Sarah Lahbati gets lead role in GMA-7's "Kokak"

This November, Starstruck 5 Ultimate Female Survivor Sarah Lahbati topbills the drama series, "Kokak", on GMA-7. Her much-awaited break brings mixed feelings of excitement and a bit of anxiety because of her fear of frogs. Ironically, playing the lead role in the new series means she will be working with frogs.

"Kokak" is based on the popular comic series created by Ruben Marcelino about a frog who transforms into a beautiful woman. The comic series' movie adaptation starred by Rachel Lobangco and Gabby Concepcion became a hit in 1989.

All smiles, Sarah shared how she broke the good news to her mom. "Sabi ko, 'Ma, tinanggal na ako sa Time Of My Life. Wala na akong show...." And when her mom asked why she was pulled out from the show, she happily told her that she is going to play the lead role in a new program.

Sarah also expressed excitement about her first team-up with Kapuso leading man, TJ Trinidad. "Mayroon ding nerbyos kasi siyempre hindi kami magkakilala. Pero, thankful ako that we had workshops na nakatulong para mas mag-loosen up kami, na mas makilala namin yung isa't isa", added the "Kokak" lead star.

Aside from acting workshops under the supervision of Mark Espinosa, Sarah also followed a strict diet to prepare for her role, which she describes as a little sexy. When she has time, she also tries to squeeze Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts into her schedule.

Playing the lead role is a big challenge for Sarah but aside from doing drama, "the biggest challenge would be that I'll be showing more skin than the usual," explained the young actress.

Also in the cast of "Kokak" are JC Tiuseco (portraying Sarah's other leading man), Jessa Zaragoza, Gary Estrada, Ms. Caridad Sanchez, Deborah Sun, Vaness Del Moral, Frencheska Farr, Ervic Vijandre.

The creative team of "Kokak" includes Creative Director Jun Lana, Headwriter Dode Cruz, Afternoon Prime Head Roy Iglesias, Creative Consultant Des Garbes-Severino, writers Mitchicko Yamamoto, Ronalyn Sales, Luningning Ribay and brainstormers Gilda Olvidado and Obet Villela. Production is supervised by: GMA VP for Drama, Lilybeth G. Rasonable; AVP for Drama, Redgie Acuña-Magno; and Program Manager Helen Rose S. Sese with Executive Producer Joy Lumboy.

Directed by Ricky Davao, "Kokak" begins airing this November on GMA-7's Afternoon Prime.Ito ang Drama.  (GMA 7 Press Release)