MANILA, Philippines — Glaiza de Castro and Mike Tan display once more their flair for essaying characters with multi-faceted and layered storylines in GMA 7’s The Seed of Love. They will be known to viewers as the young couple Eileen and Bobby, who consider starting a family via in-vitro fertilization, when the show premieres on May 8 at 4:05 p.m. and airs weekdays thereafter.
The status quo will be shaken up as new personalities, bringing their own interests and intentions to the main narrative, enter the scene. It leads to some twists and turns that show how intricate Eileen and Bobby’s life is.
“True, ang daming nangyari (a lot has happened),” said Glaiza of how complex and dynamic her Eileen and Mike’s Bobby are, in terms of story and characterization, based on The Seed of Love’s trailer and music video presented during the recent virtual group interview. That’s why she and Mike were asked how they get and stay motivated in taking on emotionally-demanding roles.
The Seed of Love taping commenced back in 2020 and was halted by the pandemic. Good thing is, the new normal has given its cast and crew the chance to resume production.
“Minsan nawawalan na kami ng resources (Sometimes, we run out of resources),” shared Glaiza. “Some of the techniques that we use don’t work… but if you love what you’re doing, you remain motivated and I (also) just want to keep on growing.”
What one could glean from the Kapuso actress’ train of thought is, an actor should find a source of motivation, which ranges from making the scene better and compelling to going home early, and is also subject to change every time.
“You can’t afford not to be motivated or not to have one (motivation),” said she. “What we have learned from it (doing the series) is to pick up different motivations from different trees.”
As for Mike’s part, he shared that sometimes one’s passion for work might wane, “especially if you’re tired (and weary) and awake (working for hours).” The Kapuso actor added that his family and the thoughts of coming home and spending time with them are some of his motivations. All this has made Glaiza and Mike to always be in the zone and keep themselves on their toes, work-wise.
However, on set, they both acknowledged the significant contributions of director Ricky Davao and fellow actors to be in the scene and surpass the challenges the latter presents.
“Of course, there’s the guidance of direk, who never gets tired of sharing what he thinks should be done in each scene, but he is not imposing it on you,” said Mike. “He would tell us, ‘It’s just my take, which serves as your guide.’ As actors, it’s still up to us (to consider it) and do (the scene and the character based on our understanding).”
With the trust Ricky, an actor’s director, has given to the cast, thespians, as Mike put it, will offer something new in their performances.
Even if some roles appear similar to previous ones, new dramatis personae have their own unique qualities and post challenges that real acting troupers like Glaiza and Mike willingly embrace.
“Nakaka-humble din yung experiences namin dito (We’ve had humbling experiences in the show). You can’t say that I’ve already done (the role) or the scene and that I’m familiar with it,” said she. “You can’t be complacent. This (The Seed of Love) is a new experience, which entails a new (acting) process, presents new characters and requires new approaches.”
“With the characters that we play, they have different experiences,” added he. “The challenge is how you’re going to do it (to tell those experiences).” If one may add, it’s another way for any actor to stay motivated.
Given their years of work, plus the commitment to the craft, Glaiza and Mike are among GMA’s reliable actors. Some think that the family-and-relationship themed series is their forte or strength. When asked about it, Glaiza said with a smile that she might be heading to that path. But with Mike, he shared, “I can’t say it’s already my forte. Nagkakaroon lang ng ibang depth kasi nadadagdagan yung experience ko because I’m a family guy (My being a family man and the experiences that come with it give depth or a different texture to my portrayal).”
As an actor, he added there are many varied characters Mike wants to portray. “For me, I want to do bida and kontrabida roles. Ang dami ko pang gustong subukan at ang dami ring pwedeng ibigay sa akin (There are roles that I want to try out and that could be given to me).”
Whatever acting genre or role is presented to the two Sparkle GMA Artist Center talents, Glaiza and Mike can hold their own and show what they are made of.