Glaiza gives the contravida a new face

MANILA, Philippines - Her Astig character fell short of the movie title after Ariel (played by Dennis Trillo) infected her with a sexually-transmitted disease. The next scene found Glaiza de Castro’s character lifeless in the pitch-black room.

On GMA 7’s Stairway to Heaven, she plays the opposite character, the scheming Eunice who doesn’t mind stepping on someone else’s toes to get Cholo’s (Dingdong Dantes) attention.

“I don’t have any intention at all to appear better than others or to upstage anyone,” clears the young actress on the observation that she makes the show’s leads pale in comparison. “I’m just doing my part.”

Many also observe that Glaiza has given her contravida roles a three-dimensional look. At the end of the day, viewers feel for the antagonist and find her an unexpected heroine. Example is Glaiza’s Gladys in Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin.

“Perhaps, it is time for viewers to understand where the contravida is coming from or to feel sorry for her,” shares Glaiza. “Usually, everyone hates the contravida. People have this predisposition to loathe her. From the start of Stairway, we wanted the viewers to sympathize with her (Eunice) and to show she has (emotional) needs.”

So far, Glaiza has given her Korean counterpart a run for her money. The Kapuso and indie star thinks the Filipino version of Stairway to Heaven is different from the original. The local actors and familiar locations contribute to that feel. That’s why people watch it religiously night after night. The viewers can relate more to the characters because of these local flavors unlike the original which looked and sounded foreign. However, it’s the universal theme of love and the Cinderella fairy tale that break the cultural barriers.

Also part of Stairway to Heaven’s success is the visual execution of the scenes. There seems to be always something new to look forward to. The Dingdong Dantes-Rhian Ramos starrer recently registered 33.4 percent audience share. It’s the highest ratings Stairway to Heaven has received. In an AGB Nielsen report, the soap earned 28.9 percent and 31.2 percent last Monday and Tuesday, respectively.  

“If people are happy with what we have done for the show, it means we are on the right track,” says Glaiza. “And that I’m also on the right track. The challenge is to deliver and to offer something new.”

In the coming episodes, Cholo will convince Jena that she is Jodi, the former’s girlfriend. Charlie (TJ Trinidad) and Eunice will plot on how to break up the two. 

After the Cinemalaya entry Astig, Glaiza will do another indie titled 4 to 5.

“It is a political film about the government and (the deals made by) government officials,” says Glaiza. “My character has a semblance of (that Jennifer Garner’s role in) Alias. I have a contact with the assassin. And I disguise to get information.”