Veteran actors Eula Valdes and Michael de Mesa have nothing but praise for award-winning child star Euwenn Mikaell, their young co-star in the much-anticipated GMA Afternoon Prime series “Forever Young.”
Mikaell, known for his breakout role as Tonton in the film “Firefly,” made history at the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival as the youngest-ever winner of the Best Child Performer award. His performance also earned him accolades at the Famas Awards, the Box Office Entertainment Awards, and the 40th PMPC Star Awards for Movies.
At a press conference for the GMA drama series, Valdes and de Mesa expressed their admiration for Mikaell’s talent, professionalism, and work ethic on and off the set.
Cast of ‘Forever Young’
Valdes shared that her first impression of Mikaell came during his interview on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”
“From there, I noticed that he’s not an ordinary kid. He’s not the type who doesn’t know how to answer when asked something. He really thinks about what he says, so back then, I secretly wished I could work with him, and I’m so happy that in ‘Forever Young,’ I get to do that, ” Valdes said.
Eula Valdes
The actress was all the more impressed with Mikaell when they were finally on set, especially when shifting into focus for the emotionally demanding scenes. “Of course, you can’t avoid the fact that he’s still a kid — he’s playful — but when it comes to the shoot, especially in the heavy, he’s motivated and knows what he’s doing. It’s like he was born to be an actor,” Valdes said.
De Mesa echoed Valdes’ sentiments, describing Mikaell as “a thinking actor.”
Michael De Mesa
“I first heard his name because of ‘Firefly’ and all the awards he won. I met him for the first time during the table read and was already impressed. But when we started taping, I was even more impressed,” de Mesa shared.
“He doesn’t just let things go when he acts. He needs concrete motivation for why he’s doing something and why he needs to do it. So for somebody who is 11 years old and works like this, I can say he is an extraordinary actor. This boy is gifted,” he continued.
“I’m always on my toes when I’m in a scene with him. What he brings to the table really moves you, so I enjoy working with him. And even off-camera, we talk about life. He is very mature,” de Mesa added.
“Forever Young” tells the story of Rambo, a 25-year-old man trapped in a 10-year-old body. Due to his rare condition called panhypopituitarism, his growth hormone slows down while his childlike appearance remains.
Despite the situation, Rambo continues to be a loving son and brother to his adoptive family. He soon finds his purpose in helping others and dreams of becoming a public servant.
However, Rambo’s political journey becomes complicated due to personal and family conflicts.
Asked what lessons audiences can glean from “Forever Young,” Valdes took the lead and said, “This series offers a clear depiction of who we should vote, especially with the upcoming elections. It shows who is greedy for power and who genuinely wants to help the country.”
Also part of the stellar ensemble are Alfred Vargas, Nadine Samonte, Rafael Rosell, James Blanco, Lucho Ayala, and Althea Ablan, among others.
Directed by Gil Tejada Jr., with associate director Rechie Del Carmen, “Forever Young” weekdays at 4 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime. Global viewers can also the show via GMA Pinoy TV.
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