Shaina Magdayao takes pride in portraying a migrant worker in ABS-CBN’s upcoming soap opera titled Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo.

“Itong proyekto na ito, malapit siya sa puso ko. Hindi ako nahirapan i-portray ang character ko,” said Shaina during the March 29 press conference of ABS-CBN’s upcoming afternoon soap opera.

“Yung paghihirap mismo ng mga OFW [Overseas Filipino Workers], it’s such an honor na mapakita namin yun kasi ngayon na-realize ko na nate-take for granted ng mga pamilya nila. Mas tumaas ang respeto ko sa mga Kapamilya natin.”

In the story, her character figures in a love triangle with Jake Cuenca and Bangs Garcia.

Shaina described her character, Sarah, by saying, “Isa siyang positive na tao. Lahat ng mga pinagdaanan niya, kahit gaano kahirap, tumatayo pa rin siya. She is a fighter.”

The actress spent two weeks in Doha, Qatar for this teleserye dubbed as ABS-CBN’s first "OF-serye."

When asked how it was like working in the Middle East, the actress explained, “Mahirap kasi they’re very strict. Kung hindi kayo mag-asawa, hindi kayo puwede in one room.

"Maliit na unit lang kami so walang assistants. Tulung-tulungan…kung ano ang kaya mong dalhin o buhatin, buhatin.”

On April 12, Shaina, Jake and Bangs Garcia are expected to grace the premiere of Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo.

It will take place at the Al Majlis Hall, Sheraton Doha Resort and Convention Hotel in Doha, Qatar.

IMPROVED RELATIONSHIP WITH JOHN LLOYD CRUZ. Shaina admits that it has not been easy being involved with one of the most in demand actors in local showbiz—John Lloyd Cruz.

In fact, in October 2011, a PEP source revealed that the two stars broke up but since then, John Lloyd and Shaina have patched things up.

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How difficult is it to maintain a relationship that is under the watchful eyes of the public? 

Shaina said, “Mahirap talaga, mahirap talaga lalo na 'pag dumadaan sa pagsubok.

"Pero ako kasi ang tipo ng tao na the more you put me down, the more I’ll prove you wrong.

"Mas lalaban ako at hindi ako magpapatalo.”