YASSER MARTA admits he felt bad when the pandemic suddenly stopped the telecast of “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit” last March.
“First time akong mabigyan ng male lead role, opposite Kyline Alcantara, tapos, biglang naputol agad ang airing,” he says. “It was so unexpected. Biglang nawala yung momentum namin.
"We’re not even sure then kung matutuloy pa kami. But now, after nine months of waiting, heto at we’re back on the air na starting this Monday afternoon. Sisimulan muna with a rewind of the past episodes.
"This is in preparation for the airing of the fresh new episodes which we taped in a resort hotel in San Mateo, Rizal. Then by January, ipapalabas na yung bagong episodes.”
So how’s life while he’s on lockdown?
“I really missed taping. I missed acting, which I love doing. I missed Kyline and our co-stars kasi ang ganda ng samahan naming lahat sa show. But it paid to be hopeful and positive. May plans si Lord that we cannot explain but at least, tuloy na uli kami.”
While on lockdown, GMA Artist Center gave him a hosting job online with other Kapuso young stars in “Cool Hub”.
“At least, I was able to try something new. Nalaman kong puede naman pala akong mag-host. In this life, you should always be prepared for anything unexpected, so you won’t be caught by surprise. Acting is my passion, but now, okay rin ako sa hosting.
"I was in second year in college when I was given a good role in ‘Love You Two’ with Shaira Diaz, tapos sumunod agad itong ‘Bilangin’ kaya tumigil muna ako sa pag-aaral. But balak kong balikan yun if I’d have the time.”
In “Bilangin ang Bituin”, Yasser plays Jun, the carefree son of Zoren Legaspi as Anselmo and Ina Feleo as Margaux. He falls in love with Kyline as Maggie, who he doesn’t know, is the illegitimate child of his dad Zoren with Mylene Dizon as Magnolia, the daughter of Nora Aunor as Cedes.
Nora, Mylene and Kyline represent the three generations of women oppressed and maltreated by Zoren’s family headed by his mom, Isabel Rivas as Martina.
Don’t miss the replay of the initial episodes of “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit” starring this Monday afternoon on GMA’s Afternoon Prime, directed by Laurice Guillen.
Going back to Yasser, how is it taping the show in the new normal’s lock in setup?
“At first, nakakapanibago because of the safety protocols, but you get used to it after a while,” he says. “Pero mas mabilis ang trabaho kasi nandun na kami lagi sa set, magkakasama for three weeks, so walang nade-delay sa taping and it’s easier to stay in your character.
"Everyday, bago matulog and when I wake up, I have much time to study the script and memorize my lines. We all became closer sa location at para na kaming isang buong family, lalo na nga’t inabot pa kami roon ng bagyo.
"We’re now all excited to share with the viewers ang mga eksenang pinaghirapan naming gawin so sana, panoorin nila kami araw-araw, Monday to Friday.”
