MANILA, Philippines — “It’s been a roller-coaster ride.”
That was Yassi Pressman describing her experience playing the one-and-the same Bane and Vanessa characters in “Black Rider” during a recent virtual press conference.
The reliable actress initially captured the hearts of viewers as the street smart Bane, who survived a life-altering red wedding that left her suffering from amnesia. The character has taken on a new name, Vanessa, and a new identity as the daughter of Pres. William Romero (Roi Vinzon), transforming into a sophisticated and strong woman. She is made to believe that Elias (Ruru Madrid) was behind the unfortunate event.
“To my ‘Black Rider’ family, many, many thanks for the opportunity and welcoming me to the show and allowing me to become Bane and Vanessa 2.0,” added she to the inquiry from The STAR.
“It’s really, really fun, especially in the beginning as Bane. It’s one character that I haven’t portrayed before. Napaka-tapang niya po talaga at mahal na mahal niya ang pamilya niya (she’s very courageous and loves her family dearly). Ipaglalaban niya po hanggang sa suntukan yung mga taong mahal niya sa buhay (she’ll fight for them even if it means getting into a fistfight).”
With such a transformation, which encompasses ties being left behind and ties being forged, Bane and Vanessa are entangled in a complex web of relationships and “shocking revelations.”
“It’s been very fun. There’s just so much emotion for someone who has amnesia, which I haven’t portrayed before,” said she. “Nahinahanap niya po kung sino siya at kung ano yung mga experiences niya, yung mga tao na mahal niya, bakit din nararamdaman niya (yun) sa puso niya (someone who is finding who she is, her experiences, the people she loves, and why she has such a feeling in her heart).”
Besides all this, Vanessa has been brainwashed by the people around her, said Yassi, adding that “there have been so many ups and downs (in her character’s life),” but playing a complex character forms part of the actress’ beautiful experiences on the “Black Rider” set.
With leading man Ruru Madrid, whom she describes as a giving and generous person and actor.
“Ang dami ko pong naging mga bagong kaibigan (I’ve made a lot of new friends),” Yassi looked back on. “I think the ride of this journey… is also the experiences that I have with the people around me. I’m very, very lucky to have all my tentmates and castmates, who are very loving and welcoming. We’ll always cherish those moments.”
Yassi gave a nod to the idea that Bane and Vanessa are part of her list of the Top 3 characters that have shown her mettle in acting.
“I would say, opo, siyempre po kasi Vanessa has gone through a lot in life (and has experienced) different situations). I’m very grateful for that opportunity,” said she.
Her ability to portray the one-and-the-same characters well can also be attributed to good scriptwriting as well as other dramatis personae that make “Black Rider” entertaining and engaging.
“We have family. Aside from action, we have love, friendship. If one compares it in real life, one can say it’s very colorful,” said she of what “Black Rider” has offered, genre-and-theme wise.
As for working with the show’s male lead star, Ruru Madrid, also her leading man in the film, “Video City,” Yassi had this to say: “I’ve always loved working with Ruru. Isa po siya sa mga tao and actors na napaka-giving, generous (he’s one of those people and actors who are giving and generous). Masarap pong maka-eksena kasi nararamdaman mong totoo yung emotions and feelings na binibigay po (it’s enjoyable to work with him because you can feel the real emotions and feelings he is giving).”
Since the show’s finale is fast approaching, what’s next after Yassi’s stint in the full-action series?
“Hindi pa po pwedeng sabihin (I’m not in the position to give you details),” shared she, who will keep herself busy doing new projects this year and early next year. “I’m very excited.”
(Watch “Black Rider” weeknights.)
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