Award-winning child actor all grown up
Former child actor Noel Comia, Jr. plays the lead actor in the new TV5 series “Nina Nino” where he shares stellar billing with Maja Salvador who plays his sister Nina. The new series premiered Monday at the Toda Max Primetime slot (after “Sing-Galing” and before “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”).
This is Noel’s first lead role in a TV series and that explains his excitement. “It feels exhilarating to have a lead role in a primetime TV program. It’s another path that I’ve always dreamt of but never thought that I’d be able to experience this soon. To be honest, I feel kind of nervous as well. It’s so different from what I’m used to,” shared the Cinemalaya Best Actor winner for “Kiko Boksingero” in 2017. He was the youngest actor to cop a Best Actor trophy at Cinemalaya.
“Nina Nino” is a story of siblings who needed to become con-artists to survive and to find a way to look for their missing grandmother. They needed to leave their town Consolacion and found themselves in Sta. Inez, a secluded place where they meet several interesting people. They also discovered a change in their life.
Directing the series in Thop Nazareno, who also directed Noel in “Kiko Boksingero.” He said Direk Thop chose him for the role of Nino since he knows his range as an actor.
“Si Nino is a loving, helpful and empathetic teenager. He loves his family, most especially his Lola Belen and Ate Nina. As the story progresses, Nino will continue to discover new things about his personality,” said Noel, who will turn 17 next month.
He liked the story of “Nina Nino” when it was presented to him by Direk Thop. “Nino is caring and loving person. He loves his family and he depends on them. Nino and I have similar traits that’s why I was able to identify with him. The only difference is that Nino lacks proper parenting and he can heal people, which I can’t do, at least right now.”
How is it like working with Maja? “Ate Maja is a very giving actress. Every time I have a scene with her, I feel relaxed and confident because she makes me feel that what we are doing is easy. To say that she is an amazing actress is an understatement. And she always brings food to the set kaya we are never hungry,” said Noel with a smile.
He and Maja have a lot of kulitan and kantahan moments on set. “We have a happy and enjoyable set.”
Noel said that “Nina Nino” is a kind of show that brings hope, happiness and entertainment at this time that everything seems uncertain. It’s a feel-good series that does not have extended dramatic scenes. He hopes the show inspires viewers.
“We hope that thru this show, we can learn the beauty of forgiveness and healing, not just of ourselves but also our heart and soul,” said Noel.
Noel is the youngest Hall of Famer awardee of the Aliw Awards Foundation in the Best Child Performer category. He has grown up to be a handsome young man.
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