Diana Zubiri, the Filipino actress known for her captivating performances in movies like those from Seiko Films and her iconic role as Danaya in Encantadia, recently opened up about a poignant experience while filming the GMA Prime drama-action series Mga Batang Riles.
In Mga Batang Riles, Zubiri plays Maying, a woman who is widowed when her husband, Caloy (played by Cris Villanueva), is murdered. This storyline resonated deeply with Zubiri, reminding her of the loss of her first husband in 2010.
“Mahirap po siya kasi nangyari siya sa akin sa totoong buhay. So noong nabasa ko ‘yung script, parang ‘Ano ba ‘yan, parang ang hirap.’ Naisip ko na kung saan ako huhugot ng emotions kasi nangyari siya sa’kin (The role is difficult because it really happened to me. When I read the script, I said to myself, ‘This is difficult.’ I knew where to drew emotions because it happened to me),” Zubiri confessed.
She shared the difficulty of reliving the emotions associated with her first husband’s death, especially for her return to television.
Zubiri described the intense emotions she experienced during filming, recalling the raw grief she felt when her first husband passed away.
“Mahirap, Tito Boy, kasi ‘yung emotions mo parang halo-halo, ang dami mong iniisip. Hindi ako masyadong nag-break down noong una kong nalaman. Noong nagsi-sink in, lalo na noong nakikita mo siyempre ‘yung katawan, doon siya parang lumalabas lang nang hindi mo ini-expect (It was difficult, Tito Boy, because it was a mix of emotions and it was hard to process. You couldn’t thoroughly break down when I first learned about it. When it sank in, you see showing in your body that you don’t expect),” she recounted.
Despite the emotional challenges, Zubiri delivered a powerful performance, drawing from her own experiences to portray Maying’s grief authentically.
“Noong napanood ko nga rin po ‘yung sa TV, parang naiyak ako. Sabi ko, ‘Ano ba ‘yan? Ganoon pala ‘yung nangyari (When I watched it on TV, I cried. I said, ‘What the hell. That was how it happened),” she shared, reflecting on the emotional impact of seeing her performance on screen.
Now, Diana Zubiri has found happiness and love again with her husband, Andy Smith. They have two daughters, Aliyah and Amira, and she also has a son, King, from a previous relationship.
Zubiri’s journey is a testament to her strength and resilience, proving that even after experiencing profound loss, it is possible to find love and happiness again. Her willingness to share her story offers hope and inspiration to others who may be navigating similar challenges.