Another heart-wrenching, subversive, and culturally attuned teleserye will make its debut in ABS-CBN’s primetime lineup; that is, the newest action-drama, “Blood vs. Duty.” On the recently concluded “Kapamilya Chat Grand Fans Day,” last March 25, which featured the superb ensemble of the action-drama teleserye, Barbie Imperial eagerly responded to questions focused on her latest role.
By embodying the kind-hearted yet fierce Jamilah, the younger sister of Jalil (played by Gerald Anderson), Barbie highlighted her character’s remarkable qualities as a modern Muslim woman, capable of seeing the coexistence of progress and tradition.
Having said that, Barbie was committed to learning about the Muslim culture, particularly the sacred rules and conduct, with the goal of upholding respect towards the religion she is portraying. “Lahat ng gagawin namin, [kailangan] marerespeto namin ‘yung Muslim [community],” she expressed.
Given the fact that it’s her first opportunity to step into the shoes of a person of culture, she acknowledged feeling nervous most of the time, further compounded by her frequent emotional scenes. Barbie then shared, “Halos every taping day ko walang araw na hindi ako umiiyak. As in, laging umiiyak si Jamilah pero laban lang.
When it came to her preparations, Barbie often thought about hurtful scenarios that would ignite the necessary emotions for her sequences, especially since she was acting alongside veteran actors and actresses. She expressed appreciation as well for Ms. Julie Anne R Beniez, head of JRB Creative Production unit, thanking directors FM Reyes, Bjoy Balagtas, Rico Navarro, Erwin Tagle, and more for continually supporting her efforts to hone her talents.
Along the way, Barbie found a safe space with her fans whenever she happened to have times of weakness. She elaborated, “My supporters are like my friends; sometimes ‘pag nasa shoot ako, nagse-selfie or umiiyak, sinesend ko sa kanila.”
Further discussing her character, the Kapamilya actress commented that she never disliked any features of Jamila’s and sweetly explained that she cherished the fact that they have similarities in the manner in which they are both brave and family-oriented.
“She will do everything for her family, just like me. ‘Pag alam ko na nasa tama, ilalaban ko talaga,” she added.
In her recent performances with her phenomenal co-stars Baron Geisler, Gerald Anderson, Bela Padilla and Richard Gutierrez, although she inevitably felt pressured, the directors and production team ensured that her scenes were top-notch, alleviating her doubts and allowing her to feel recognized as part of the show’s family.
Speaking about disconnecting from her role when the taping is concluded for that day, Barbie pointed out that she typically has no trouble doing so, but because filming takes place daily, she reached out to a life coach, to assist her in balancing everything, as well as her emotions.
“I grew up na wala akong dad, and my mom was in Bicol. ‘Pag tumatanda na parents natin ayaw natin silang isama kung ano ‘yung nararamdaman natin… Hindi mo pwedeng i-trust [lang] ‘yung nararamdaman mo,” she reminded.
“Blood vs Duty” is a project under ABS-CBN’s JRB Creative Production, the creator of “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin,” “Darna”, “Nag-aapoy na Damdamin,” and “Sins of the Father” headed by Julie Anne R. Benitez and creative head Dindo Perez. It is directed by FM Reyes, Bjoy Balagtas, and Rico Navarro, along with action director Erwin Tagle.
Get ready to focus on the heartbreaking battles in “Blood vs Duty,” streaming on iWant starting April 4, and airing on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) beginning April 6.