‘Bagong Umaga’ pulls through despite last-minute cast changes

CEBU, Philippines —  A case of “good timing” and things falling into place is how “Bagong Umaga” production head Rizalina Ebriega chooses to view the controversial changes to the show’s cast.

Julia Barretto was to originally lead an ensemble cast for the show then titled “Cara Y Cruz,” but the former Star Magic talent told media she was dropped from the project after her transfer to Viva Artists Agency. Marco Gumabao (another Viva talent), along with Ronnie Alonte and Loisa Andalio were also no longer part of the cast, although the real-life couple has yet to announce whether they’re leaving Star Magic for another management.

“Every time, there’s always a management call, and easily we have to move forward. Kung na-blur ng konti, we had to re-focus. We are not one to dwell on changes. We believe in our concept,” said Ebriega when asked about Julia’s exit from the afternoon drama during a virtual conference.

“We were just very glad to say that it became good timing not only for the show, but for the state of the company now, because when you listen to the theme song, it means so much to us,” Ebriega added, relating the Agsunta-performed track that’s also titled “Bagong Umaga” to ABS-CBN’s franchise woes.

The ABS-CBN business unit head said that the decision who to replace Julia with was not so much a search for someone of similar stature as the young actress, but for someone they believed could deliver the role’s requirements.

“Heaven Peralejo was part of the cast in another role. When we needed to adjust, we had to go back to creatives, kailangan namin aralin uli. It was a decision agreed upon by management. We had to make sure na kaya niyang gampanan yung role because we based it not as an equal kapalit of Julia, but what’s important for us is the strong character,” she shared. “Dahil solid yung requirements ng characters, we had to make sure it can be delivered. Doon nag-focus yung decision.”

The final line-up includes Heaven, Tony Labrusca, Barbie Imperial, Kiko Estrada, Michelle Vito, and Yves Flores.

“I’m happy with the six bagets that we have now. They’re very hardworking, young artists. They’re very positive. Marami man kaming binigay sa kanila na expectations, they’re very cooperative. So I don’t think kailangan pa namin isipin bakit nangyari yung mga nangyari,” said Ebriega, who noted that the new combination of artists, combined with a story of a solid friendship built despite differences and rifts among their families makes this series a refreshing one to watch.

For 20-year-old Heaven, news of her bumped-up role – her biggest break thus far – ignited mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness.

“Sobrang saya ko, at the same time, ‘Ha? Ako yung napili?’ But they assured me that they trust me with this role, so I accepted it wholeheartedly,” the former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate shared. “I don’t believe in first choices and second choices. It’s all about the timing.”

“Kung alam niyo lang kung gaano kasaya ang puso ko na naibigay sa akin ang role na ito. Dati nagsisimula lang ako, I was just making my name, and now binigyan nila ako ng chance to showcase kung anong kaya ko ibigay. I’m very grateful, at the same time pressured, but for me masaya maging pressured din para at least gagalingan ko every time,” said Heaven.

“Bagong Umaga” – airing weekdays at 2:30 pm after “It’s Showtime” on A2Z channel 11, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live – follows six individuals as they discover the stories from their past that reveal their true connection with each other.

Her family’s tragic past will motivate Tisay (Heaven) to become a successful journalist. Strong-willed and level-headed, she resents wealthy people because of a previous experience. Amidst the hardship, she gets support from her parents Jose (Keempee de Leon) and Monica (Nikki Valdez), her adoptive brother, the kind and cheerful Dodong (Yves), and her best friend, the feisty Angge (Michelle Vito) who grew up doing everything to survive and help out her grandmother.

Ely (Tony) falls in love with Tisay because of her outlook in life. Like Tisay, Ely also has dreams of being successful, but as a doctor so that he can take his mother, Irene (Bernadette Allyson) and sibling, Gab (Ali Abinal) away from his abusive father, Matthew (Richard Quan).

Cai (Barbie), Ely’s best friend, will resent the budding relationship between the two and will try to keep them away from each other, even if it means using Dodong. The daughter of a hospital owner, Cai is used to getting everything she wants and is constantly seeking love from family. Things become even more complicated when the mysterious Otep (Kiko) tries to befriend Tisay to use her to avenge her family’s painful past.

Also in the cast are Sunshine Cruz, Cris Martinez, Peewee O Hara, Glydel Mercado, and Rio Locsin.

“Six characters with different backgrounds, lahat may pinagdadaanan,” said its director Paco Sta. Maria. “We want to impart that it’s okay to be real. Kung nasasaktan ka, masaktan ka. Kung nagagalit ka, magalit ka. What’s important is how you cope after. How the creative team designed each character is beautiful because they all have grey areas and vulnerabilities. There are no antagonists. This makes them human and very real.”

According to the show’s other director, Carlo Po Artillaga, taping restrictions forced them to get creative in utilizing every corner of the ABS-CBN offices.

“Naka lock-in kami sa ABS-CBN and bawat sulok ng opisina natin hinanapan namin ng magandang anggulo at doon namin linagay ang marketplace, their communities, the hospital,” Artillaga shared.