Ysabel Ortega relives her law student life in ‘SLAY’

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April 8, 2025 | 12:00am

She has immersed into the superhero world of Jamie Robinson in the live adaptation of the Japanese animé TV series, “Voltes V: Legacy,” and in the personal, professional life of nurse Cynthia in the drama-romance, “What We Could Be.”

In the GMA-Viu collaboration “SLAY,” however, Ysabel Ortega steps into the life of Yana, a law student, who has been implicated and involved in the intriguing demise of coach and fitness influencer Zach, or Z (played by Derrick Monasterio).

At this point in the murder mystery narrative, Yana and another character, Sugar (Mikee Quintos), have a suspect in mind. But that might be a diversionary tactic from them since their motives need to be defined more.

“When they first gave me my character (and told me about it), they already made appear who Yana would be like and at the same time her motive,” said Ysabel in a recent press conference. “I think that’s so just interesting, like what Derrick has mentioned, like out of the four (characters), my character, you know, is the gentle(st), the most fragile and the most feminine.”

In the same event, Derrick picked Yana as the possible culprit behind Zach’s scorching end since the character is quiet and, given her understanding about the law, can conceal the truth.

“Talagang hindi mo maiisip na kayang gumawa ng ganoong klaseng crime (she is the least person one could suspect to orchestrate such a crime),” added Ysabel. “It’s just so exciting to explore what will happen to my character once she is given a big problem.”

The Sparkle GMA artist also piqued one’s interest by saying how Yana will grow as the journey to find the real killer of the character Zach continues and eventually concludes.

In a “Kapuso Showbiz News” interview, Ysabel further described the character as “a quirky, perky law student that’s just full of positivity.”

Yana remains steadfast and strong because of her positive outlook on life, added Ysabel.

“She always looks (on) the bright side… So, I love the positivity of Yana and I love how she treasures her friendships with her friends.”
Playing Yana has allowed Ysabel to relive, reminisce and revisit the latter’s experiences as a law student and also taught her about criminal procedures.

After finishing a degree in Political Economy, she attended law school and juggled her studies and showbiz work.

Since the story of “SLAY” may be seen as a study about traits — good and surprising ones — of women, through the characters of Liv (portrayed by Julie Anne San Jose), Amelie (Gabbi Garcia), Yana (Ysabel) and Sugar (Mikee), Ysabel and the rest of the female stars were also asked about situations they felt most vulnerable and empowered.

Ysabel had this to share: “When I feel most vulnerable, perhaps when I feel alone… parang misconception na isang malakas na babae, kailangan kaya mo ang sarili mo (a strong woman needs to carry herself all the time).”

“And as an only child, alam mo yun, of course, my mom is always there for me. My family is always there for me, pero kapag only child ka and ‘pag feeling mo kailangan mong maging empowered, i-ta-try mong labasan ang isang problema sa buhay mo na by yourself (if you’re an only child and feeling empowered, you try to deal and solve the problem by yourself),” continued she. “That’s a misconception. I think that’s one of the things I really love about my character here is naging revelation din siya for myself that I could also ask for help from others.”

Ysabel also shared that she feels most empowered when she recognizes that “there are also people around me to help me and to be there for me and to empower me as well.”

With that, these are some of her takeaways for playing Yana on the small screen and collaborating with fellow stars on the “SLAY” set.

Watch “SLAY” from Mondays to Thursdays at 9:25 p.m. on GMA.