-draining scenes for Shaina Magdayao (left) and Denise Laurel until their soap’s finale episode. The ABS-CBN afternoon series is now on its last week of airing.

Perhaps by this time, Shaina is already in Singapore to start shooting for a film under director Lav Diaz. From there, she will head straight to Siargao for the launching of her Smile Cares Foundation.

“The Lord doesn’t want me to take a rest,” quips Shaina who will buckle down to work for her new soap under Dreamscape Entertainment as soon as she returns to Manila.

“So how can you afford to rest when you are given such beautiful projects? Kaya ‘yun po puro pasasalamat. On my birthday, I will go to Italy, kay Padre Pio, to give thanks for having a wonderful second quarter this year.”

Denise, on the other hand, admits to have gone through several trying times while doing the soap.

“I came from a cancer scare. I came from an engagement break-up... and then I’m playing somebody as complicated and as crazy as Bianca. There were definitely times when I thought I could no longer take anything more but I think the show had shown me how much I can truly endure and (what to) appreciate and be thankful for.”

Denise has been earning positive comments from televiewers and netizens for her effective portrayal of a woman whose deep love for a man turns into an obsession and leads her to do insane acts.

The show, Denise adds, certainly made her stronger yet it’s now nearing its end. It will be an opportune time for her to take a rest to, in her own words, “get my body back. I think I gained about 30 pounds during the show so I’m just gonna be working out, getting my freshness back. So, after nito, papaganda muna ako ng very light.”

In a recent report, Denise said she is set to undergo surgery to remove a cyst from her breast. She went on to say that her cyst is benign but still she wants it removed.