Singer and actress Zephanie Dimaranan, the first-season winner of ‘Idol Philippines,’ expressed her enthusiasm for both singing and acting during the press conference for her upcoming GMA Network project, the youth-oriented drama series ‘MAKA,’ which premieres on Saturdays at 4:45 p.m.

At the event, Zephanie shared how the encouragement she receives from her supporters has fueled her passion for performance. “’Yung encouragement na nare-recieve ko from the people na I value the most talagang na-boost po ako, mas nag-grow ‘yung passion ko and I know na with singing po, nandu’n pa rin po ‘yung pag-arte kasi, you know, you have to sing with emotions,” she explained.

Acknowledging her inexperience in acting, Zephanie conveyed her gratitude for the trust GMA Network has placed in her by casting her in ‘MAKA.’ “‘Yung napakalaking tiwala po na naibigay, may kasama siyang pressure pero nandu’n din ‘yung pagpapasalamat sa paniniwala nila sa amin. So I’m so so grateful po and super blessed to have all these people walk with me in this journey of discovering more about myself, sa career ko, so sobra po akong grateful,” she stated.

‘MAKA’ combines teen drama with musical elements and features a talented cast, including Sparkle stars Ashley Sarmiento and Marco Masa, along with Sparkle teens Olive May, John Clifford, Dylan Menor, Sean Lucas, Chanty Videla from the K-Pop group Lapillus, and May Ann Basa, known as Bangus Girl.

The series addresses the challenges faced by Generation Z and explores their interactions with other generations, including millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers. The story revolves around high school students in the Arts & Performance (A&P) section of Douglas MacArthur High School for the Arts, known as MAKA, under the guidance of Sir V, played by Romnick Sarmenta.

Sir V, a successful artist, returns to his hometown and, despite his initial reluctance, accepts a teaching position at the local public school—MAKA. Through this experience, he discovers the valuable lessons he and his students have yet to learn from each other.

 

The cast also includes fellow ‘That’s Entertainment’ alumni Tina Paner, Jojo Alejar, Sharmaine Arnaiz, and Maricar de Mesa, along with veteran actress Carmen Soriano.

Directed by Rod Marmol, ‘MAKA’ continues GMA Network’s tradition of producing youth-oriented programs, reminiscent of iconic shows like ‘T.G.I.S.’ and ‘Click.’ Viewers can catch ‘MAKA’ on GMA Network, Kapuso Stream, and the international channel GMA Pinoy TV.