I don’t get to watch a lot of TV, especially the local shows (although I try my best—for work!), but there is one program that I religiously watch: GMA 7’s Munting Heredera.

This show has been around for a while, and naturally, there has been a lot of plot twists and turns, plus characters that were killed and added.

Still around are the main characters: Jennifer (Mona Louise Rey), the heiress who doesn’t have any idea who she really is and who her real parents are; Manny (Roderick Paulate), Jennifer’s foster dad, who recently discovered who Jennifer’s real parents are and is keeping her away from them; Sandra (Camille Prats) and Jacob (Mark Anthony Fernandez), Jennifer’s real parents; and Lola Anna (Gloria Romero), Jennifer’s grandmother, who used to be rich.

The show has been such a hit with viewers that it got extended to January next year, so if you’re not a regular viewer, you still have the chance to get hooked.

One reason to tune in is because the show boasts of a great cast.

Mona is really one of the standouts in the show, together with the other child stars. She’s the typical bida who gets teased and hurt and maltreated, so expect a lot of tears from this character. However, one can sense great promise in Mona because she is able to deliver her lines pretty well and with sincerity and more importantly, subtlety. She’s not one of those child stars who cry like it’s the end of the world when she’s supposed to be crying coz she wants to be with her real parents.

A couple of weeks ago, I was able to meet the talented child star, who is prettier and more adorable in person. She’s like any other typical kid: a little shy at first but really fun and candid after the icebreaker. Mona was very accommodating to everyone on the set and to everyone she encountered. And just like other kids, she’s a ball of energy and she likes to jump and run around and play with everyone.

Since Christmas is just around the corner, I asked Mona for three gifts she wants to receive. Her answers? “An iPad 1, iPad 2, and iPad 3!” she said with a giggle.

A pretty girl and a promising actress, Mona is sure to achieve a lot more in the entertainment industry.

You can tune in to GMA 7’s Munting Heredera on weeknights to watch her.