From genius doctor to superhero, Jillian Ward enjoys roles that save the day

MANILA, Philippines — Jillian Ward has recently hopped from Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap set to that of Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko to headline the month-long special titled Captain Kitten.

Playing a superhero in the weekly anthology is a sojourn from her young doctor genius Analyn role in the afternoon drama, and this sits well with Jillian, who has an interest in cosplay.

Becoming someone who saves the day on the small screen is not new to the Sparkle GMA actress.

“As a young woman, (it is). However, in the past, I was part of Captain Barbell. I played Super Tiny. My character’s costume then is somewhat similar, like in terms of color, to my character’s (Captain Kitten) now. (I also wear a) mask,” said Jillian in a recent virtual presscon for the 6:15 p.m. Saturday show. “As a dalaga, it’s my first action role.”

The 18-year-old had fun working with the cast and crew and considered shooting the physically intense sequences challenging.

“It was really tiring doing action and fight scenes, and then you were in costume or bodysuit,” recalled she. “It was something new to me. The (entire experience) was challenging, but exciting.”

Given her youth and enthusiasm for exploring characters and genres in acting, she was game to execute the stunts required of portraying Kat-Captain Kitten.

“I did most of my stunts, I wanted to experience them, like punching and kicking, of course, I also had (a stunt) double for my safety,” said she.

“Hindi po ako sanay pa sa mga fight scenes na ganyan, hindi po ako sanay sa action kasi first time ko as a dalaga (I’m not that used to doing action scenes because again it’s my first time in this genre as a young actress) and I’m used to my character in Aboy-Kamay na Pangarap, which is drama and with medical terms. Inilaban ko rin talaga, in fairness, sinubukan ko yung mga fight scenes kaya ayun pagod na pagod ako after the taping (I gave it a try, that’s why I became very tired after), but it was all worth it because it was exciting and something new.”

There was also a team in charge of safety, in terms of executing stunts and preventing work hazards, for everybody on set.

As a homegrown talent of GMA, the former child star also acted many times in Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko. Jillian would never pass up the chance to make a comeback on the show.

“I got really excited, especially on the first taping day,” said she. “I missed the production team that became my family for many years before I started in Prima Donna and then, Abot-Kamay, so it was really nostalgic.”

She added that everybody still treated her like a baby and felt that the past years seemed, as one may put it, only yesterday.

“It’s something I’m happy about my Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko family because they are very collaborative,” said Jillian when asked if she had a say on her superhero costume.

“Itatanong sa mga artista kung saan kami komportable. Alam ko na alam nila na bilang artista mas maganda yung mga eksena kapag komportable ka sa suot mo o sa gagawin mo (They know that actors do better if they are comfortable with their costumes and their scenes). I really appreciate that they consider us and our safety.”

To play the part, Jillian shared that she watched the Catwoman portrayals of Anne Hathaway and Michelle Pfeiffer, but she knew that hers would be a “kid-friendly” version.

In her latest Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko project, Jillian has no love interest.

“Perhaps the focus is on my character as a superhero,” said she. “She loves (the idea of caring for) animals than having a love life kumbaga. She’s a student who possesses a super power and wants to rescue animals (in distress), that is her goal.”

Aside from the fact that her afternoon medical drama and weekend drama-fantasy characters show Jillian’s mettle and versatility in acting, they also serve as role models for the young.

“With my role as Dr. Analyn, I see a lot of kids who consider her a role model. Maybe I have become their superhero (while I play these characters) in a way that I inspire them, especially with my (Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap) role,” said she.

“Ang daming batang gustong maging doctor, ang daming ring na-i-inspire, ang dami ring gustong mangarap at mag-aral ng mabuti, mag-trabaho ng mabuti para maabot yung gusto nila sa buhay nila (Many kids want to become doctors and get inspired. A lot also want to dream, to study well and to work hard to achieve what they want in life).”

With the rate at which her career is going, one can say that Jillian will encounter and portray more engaging and inspiring roles.