Gladys Reyes reunites with original ‘Mara Clara’ cast in MV for single ‘Primera Kontrabida’

MANILA — Actress Gladys Reyes expressed gratitude as she officially launched the music video for her debut single, “Primera Kontrabida,” a project she described as an answered prayer.

Known for her iconic villain roles, Reyes admitted she never expected to release a song despite her longtime love for singing.

“Mahilig lang talaga ako kumanta pero hindi ko na akalain na magkakaroon din ako ng single, and I’m grateful for this answered prayer,” she said.

To prepare for the project, Reyes said she underwent voice training and spent hours rehearsing at home.

“Of course, I took up voice lessons din po. Ayoko naman mapahiya,” she said. “Maraming-maraming rehearsal po sa bahay, kanta-kanta, mga favorite songs ko. I’ve been singing po talaga. Marami lang hindi nakakaalam.”

One of the highlights of the music video launch was the participation of cast members from the original Mara Clara series in the music video, including Judy Ann Santos, Susan Africa, Wowie de Guzman, Christopher Roxas, and Juan Rodrigo.

Recalling the audience’s reaction during the premiere, Reyes said she hopes viewers felt the nostalgia that the music video was designed to evoke.

“Sana naramdaman nila kung ano yung gusto namin iparating na it’s very nostalgic, iconic. Yung aming serya noon ay naging part na ng pop culture, di ba? So sana muli namin silang naibalik sa ganong era, kumbaga,” she said.

The actress also shared that preparation has always been central to her work, whether in acting or singing.

“Hindi lang sa singing, pati sa pag-arte. Ano man po yung papasukin ko, dapat dumating ka ng handa ka. Respeto rin po kasi yun sa oras ng iba. Ayaw mo naman magtagal dahil lang sa hindi ka dumating ng prepared,” she added.

Reyes, who has embraced her transition from actress to recording artist, said she is enjoying the positive response to her latest venture.

“Nai-enjoy ko lang po at this moment yung sinasabi nilang from kontrabida to kontra-diva,” she said.

Looking ahead, Reyes said she hopes to perform before bigger audiences and promised to give fans their money’s worth.

“Hindi ko maipapangako ang napakagandang boses, pero yung entertainment na ibibigay ko sa kanila, siguraduhin ko sulit na sulit,” she said.