Veteran actress Lotlot de Leon believes her daughter Janine Gutierrez can do justice as young Lotlot once her life is made an episode in “Maalaala Mo Kaya.”

“Of course, hindi na ako maghahanap ng iba pa, ‘yung anak ko na si Janine Gutierrez (Of course, I will not look for another actress, my daughter Janine Gutierrez will do). Kasi I think she understands kung ano ako (It’s because she understands who I am), how I move and everything. She really knows my story. So, who else to better play the young Lotlot?” De Leon said during the online conference for the said drama series yesterday, Sept. 28.

De Leon plays Grace, an OFW mom to Jeremiah Lisbo, who plays ex-“PBB” housemate Ralph Malibunas. All his life, Ralph (Jeremiah) wanted to be an actor and a housemate of Kuya to make his OFW mother, Grace (Lotlot), proud. But luck was not on his side as he fell short in the “PBB” auditions twice. Watch how he was able to make it on his third try this Oct. 2.

Janine Gutierrez, Lotlot de Leon — Janine Gutierrez (left) and Lotlot de Leon (Image: Instagram/@janinegutierrez)

So, how did she find newcomer Lisbo as an actor?

“For me personally, tiningnan ko siya as my son. Ako, tatlong babae, isa lang yung lalaki (na anak ko). Si Jeremiah as Ralph, is very, very close to his mom. Hindi naman ako nahirapan sa parte na ‘yon,” De Leon said.

De Leon said she could somehow relate to her character.

“Kasama na doon ang frustration kasi ‘di ba ang mga anak natin kapag lumalaki mayroon silang sariling desisyon na kahit masakit sa atin minsan ay kailangan nating tanggapin para matuto din sila sa buhay. So, nandoon ’yung naramdaman ko sa mommy ni Ralph,” she said. (It includes frustration because our children, when they grow up they have their own decision, which although it can be hurting to us, we need to accept so that they will learn in life. So, that’s how I felt as the mom of Ralph.)

“Nandoon din ‘yung naramdaman ko na I have to let you go to decide for yourself kasi ganoon kita kamahal dahil alam ko, naniniwala ako na gagawin mo ‘yung tama para sa sarili mo,” she added. (I also felt that I have to let you go to decide for yourself because I love you that much since I know, I believe that you will do what is right for yourself.)

Don’t miss “MMK” on Kapamilya Channel and A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, and iWantTFC. For viewers abroad, catch it on The Filipino Channel on cable and IPTV. /ra

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