After months of speculation, GMA Network has finally revealed the actress who will play Dr. Maxine, the local counterpart of Dr. Kang, the character that Korean Drama superstar Song Hye Kyo played in the international megahit, Descendants of the Sun.
In a report on 24 Oras on Thursday night, Jennylyn Mercado was introduced as the one who will play Dr. Maxine deal Cruz a.k.a. Beauty opposite Captain Lucas Manalo or Big Boss, played by Dingdong Dantes.
Since the announcement of the Philippine version, Jennylyn has been the top choice of Kapuso fans for the coveted role. The award-winning actress couldn’t help but share her excitement to reprise the immensely popular character of Beauty.
“I am super happy to portray Dr. Maxine De La Cruz of Descendants of The Sun. When I heard they started taping already and preparing for the soap, ako din na-curious kung sino nga ang napili para sa role,” she said.
“ When I learned that it was me, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for GMA’s trust and also pressured since I know how big this project is. I promise I would do everything to give justice to the role. I won’t let you all down. Pangako,” the actress added.
Dr. Maxine is a skilled cardiothoracic surgeon. While often noticed for her pretty face, she is headstrong, principled, and most of all, willing to do everything in her power, even put herself at risk, for her patients.
Apart from Dingdong, Jennylyn will be working with Rocco Nacino as Diego Ramos or ‘Wolf’ and Jasmine Curtis Smith as Moira Defensor.
Joining them is the powerhouse cast composed of the Soldiers Team: Lucho Ayala, Jon Lucas, Paul Salas, Prince Clemente, Ricardo Cepeda, and Antonio Aquitania.
And the Doctors and Nurses Team: Andre Paras, Chariz Solomon, Nicole Donesa, Jenzel Angeles, Reese Tuazon, and Renz Fernandez.
Also starring Bobby Andrews, Neil Ryan Sese, Ian Ignacio, Rich Asuncion, Marina Benipayo, Hailey Mendes, and Roi Vinzon.
Esteemed director Dominic Zapata is at the helm of this much-awaited project.
Last August, GMA’s Entertainment Group inked a partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to rightfully represent the country’s military forces for this very important flagship project of the Network.