GMA Network’s Voltes V: Legacy and What We Could Be tested Ysabel Ortega’s patience, she revealed on Wednesday, August 24, due to unforeseen delays and adjustments brought by the pandemic.
Voltes V: Legacy was supposed to begin its production in 2019 but due to COVID-19, it was pushed to 2020. It is now slated to air in 2023.
“For me, definitely yes. Super naging test of patience po talaga itong pandemic,” said the young talent during the virtual media conference of What We Could Be.
“Tapos ‘yun, noong nagka-pandemic, na-delay kami nang na-delay. Then I think ngayon, more than a year na kami in production. So definitely, it’s a test of patience siya.”
The taping for her latest series with Miguel Tanfelix also challenged her, especially with the health protocols still being implemented.
“Siyempre with the limitations ng pandemic, hindi talaga siya madaling makapag-tape ng isang series because of everything that’s happening with COVID. So definitely, if it’s meant for you, it’s meant for you.”
There were also times when she almost gave up on being an actress. Ortega said she reached a point where she had to choose between acting or studying, but later on, decided to take both on.
“There were times na parang napag-isip isip ko na kung mag-aral na lang ako. Kasi nahirapan din akong mag-balance eh. There was a time na nahihirapan talaga ako but then, iba rin kasi ang passion ko sa craft ko—and I feel like ‘yun ang nagtawid sa akin para magpursigi and to just keep going. Fortunately, natapos ko ang pag-aaral ko na hindi ko kinakailangang mag-quit.”
Despite all the struggles, she said her showbiz journey was “perfect” as it helped her grow and improve her craft.
“Kasi ‘yung journey ko na iyon na kahit may times na hindi madali, or may challenges, I feel like kung hindi naman din nangyari ang mga iyon, hindi rin naman ako mapupunta kung nasaan ako ngayon.”
What We Could Be will begin airing on Monday, August 29, replacing Bolera.