It was a very intimate and relaxed mood when we talked to Rhodora X stars Mark Herras and Yasmien Kurdi a few days ago in Roots and Herbs Cafe in Timog Avenue in Quezon City. This series is going to be a little different as they take on a shcizo suspense melodrama take on their story. Rhodora X stars Jennylyn Mercado, hunky Mark Herras, Yasmien Kurdi, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Glydel Mercado and veteran character actor Gardo Versoza.
I haven't met Mark Herras before this blogcon, but have seen his compatriots in GMA7. With the likes of Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda and a lot of other actors, GMA has produced some of the most bankable stars when it comes to drama. Mark Herras is also on a class of his own. His approach of being "in character" and making it "real" shows in every successful show he's been on at this network.
I wasn't surprised he was made part of this cast because apart from his great demeanor in doing the role of Joaquin Quirante, he made sure he looks the role. A clean cut, handsome, rich, driven guy who's going to have this love triad a kick, he says he knows what Joaquin feels and he wants that to come across TV when the series begins to unfold the story between him, former girlfriend Jennelyn Mercado and StarStruck compatriot Yasmien Kurdi.
He's one of the most good looking and down to earth guy I have come across with; and I think he's going to do justice in playing his part in the telenovela. He was really enthusiastic to tell us about how he's doing and tells how special his relationship with Jennelyn Mercado has become. They are former lovers after all. They have amicably went on separate ways but kept it a point to still stay special friends. They clearly have kept in touch even though they have their respective partners (now ex's) before. That just means their bonds are tough, like glue.
Who can resist his charms? I don't know. Maybe that's exactly why he's in Rhodora X.
Still gorgeous and simple is Yasmien Kurdi. She's a Mom now and we even got the chance to see her kid roaming around happily on the coffee shop while we were chatting a bit. She's a bundle of joy and it looks like she's picking up after her Mom when it comes to being so cute. In this series, she's playing Angela Ferrer-Feliciano. There are some scenes when we saw an X mark on her and Jennelyn Mercado, they said that it actually stands for something from their past that will haunt them continually as the story progresses. You would have to watch the show and see how it plays in their relationships especially with her and Jennelyn's schizo role.
Yasmien Kurdi was so glad to be back from her long break from show business. She finished her studies as a Nurse and took care of her little kid, but when she told GMA Executives that she's ready to work they gladly opened their arms and said nothing. It was like clockwork and she didn't have to adjust to anything. She learned how to adjust though because previously she was always carrying the stress of the characters she was playing at home. Now she knows how to separate the two. She's also thankful that GMA gave her work that fast and trusted her with big projects like these. She laments that she manages her time well and gets to spend time with her kid like the time we did this blogcon. She wants to still take care of her personally as much as she can.
Then while we were taking photos.... SURPRISE! :)
Happy birthday! :) New show, new challenges, she can take it on and make you want to watch RHODORA X on GMA 7 primetime slot.
Here's a little invite from Mark and Yasmien
So make sure you watch you show on January 27 KAPUSO! :P
For more information about their show: