Aubrey Caraan admits feeling ‘pressured’ acting with Claudine Barretto

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April 8, 2025 | 12:00am

When rising actress Aubrey Caraan had a scene with Claudine Barretto in the series adaptation of “Avenues of the Diamond (AOTD),” the former “panicked” because of the “pressure” and at the same time, “excitement” that she felt to be acting alongside the actress.

The “AOTD,” directed by Gino Santos, will premiere on Viva One on April 11, with a new episode every Friday thereafter.

Aubrey reprises her role as Samantha, a Communication student from Ateneo de Manila University, who is known for her kindness and easygoing nature. But behind her friendly demeanor is a girl who has never truly let anyone into her life. Desperate to break free from her toxic and overbearing family, she agrees to an arranged marriage with Clyden (Lance Carr) — her only ticket to independence.

The “Optimum Star” Claudine and Bobby Andrews portray Sam’s parents.

“We had this scene together. (I thought) I’m OK, I’m doing a really good job naman,” recalled Aubrey at a mediacon. “But when Ms. Claudine and I had a scene, along with Bobby Andrews, I panicked from the inside because hindi pa nagsi-sink in sa akin that I’m working with Ms. Claudine and Sir Bobby. And they are my parents in the series. Parang nagpatong-patong na, the pressure, excitement, everything. So that time, I can’t act well.

“Direk was saying, ‘Again, again.’ Sobrang nahihiya na po talaga ako kay Ms. Claudine but they were so nice and patient with me.”

So direk Gino talked to Aubrey and asked her, “How do you feel?” Tears welled up in Aubrey’s eyes.

“I think it was because of the pressure because this is really a huge project for me and they are my parents in the series,” explained Aubrey. “And I came to realize na, ‘This is it na talaga.’ Like this is different from the other projects that I’ve done before.” She was, nevertheless, “grateful for the experience.”

Following the success of “The Rain in España,” “Safe Skies, Archer” and “Chasing in the Wild,” the “AOTD” is the fourth installment of Gwy Saludes’ hit Wattpad saga “University Series.”

Direk Gino assured the series and Wattpad fans that they are “staying faithful with the book.” “I think that’s what all the fans want and what I want to do. But also, every season pinu-push pa namin to make it bigger and better. So hopefully, this one will exceed expectations.”

Aubrey is “very grateful and blessed” to be the lead actor in “AOTD,” along with Lance. “I’ve waited long enough to have this chance in showbiz and this is it. I felt pressured but mas nangingibabaw yung pagiging thankful ko for being part of this, to be the lead role.”

“In my case, it’s all very new to me,” offered Lance. “Having my first (onscreen) partner, my first love team, first lead role, it was very new.”

He is also grateful to direk and the Viva bosses and staff for guiding him throughout the process and production.

On the things that they discovered from each other while filming, Lance shared, “Actually, a lot, but at the top of my head, what I learned about Aubrey is you really have to make her comfortable because as we know in this book, we’re going to do intimate scenes and the like.

“So, I’m just really doing my best to make sure… Because she never had a boyfriend. And ako, I had those experiences already so I’m just trying to do my best to make sure she’s comfy with me.”

Lance would always tell Aubrey that her “feeling is valid.” Aubrey said, “I’m the type of person who doesn’t really share my problems, with anything, with my feelings because I’m shy. I’m the type who likes giving happiness to everyone even though I’m struggling.

“I’m always smiling. I’m always laughing but I’m struggling. I learned that my feelings are valid. I can tell him everything, (including if) I’m mad at him. Naiinis ako. Valid yun and he accepts that,” concluded Aubrey.