Written By Mikey Sutton • Editor-in-Chief • Owner
GMA’s First Yaya is first class, a charming Filipino comedy-drama that was sweet pandemic escapism.
The GMA Network originally cast Marian Rivera in the title role as Melody Reyes.
She is the First Yaya (English: First Nanny) of the series.
However, Rivera left the show due to COVID-19 safety protocols.
Sanya Lopez replaced her.
Furthermore, the dynamic with her fellow romantic lead Gabby Concepcion shifted with the generation gap.
Concepcion is 56; Lopez is 24. (Rivera is 36.)
It works beautifully.
Concepcion plays Glenn Francisco Acosta, the morally centered, good-hearted Vice President who is suddenly jolted to the top when President Diane Carlos (Boots Anson-Roa) abruptly dies in office.
That’s not the only tragedy in Glenn’s life.
His wife (Jean Garcia) recently passed away, leaving him a single father.
Glenn’s loss has left him lonely and grieving.
Unfortunately, he focuses his hours on work to alleviate the pain.
Consequently, he neglected his children.
Melody is in mourning as well; her father (Boboy Garovillo) was killed in a hit-and-run.
GMA’s First Yaya Is Charming Pandemic Escapism
Image: GMA Network
First Yaya combines laughter and tragedy in a warm, easygoing way.
However, the romantic relationship between Glenn and Melody is the beating heart of the show.
I think First Yaya is successful mostly because of the years between Concepcion and Lopez.
Older man-younger woman couples are unfortunately rare in today’s entertainment.
It’s so refreshing to see.
Glenn provides Melody with stability and strength; those qualities arrive with maturity and age.
Melody, on the other hand, fills his life with exuberance and hope.
She also loves his kids, which is most important to him.
In addition, Lopez instills Melody with depth and infectious energy.
Her performance ensures that Melody is more than just a shapely diversion. (There’s a reason why her fans want her to represent Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant; she’d win it all.)
I was hooked on First Yaya from its first episode, and I watched them all.
The chemistry between Concepcion and Lopez is undeniable.
The political betrayals and plot twists fuel First Yaya‘s soap elements; nevertheless, it’s the love story that keeps a viewer coming back for more.
First Yaya has completed, and I hope GMA orders a sequel.
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