Jillian Ward dedicates 'Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap' role to late grandmother

Jillian Ward's role as Doc Analyn Santos on "Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap" is dedicated to her late grandmother, who passed away at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a GMA Integrated News interview with Aubrey Carampel, which aired on "24 Oras" Wednesday, the Star of the New Gen shared that she feels fulfilled as the series nears its end because she was able to realize her grandmother's dream for her mom in her own way.

"Dream niya rin po sa mama ko na maging doctor, eh hindi po natuloy, so kahit papaano doctor naman po ako sa role ko," she said.

The lola's girl recalled one scene she had to do with Dexter Doria, who plays the role of Tiyang Susan in the series, where the latter had to lie down on a hospital bed.

Per Jillian, the scene reminded her so much of her late lola that she couldn't stop crying.

"Naalala ko po 'yung lola ko tapos hindi kami makapagtake for 15 minutes kasi sobra  'yung iyak ko," she shared. "So, I hope proud po talaga siya kasi this show is for her."

The story of Doc Analyn Santos has also resonated with viewers, to the point that Jillian has gotten mistaken for a real doctor by some people.

"May mga gusto pong magpacheck-up, especially po 'yung mga lola or 'yung mga super bata po talaga na hindi nila alam 'yung concept ng acting. Parang naniniwala po silang doctor talaga ako. Minsan po mas marami nang tumatawag sa akin na Doc Analyn kaysa Jillian," she quipped.

"Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap" will air its finale on October 19 after over two years on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Aside from Jillian, the record-breaking show also stars Carmina Villarroel (Lyneth), Richard Yap (Doc RJ), Dina Bonnevie (Giselle), Pinky Amador (Morgana), Allen Dizon (Carlos), and Kazel Kinouchi (Doc Zoey), among others.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News