To the Detriment of Art's Sake

Ysabella has been one of the telenovelas that we view in TFC. With Judy Ann Santos as its bida, the soap opera tells us a girl's aspiration to get back her deceased mother's chicken recipe from one Victoria Amarillo. As she moves on with that dream in mind, she falls in love...or so we are told.

I am not really an avid fan of this show. I was actually put off by the casting. Victoria Amarillo was portrayed by Maricel Laxa, but when the young Ysabella became a woman, the Victoria role was performed by Connie Reyes. If Maricel were a little girl (portraying a little Victoria Amarillo) and Connie would obviously be the older Victoria, then there would be no problem at all! But the Victoria role didn't grow from childhood to adulthood. It only matured.

With all due respect to Connie, Maricel would have been a more effective actress as a kontrabida. Hence, she should have been given the role all throughout.

This is one of a number of shows that seem to have a 'Job Share' of roles. "Mano Po 2" has done it when it casted Susan Roces as the older Sol while retaining (and making them look older) the other characters like Christopher de Leon, Zsa Zsa Padilla, and Lorna Tolentino. The movie was full of drama but lacked consistency by replacing Kris Aquino with Roces. Recall that at the time FPJ was about to run for president.

Some stories in "Maalaala Mo Kaya" have also followed the same route. One story was about the travails of a couple who were portrayed by several pairs. First it was Michael de Mesa and Gina Alajar. Then in another chapter (of the same story) it was Dante Rivero and Perla Bautista. If Mary Walter and Rogelio de la Rosa were alive, I wouldn't be surprised if they were casted in that same show.

At a time when being being young is glorified, no one wants to be labeled as 'matanda'.

Being an actor or actress is a challenge. One time you have portray yourself as living in the prime of youth. In another you are weak and feeble minded. I tried it once - in Tanghalang Anluwage that is! - and it was a big challenge for me.

With the advancement of technology - of which showbiz benefits alot - it's possible for a star to appear younger or older. Wherever you are put, you have to deliver. Unfortunately some directors or producers don't see it that way. Blame it on plain old politics.