Rita Daniela: The Best Role Of Her Life
After doing Widows War, Rita Daniela takes time off to return to theater in Liwanag sa Dilim and focus on her son Uno
Doing teleseryes can be exhausting especially when the role is heavy. This is what Rita Daniela shared after wrapping up Widows War, wherein she played the role of Rebecca Palacios.
Teleserye acting will have to wait for the time being. This March, Rita returns to theater as one of the cast members of Liwanag sa Dilim, based on the songs of singer-songwriter Rico Blanco, known for being part of Rivermaya.
Accepting the role to be with Uno
Liwanag sa Dilim tells the story of Elesi, an orphan who, after discovering his identity, sets out to find his true parents. He is accompanied on his journey by Christ, his trusted ally.
Rita has remained tight-lipped about her role as Nanay, except it’s not an easy role to play. People will have to watch the show to know more about it she said.
“Una sa lahat, hindi ito madali. Hindi ito pahinga yung gagawin kong character,” she explained. “What made me say yes [to this role] in theater is really to have more time with my son [Uno].”
The singer shared that doing the musical means being with Uno as much as she can, especially on weekdays.
“Mas doon ako nag-decide kaya tinaggap ko ito. From Widows War [wherein] as a woman who has schizophrenia, pahinga muna tayo sa teleserye and let’s do theater.”
One thing about doing theater is that Rita can take Uno with her when she can. The cast members even help out by playing and babysitting Uno she shared.
This isn’t Rita’s first time in a musical. She has done several productions including Eto Na! Musikal nAPO! Based on the songs of the Apo Hiking Society.
Lessons as a young mom
In 2022, Rita announced that she was pregnant with her first child. She gave birth to her son Uno in December of that year.
She acknowledged that there are days she’s exhausted but being a single mom, she explained, has taught her so much.
“Kahit gaano pa ka terrible ang araw mo, pag umuwi ka at ngitian ka ng anak mo with open arms, tapos tumakbo siya sa iyo ng mabilis na napakahigpit, nawawala lahat iyon,” she smiled. “And every day, that’s what I look forward to.”
Her experiences she said have taught her to be a “fighter” and that her perspectives of life broadened because of Uno.
Being a mother has made Rita recall her time back in her younger years. “ Sobrang daming [realizations]. Lagi kong binabalikan yung dating Rita na kilala ko nung high school. At kapag nakikita ko yung Rita ngayon, hindi na siya yung high school na nakikita ko.”
“Yung decision-making, yung perspectives in life, even relationships with men, she’s different. And it’s a big thing especially ang anak ko ay lalaki, napaka challenging niya for me.”
Rita’s goal is to raise him well and respect others. “ I will make sure, whatever happens, no matter how busy I get, Uno will be a gentleman. He’s going to have a heart for people.”
While she wants nothing but the best for her son, Rita shared that she also plans to teach Uno that to appreciate things he wants, he must learn to work and earn it.
She also said that despite her busy schedule, she makes sure her son is her priority.
“Kahit busy ako, dapat na maramdaman ng anak ko na nandiyan ako. That I am hands-on with him.”
Going Back To Music
With Liwanag Sa Dilim performances and spending time with Uno, Rita is also back to her first love: music. Earlier this year, she announced that her song “Ikaw At Ako” is now on streaming platforms as part of her upcoming album To All The Boys. She co-wrote the song when she was pregnant with Uno.
“ It’s my love letters to the important men in my life,” she shared in a short video aired on All Out Sunday last February.
“Kahit nasa loob pa siya (Uno) ng tiyan ko, gabi-gabi ko iyon kinakanta sa kanya. At lalo pa nung napanganak na siya. Hanggang ngayon, ito yung lullaby ko sa kanya.”
Rita said she’s excited with the new music she’s doing because she’s treating it like a “series.”
“ Hindi lang siya basta na naglabas ako ng single, just because it’s part of the album but every song has a story.
Unlike her counterparts who have shared part of their lives through vlogs, Rita expresses herself in her music and writing to her fans.
“I’ve been in the business for almost 20 years. Ano pa ba ang hindi nila alam tungkol sa akin? Since I love writing, I did write songs about me and my journey, specifically my love life,” she shared.
The album she said gives her fans a personal look into her life. “I’m very sure there are songs that they can relate to.”
Rita Daniela may have so much on her plate with theater, music, and her son. But one thing is for sure: Uno will remain her priority, something she promised to herself.
More stories of single parenting
Ruffa Gutierrez, Sunshine Cruz, Vina Morales, and Karla Estrada on Being Single Moms and Finding Love Again
Powerful Lessons from Celebrity Single Moms
More Than Meets The Eye: What Its Like To Be A Single Mom
