Susan Roces in Babaeng Hampaslupa

SUSAN ROCES says she would have accepted the post of being MTRCB Chair, now occupied by her daughter Grace Poe-Llamanzares, if she were younger. “But at this point in my life, mas gusto ko na yung umarte every now and then as I really miss acting,” says Swanie who plays the pivotal role of Helena, the feisty and imperious matriarch of the See Family, mortal enemies of the Wong Family, in TV5’s “Babaeng Hampaslupa”.

Does she give any advice to Grace about her job? “No, she’s a responsible adult and she knows how to do her job well. Nakikita ko namang kinakaya niya. All I told her when she was appointed was to brace herself for the responsibilities she’ll handle kasi malaking challenge talaga yun. But she loves the industry and I know she’ll do fine. Mas tinutulungan ko sa pagiging lola ko sa kanyang mga anak, lalo na ngayong busy na siya sa trabaho niya.”

What does she think of Alex Gonzaga as TV5’s new bet for drama stardom? “I’m glad to support her kasi when I started in Sampaguita Pictures, I was also supported by more senior stars like Gloria Romero and Lolita Rodriguez. Payback time for me now to support today’s younger actresses.”

We tell TV exec Perci Intalan that the show will rate only if it would be aired on time at 9 PM when it opens on February 7. It’s common knowledge “My Driver Sweet Lover” didn’t rate because “Willing-Willie” is always going overtime so viewers don’t know when it’ll come in. “We’ve told that to Willie and explained that the market of ‘Babaeng Hampaslupa’ are moms who sleep by 10 PM, so we really should come in on time at 9. Pararaanin lang daw niya itong birthday week niya and after that, they’ll avoid overtime na.”