'The Heart of Music' showcases musical side of Gladys Reyes

Gladys Reyes in character as Madonna in 'The Heart of Music'

"Is this for me?"

That was the biggest question Gladys Reyes had to ask herself when offered the lead role in "The Heart Of Music" currently in cinemas nationwide.

Though an accomplished actress, she is mostly known for doing character roles---certainly not the type who'd break into song midway through a scene.

Still, doing a musical has always been in her bucketlist and it now has been ticked off.

In the original Filipino musical film, Gladys plays free-spirited Kapampangan character named Madonna who help raise children; nurturing them with love and music.

It the premise sounds akin to "The Sound of Music," well, Gladys is glad about it. After all, that Julie Andrews-starrer happens to be one of her all-time favorite movies!

Gladys during the talkback session

Among her co-stars in "The Heart of Music" are
Robert Sena, Isay Alvarez, Angel Guardian, Rey PJ Abellana, Marissa Sanchez, Jopay Paguia, Joshua Zamora, etc.

Gladys was especially conscious of doing the project with Isay and Robert, both widely acknowledged as among the best singers in the industry.

"Kaya nag-voice lesson ako, nag-piano lesson pa nga," Gladys said. "I did my homework because being around them, I wanted to give my best."

Being a family movie, we asked Gladys to reflect on being a mother in light of the story vis-a-vis real life.

"Mahirap na masarap maging nanay," said she. "Masarap na nakikita mo sila na napapalaki ng maayos. Ang isang ina, nagbibigay yan ng love na walang kapalit, kumbaga bigay lang ng bigay sa kanyang mga anak."

Given the chance, Gladys hopes to breathe life into a bida-kontrabida character on the silver screen.

"Yung tipong pang 'Gone Girl,'" she quipped.

"The Heart of Music" is directed by Paolo Bertola and written (even the music) by Mario Gatdula Alaman.