What's the difference of her version of Marimar from the past ones? "The script has been updated. Very today. Marimar is not Mexican but a fearless Filipina na ready sa pagharap sa anumang pagsubok at hamon ng buhay. My Marimar represent the modern Filipina na puedeng maging Miss World. O di ba? That's a big difference! And I really prepared for my role. I learned horseback riding, diving and even yung pagsasayaw ni Marimar, I studied it well."
How does she find Tom Rodriguez as her leading man, Sergio? "Nagkasama na kami before in a show. Also, pareho kaming balikbayan with a foreign dad, so we can relate well with each other. Matagal na kaming magkakilala, pero ngayon lang kami naging magkapareha. Happy akong siya ang Sergio kasi he's taller than me, he's hardworking and so devoted to his craft kaya nagkakatulungan kami sa aming scenes together. We really collaborate."
Is she ready to do passionate romantic scenes with him? "Why not? This is a love story and so no doubt we will have such scenes. I'm not afraid because he's such a gentleman na maalaga sa kapareha niya kaya nakakatuwa."
Won't her Boyfriend sa Dilim, Mikael Daez, get jealoous? "Wala po siya rito sa 'Marimar'. Nasa ibang show po siya (My Faithful Husband)."
How did winning in Miss World change her life? "It definitely gave me more confidence in what I do. It allowed me to travel to various places in the world, meet a lot of people. help a lot of the needy and I've learned to fight for what I think is right. It taught me to be more giving and help in the community whenever I can.The best lesson I got is that whatever the problem might be, big or small, there is always a positive solution."
What can she say to fans of Marian who berate her and tell her she's not fit to fill in the shoes of her idol? "I guess hindi maiiwasan yun since Marimar is such an iconic role. All I can say is give me a chance. Huwag naman sana ako husgahan agad kahit hindi pa man nagsisimulang ipalabas ang 'Marimar' namin. Sana, maging fair naman sila. Muntik na nga akong malunod while training for diving in this show. I'm sure kapag nanood sila, maa-appreciate din nila ang efforts ko to make good as the modern version of Marimar."
Supporting in her "Marimar" is her own sister, Lauren Young, who'll be one of her contravidas. Also in the cast are Jaclyn Jose, Carmi Martin, Ina Raymundo, Jaya, Cris Villanueva, Ricardo Cepeda, Dion Ignacio, Candy Pangilinan, Franco Magalona, Maricris Garcia and others. It will start airing on Monday, August 24, to replace Dingdong Dantes' "Pari 'Koy" that will end this Friday with Nora Aunor as special guest star.
