A screenshot of Ria Atayde who plays Melinda in the new afternoon series 'Nag-aapoy na Damdamin' (via ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube)

Ria Atayde prepared herself for her most mature role yet, showcasing her own unique talent in the industry by starring in the highly anticipated series "Nag-aapoy na Damdamin" by ABS-CBN and TV5. During the back-to-back grand media conference of "Pira-pirasong Paraiso" and "Nag-aapoy na Damdamin" held at the Luxent Hotel last July 13, Ria found her new role in the series challenging because it was far from her usual role of being wholesome. "I think this is the most mature role kasi that I've done so that on its own is already a difficult experience, so to say," Ria said. Ria plays the role of Melinda, a public relations maven. She described the character as someone with a lot of sass and is dedicated to her husband, Lucas, who is played by Tony Labrusca. Ria mentioned how grateful she is for working with people she is comfortable with. "I'm grateful that Tony's my leading man for this one, and our directors are very gracious enough to guide us through the delicate and intimate scene. So I guess that's really a challenge here for me kasi nga, as a wholesome po tayo," the actress said.  Mela Habijan, one of the hosts, encouraged Ria to continue accepting mature roles. "You being there in public allows women to say that 'Oh, this is a woman who defines sexiness.' You are one sexy woman," commented Mela. Ria, the daughter of actress Sylvia Sanchez, is in pursuit of making her mark in the industry. “Nung pumasok naman po ako sa industriya, alam ko na po yun at the back of my head, na kahit anong mangyari, I’ll be attached to my mom. “That does work to my advantage sometimes diba, pero being like an individual gusto mo rin ang tingin sayo—individual. So I’m grateful that at this point, medjo nahihiwalay na,” she added. The actress said she does not consider the situation a disadvantage. "If anything, I'm grateful that I'm my mom's daughter, kasi natutulungan niya naman ako in more ways than one. Ria admitted that being a child of another actor has its own challenges. She said that one must strive to prove themselves, to show that they've worked hard to reach their situation, not because of any connections. “To be recognized as an individual, that’s something to be grateful for…alam ko namang kaya ko,” she added. "Nag-aapoy na Damdamin" will air on weekdays starting July 25 at 3:50 p.m. after "Pira-pirasong Paraiso." The series can be watched on the following platforms: TV5, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, iWant TFC, TFC, and A2Z. (Kyla Mari Paulo/OJT/University of Sto. Tomas)