November 28, 2024 | 12:00am
The latest ABS-CBN drama series “Saving Grace” is not only special for Julia Montes because it is her teleserye comeback, but also because of the late Dreamscape Entertainment head Deo Endrinal.
The heart-wrenching series premieres on Prime Video beginning Nov. 28, today, with two new episodes dropping every Thursday. It is an adaptation of Nippon TV’s drama “Mother,” produced by Dreamscape Entertainment and is directed by FM Reyes and Dolly Dulu.
According to the synopsis, the series delves into the theme of a mother’s unconditional love, while shedding light on the realities of child abuse and domestic violence.
From left: ‘Saving Grace’ directors, FM Reyes and Dolly Dulu, cast members Elisse Joson, Sam Milby, Julia, Jennica Garcia, Christian Bables, and Eric Fructuoso, and creative manager Danica Domingo during the special screening and mediacon with host Ai dela Cruz.
Julia portrays the gripping character of Anna, a teacher struggling to find a purpose in life until she answers the call of help of her abused student, Grace, played by promising child star Zia Grace. But in a desperate attempt to save her student from the harsh abuse of her neglectful mother, Anna kidnaps Grace, which then stirs a nationwide manhunt against her.
“This project is very important to me not because I came back sa work but this is special because of Sir Deo,” declared Julia at a presscon after the special screening of its pilot episode at Gateway Cineplex 18 held recently. “Sadly, he’s not here to see this outcome. What you’ve seen is hindi ‘to mabubuo ng isa o dalawang (persons) but buong pamilya ng ‘Saving Grace’ from on cam to off cam. All of us poured our hearts into this that’s why this is a very special project.”
The titular character Grace is played by promising child star Zia Grace.
She likewise shared that she did not only learn important lessons from her character Anna but was able to relate to her as well. “Because I have this trait of building up walls around myself. So, it’s really hard to open up, especially if that’s your fear.”
That’s why it was difficult for her to portray the role, especially the first part. “Because ang hirap magpigil, especially if you see yung galing ng bata, she’s very innocent and raw (referring to Zia). When she was crying, I had to stop myself na ‘wag madala kasi kailangan maklaro ko sa tao na I’m not an emotional person because I’m going through a lot, walled up akong tao. It’s really tough.”
Among the takeaways that she gleaned from Anna was that of forgiveness, opening up and about love. “Love has no measure, it’s really deep, not only of being a mom, child, friend or whatever relationship you have in life. It’s really deep and love is a huge factor in our lives.”
She, nonetheless, hoped that the series would inspire and help abused children, battered wives and anybody who’s suffering from emotional and physical pain.
“I hope that they will have the strength to speak up,” she said and stressed the importance of healing from such pain.
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“Saving Grace” also stars Sam Milby, Jennica Garcia, Christian Bables, Elisse Joson, Eric Fructuoso, Andrea Del Rosario, Adrian Lindayag, Aya Fernandez, Sophia Reola, Ramon Christopher, Mary Joy Apostol, PJ Endrinal, Emilio Daez, Karl Gabriel, Jong Cuenco, Daisy Cariño, Lotlot Bustamante, Alma Concepcion, Fe De Los Reyes, and award-winning actresses Janice de Belen and Sharon Cuneta.
Julia mentioned that she was thrilled to be working with the Megastar. “Sobrang bitin kasi yung experience namin sa ‘Ang Probinsyano.’ Pagka-eksena niyo yung Megastar, sobrang lalamunin ka ng emotion on and off cam because she is very generous as a person and as an actress. So, I’m blessed na mapasama lagi sa casting na lahat generous.”
Although Julia admitted that she is a shy person, she felt it was easy to be collaborating with Sharon. “It was easy because makita ko pa lang yung mata niya, talagang bubuhos na yung emotions. And you would know through the story if you watch it kung bakit ko sinabing generous because it came to a point that I didn’t need any motivation.
“Just by looking at her, iiyak na ko. Because she is that generous as a person. I’m very lucky.”
Coco Martin was also present at the special screening.
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