With both of them playing the leads in the upcoming afternoon series Kambal sa Uma, Shaina Magdayao and Melissa Ricks admit that being pitted against each other is inevitable but they would rather count their blessings instead of dwelling on how to outdo each other. “Kami naman po ni Shaina, we worked together before sa Rounin and enjoy naman po kami to work together. Healthy rivalry siguro, ine-enjoy lang namin ‘yung ginagawa namin,” Melissa shared.
Shaina said that she focuses on challenging herself to give a better performance rather than thinking of outdoing her co-actor. “Parang understood na ‘yon sa showbiz na talagang iko-compare ka sa lahat ng nakakatrabaho mo at hindi lahat ng tao mapi-please mo. Na-realize ko through the years na instead na ibang tao ang tsina-challenge mo dapat sarili mo na lang para walang maganap na unhealthy feelings. Kaya from now on, iniisip ko trabaho ko na lang talaga at pagbubutihan ko at hindi laro-laro lang for me. Parang every project na ginagawa ko, gusto ko pinagpapaguran ko rin naman,” Shaina explained.
The two also agreed that billing is not an issue for them. Melissa said that having a good project is good enough for her, while Shaina pointed out that she considers herself lucky to have work, notwithstanding that these times are especially difficult.
The two play fraternal twins separated since birth. Vira (Shaina), who was adopted by a rich family, appears normal except for a big hairy birthmark on her back while Ella (Melissa), who has the physical features of a rat, lives their mother (played Rio Locsin who originated both roles in the 1979 movie) in the woods. The two will eventually cross paths to discover their real identities.
Melissa will have constant onscreen partner Matt Evans as a leading man while Shaina will be paired up with Jason Abalos for the first time. “Matagal ko nang kasama si Matt, three years ko na siyang kasama. Lahat ng projects na ginagawa namin, we’re always together. So kunwari wala siya sa project na ‘to, sobrang laking pagbabago. Hahanapin ko siya,” was Melissa’s answer when asked if she was looking for a new leading man.
Meanwhile, Shaina is happy to being paired with Jason Abalos, mainly because she heard a lot of good things about Jason as an actor. “Kilala ko naman po siya pero hindi pa kami nagkakatrabaho pero nagkikita kami kapag may Fanatics, events, sa ASAP pero ‘yung ganito talaga na kami ang magka-partner first time talaga. With Jason, (who has been already won a best actor award) marami po akong naririnig na magaling po siya.”
Unlike Melissa, Shaina has had a number of leading men in the past, like Piolo Pascual and Rayver Cruz, and the young star revealed that she prefers it that way to show her versatility as an actress. “Mas natutuwa po ako kasi kaya kong mag-experiment with different leading men. Marami po akong natututunan kapag nagtatrabaho ako kasi iba po ‘yung acting na naibibigay ko,” explained Shaina.
Kambal sa Uma will premiere in ABS-CBN’s Hapontastic slot on April 20.