Fraternal twins might share almost the same DNA but they have totally different personalities. This is the case of Maningning and Mayumi, two girls who live in a seaside community and grow up living in a small provincial pier. Kristine Hermosa plays Maningning while Angelika dela Cruz is Mayumi in this afternoon drama series that will premiere on Monday, October 8.
Prinsesa ng Banyera, which has Andoy Ranay as director and Keiko Aquino as headwriter, showcases the story of fisherfolk who struggle to meet their daily needs by harvesting fish from the sea. A banyera is the local term for a tub. This is the common container of fish in seaside communities where fishermen live.
Maningning is a happy, contented girl while Mayumi has big dreams of leaving behind the muddy and smelly pier where they live. Their pursuit of love and happiness will reunite the two but can they live together without the past haunting their relationship as siblings? Will Maningning's good heart be enough to change Mayumi's ambitious tendencies?
This teleserye also pairs Kristine with her Gulong ng Palad co-star TJ Trinidad. Urian Best Supporting Actor Rafael Rosell is also part of the cast as Charles, the rich guy who falls in love with the one of the twins.
According to Direk Andoy Ranay, this TV series was shot in locations such as Batangas, Navotas, and Isla Puting Bato in Tondo. When asked why they chose to focus on fisherfolk in this TV series, he told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal):
"Fishermen this time kasi siguro sila yung mga least na nabibigyan pansin. In terms of agriculture, mostly farmers but hindi masyado nakikita yung mga fishermen or fisher folks kahit na part din sila ng microcosm ng society."
PEP asked Kristine about her experience while working in a seaside pier. "[Magkaka-muscles ako dahil] ang bigat ng banyera. Tapos puno pa ng isda. Tapos kailangan ko pa siyang buhatin. After a while, huwag kang magugulat kung mas malaki na muscles ko kaysa kay TJ," she jested during the September 25 press conference held at the ABS-CBN compound.
"Humawak po ako ng isda. Ilang beses na po nangyari. Lagi akong humahawak ng mga isda dito. E, never pa naman akong humawak ng mga isda," she narrated. "Buti na lang, e, friends ako doon sa mga isda. Friends kami. Hindi kami masyadong nag-away," Kristine said with a smile.
As for Angelika, she points out that her character Mayumi is a complicated role that she enjoys portraying. "Complex yung character ko kaya masarap i-portray. Yung personality niya mabait pero marami siyang ayaw sa buhay niya. Ayaw niyang maging mahirap. Ayaw niya nang mahirapan sa buhay dahil yun na yung dinadanas niya."
When asked when will she get separated from her twin, the kontrabida of Pedro Penduko says, "Maghihiwalay kami pero not by birth. Siya [Kristine] lalaki sa mahirap na lugar at ako mabubuhay sa mansion...parang hinanap ko yung suwerte ko," explains Angelika.
Prinsesa ng Banyera also stars Jaclyn Jose, Allan Paule, Shamain Buencamino, Chokoleit, Maricar de Mesa, Ping Medina, Ketchup Eusebio, Neil Ryan Sese, and Dino Imperial. This show will also introduce Andy Guck, Jaclyn Jose's daughter.
Prinsesa ng Banyera premieres on October 8, after Wowowee on ABS-CBN.
Click MORE PICTURES to view photos of the cast members.