Yasmien Kurdi, JC de Vera: The drama duo

Yasmien Kurdi and JC de Vera have proven that they rule the afternoon with their past hit soaps, "Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso" and "Pasan Ko ang Daigdig". As they deliver the line, “Babangon Ako at Dudurugin Kita," these two young stars raised the level of their acting chops to conquer the primetime spot. Chemistry and charisma — Yasmien Kurdi and JC de Vera have these qualities as a love team. As a result, they have been blessed with two successful afternoon soaps, one current primetime hit, and a big screen debut later this year. But the strength and skills of this dynamic duo is not just present when they are together, it is also apparent when they are on their own. JC’s Big Step JC de Vera plans to take it nice and slow when it comes to his career. As he welcomes any new challenge that may come his way, he soon found himself being molded as a serious drama actor. Far from being the cute teen couple they used to play, they became passionate lovers onscreen when they played the title roles of the television adaptation of Gilda Olvidado’ s Babangon Ako at Dudurugin Kita. “Akala ko babalik kami sa pa-tweetums ni Yas, kasi kasama namin sila Marvin[Agustin] at Angelika [dela Cruz], pero nung nag-umpisa ang story, wala naman sweet-sweetan. Seryoso [na]. Ito na ‘yung pinaka-mature na ginampanan ko na role," JC shares with iGMA. He further says that even though he has played tearjerker roles in the past, getting the lead role for a primetime show is a totally different ballgame. The tension increased when the cast and crew were made aware that after Bakekang, Babangon is GMA’s next foray into the pure drama genre. “Different ‘pag primetime kasi bigger [ang] market. But I think na prove namin na mas ok ang GMA sa drama," he comments then smilingly adds, “Magkakaroon at magkakaroon pa ng drama sa primetime, ewan ko lang kung kasama pa ako." JC then invites everyone to continue watching Babangon because he promises a more interesting twist for his character, Derek. “Basta ‘yung love ko sa family ko mas titindi, magre-revenge ako sa lahat ng pumatay sa pamilya ko--matinding galit. Kailangan nilang abangan kung paano kami magkakabalikan ni Salve." Yasmien, Back in the Game After her impressive performance as Charming in Bakekang, Yasmien is now back where she truly belongs—GMA’s primetime block. Even though it's her first time to encounter such a mature character, she proves that she's more than capable of portraying the embittered Salve. She wonders, “Para ngang natatak sa akin drama [because I played] Charming sa Bakekang. Dati kasi sa Encantadia, telefanstaya pero may drama. Ngayon naman puro drama." However, she does not mind the task at hand. The truth of the matter is that she enjoys the perks of playing a vengeance-ridden young woman. She reveals with unbridled enthusiasm, “Masaya ako na drama-action. Ngayon ako natuto humawak ng baril! Astig di ba?" Many were surprised when Yas tapped to breathe life into Salve. Not because she did not have the depth as an actress, but simply because she seemed too young to portray such a bitter and angry woman. She is the youngest among the cast members of the show. In fact, she is even younger than Jay Aquitania, who plays her supposedly younger brother in the show! She echoes the sentiments of others, “Ako rin eh, noong umpisa, nag-wo-wonder din ako how to play the role of Salve, how to approach it. Pero na-realize ko na si Salve dito, ginawa nila [na] younger. So tamang-tama lang. Tapos ayun, mas naging mature na lang sa situation." Yasmien makes it looks easy. But then again, she and JC would not have been given this big task if the network executives did not deem them worthy. And they were able to deliver. - iGMA.tv