‘Niña Niño’ lead actor grateful for Maja’s help in their scenes

CEBU, Philippines —  “It’s wonderful what a show can do to your life,” said Cinemalaya 2017 Best Actor Awardee Noel Comia Jr. on how far he has gone from child actor to being the lead star in “Niña Niño,” his first primetime series that top bills him with Maja Salvador, no less.

Noel, who first appeared as a contestant in “The Voice Kids Philippines” under Lea Salonga’s team, was the personal choice of “Niña Niño” director Thop Nazareno to lead the TV5 series.

“Alam niya ang gusto ko and vice versa. We know each other’s weaknesses and strengths. Madaling magtrabaho kasi very open yung communication namin,” said Nazareno of Noel who he first directed in the award-winning movie “Kiko Boksingero.”

“First film niya yun, first film ko rin yun. First teleserye ko to (Niña Niño) as a director, first teleserye niya rin ito. Kumbaga sabay kami sa journey namin sa career.”

Despite the recognitions he’s received, 17-year-old Noel who also stars in the iWanTFC suspense thriller film “Tenement 66,” still turns to his seniors for acting advice, including Maja.

“I remember may isa kaming eksena ni Ate Maj, she was helping me with the scene para mas maramdaman ko yung moment. Pag nasa eksena kami, dama niyo talaga ang binibigay niyang energy sayo.”

Having gained notable viewership ratings, “Niña Niño” recently announced a second season. “I think I can speak for everyone na part sa ‘Niña Niño’ na hindi talaga namin inexpect na lalaki ng ganito ang show,” said Noel.

Added Direk Thop, “Mas lalo kaming nacha-challenge na pagandahin yung show kasi maraming tumututok sa amin. Maraming umaasa kumbaga na ma-inspire o ma-entertain. Nakakapagod syempre mag-taping everyday – mainit, tapos ngayon inuulan kami. Pero knowing na na-extend kami, ibig sabihin may pinupuntahan yung paghihirap namin.”

Produced by Cignal Entertainment and line-produced by CS Studios and Spring Films led by Erickson Raymundo, veteran director Joyce Bernal, and top-tier actor Piolo Pascual, “Niña Niño” airs Mondays-Fridays 7:15 pm on TV5, right before “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.” — Jonas Raymond Tatoy, CNU Intern