The program is headlined by this generation’s soap opera superstars Shayne Sava as Ara and Althea Ablan as Bella, together with seasoned artists Camille Prats as Roselle, Wendell Ramos as Gary and Alfred Vargas as Ariel.
Sava admitted that she feels pressured to banner the show and work with veteran actors: “It is overwhelming and at the same time, heartwarming. It feels good knowing that a lot of people appreciate our hard work and talents. Pressure comes along with it, but I will always do everything to improve every day.”
Ablan also expressed gratitude for having interesting and challenging roles: “I’m always thankful to GMA for giving me the opportunity to give life to these characters. It’s a bit close to my last role in Prima Donnas but at the same time it’s really a brand new experience and my character here has a lot more depth and nuance.”
Prats, on the other hand, shared her preparations for her comeback series: “I’m excited to do what I’ve always loved to do. At the same time, I feel nervous because I haven’t acted in five years. I familiarized myself with Roselle’s role in order to prepare for the right nuances of the character.”
Meanwhile, Ramos highlights the lessons that viewers can learn from this program: “Each character plays a special role that Filipinos can truly relate to. It will teach them the true meaning of love for our children and our partner. They will also realize how important family is.”
Vargas also recounted how he can relate to his character: “Much like Ariel, I know there are a lot of challenges that come with being a father, especially on setting a good example to your daughters. It’s especially difficult to devote family time when you juggle several roles. But when it comes to your children, you can sacrifice everything for them.”
Completing the star-studded cast are Klea Pineda as Gwen, the young and cunning stepmother of Roselle; Abdul Raman as Justin, a nerdy guy who will become Ara’s best friend; Saviour Ramos as Ed, a blind follower who will do everything for his love, Bella; Ronnie Lazaro as Lolo Hadji, and Ms. Nova Villa as Lola Madonna. They are the deceitful adoptive grandparents of Bella.
“AraBella” follows the story of a loving mother, Roselle, who searches for her lost daughter. Even though it has already been 10 years since her child was kidnapped, Roselle still believes that they will be reunited.
And with the help of a TV show, Roselle meets Ara, a teenager who got kidnapped during childhood and is now searching for her real mother. Both of their narratives match and it gives them hope to finally bring their family back together.
But amid their blossoming relationship, Roselle and Ara found out through DNA tests that they are not blood-related. Despite this saddening result, Roselle still decided to adopt Ara. However, everything will change as the real daughter, Bella, returns.
The show’s director Adolf Alix Jr. guaranteed that AraBella will deliver something new and special to the audience: “I think the journey is quite familiar and relatable but as what they all say, we all have our unique way of telling our story. The twist and turns of how Roselle takes the chance for Ara and Bella challenges our notion of being a woman, a mother and our traditional family system.”
Catch the world premiere of AraBella starting March 6, weekdays at 3:25 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime and Pinoy Hits. (PR)