Philippine showbiz’s drama queens, Bea Alonzo and Carla Abellana, are thrilled to join forces for the first time in the highly anticipated series “Widows’ War” on GMA Prime. Since its July premiere, this new murder mystery drama has dominated the ratings and online trending topics, with Bea and Carla delivering intense acting performances in every scene.
In Gen-Z language, Bea and Carla’s TV debut together wasn’t on the 2024 showbiz bingo card, but it’s definitely a delight to see two formidable actresses battling it out in a series that revolves around compelling tales of love, loss, and lies.
Sam (Bea) and George (Carla) are brought together by the shared tragedy of their husbands’ deaths. As former best friends, they navigate the challenges of widowhood while uncovering a web of lies and deceit.
Bea Alonzo as Sam
Taking on the role of Sam, Bea admitted that portraying a ‘gray character’ is both physically and emotionally draining, but it challenges her as an actress—especially in scenes alongside equally talented actresses like Carla and veteran actress Jean Garcia.
“She’s [Sam] a fighter and she is a gray character so mayroon din siyang kabaliwan. I like that about her. She really fights for her family, iyon ‘di na bago sa atin. Karamihan sa mga napapanood natin na character sa telebisyon I think kaya natin nagugustuhan iyong mga teleseryes because we can relate to them,” Bea said in an interview with the Filipino-Japanese Journal.
“And I think Filipinos in general are family-oriented that’s what I like about her. Pero ang gusto ko sa kanya hindi siya tumitigil hangga’t makita niya or matagpuan iyong katotohanan so I guess that’s what drew me to her,” she added.
Carla Abellana as George
Working together in “Widows’ War” has demonstrated their powerful chemistry, showcasing their acting depth, nuance, and captivating screen presence. Both actresses have admitted that their collaboration on this series is truly a dream come true.
“Right off the bat, walang kapaan. I wouldn’t say naman na swak right away, but kumbaga we didn’t have such a hard time adjusting to each other’s techniques, process, ‘yung timing,” Carla told the Filipino-Japanese Journal.
“Surprisingly, may mga eksena po kami na, let’s say, for example po, fight scenes. Meron po kaming mga stunt directors, stuntmen, tuturuan po kami. But really, most of them, talaga pong impromptu. Kami lang po, bigayan lang,” she added.
“Widows’ War” can be watched in Japan on iWantTFC through the GMA Pinoy Bundle. - Words by Len Armea, Interview by Florenda Corpuz, Photos courtesy of GMA
Read the full article in the August 2024 issue of the Filipino-Japanese Journal, out now in Japan.
