Las Vegas, NV — As principal photography nears completion for Maid to Shine, I’m filled with gratitude and a bit of disbelief that we got to tell this story—a vibrant, heartwarming celebration of Filipino culture set against the dazzling lights of Las Vegas.
A Story Rooted in Truth and Heart
Maid to Shine is so much more than a love story. It’s about resilience, identity, and the pursuit of dreams, told through the journey of Elena Corazon, a hardworking Filipina maid with a hidden talent for singing, and Gabriel Rivera, a pop star searching for something real. This story touches on themes of cultural identity, family, and class divides—elements that resonate with so many of us who identify as Filipino and American.
A lot of this series is based on my own perspectives as a single mom raising an exceptional kiddo. While I’ve never been wooed by a pop star, I know what it’s like to grapple with panic attacks and to navigate an industry that often feels exploitative and superficial. I pour pieces of myself into all of my characters, and their struggles and triumphs reflect parts of my own journey.
I’m lucky to have worked with most of this cast before, so I knew exactly what they could bring to the table. Alexis Aubrey captures Elena’s quiet strength beautifully, while Jojo Riguerra’s Gabriel exudes both charm and vulnerability. Ashley Rapuano’s Nollie adds a fierce loyalty and comedic timing that lights up every scene. And Michael Kuya’s Tito Vic? He’s was the perfect manager type that I had in my head. Watching them bring these characters to life has been one of the greatest joys of this process.
Community at the Core
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support from our community. From local businesses to cultural organizations, the love and enthusiasm have been overwhelming. Huge thanks to Mom’s Basement Theater, Mastermind Pictures Inc., Goldman Penn, Full House BBQ, Pure Medical Group, 62 Productions Ltd., and SPCKRFT Studios Las Vegas, among many others. On a project like this, every partnership counts, and I’m beyond grateful.
Special Moments and Cameos
We’ve had some magical moments on set—Rozita Lee’s cameo brings a gravitas that gives a nod to the civic engagement component of the series, and Kitty Pineapple’s comedic genius adds so much flair. Having Belinda Panelo as Ms. Chicka Chicka is a nostalgic dream come true.. . And let’s not forget the special guest in Episode 6—it is always an honor to work with an international icon.
Safety and Smart Scheduling
Filming didn’t start until after summer to protect the cast and crew from the brutal Las Vegas heat. Safety is always my top priority. Plus, with Kenneth Gould (Miguel) still in high school, weekend shoots were a must. Balancing locations and schedules is always a challenge, especially with a smaller budget where every penny has to count. But honestly, I’ve learned that efficiency is key. Back when I worked on Dyke Central (Amazon Prime) with Florencia Manovil, we shot 9 episodes in just 11 days without ever resorting to 12-14 hour days. There’s so much waste on traditional sets, and I’ve carried that lesson forward. Even on my last feature film, when production reduced my shooting days from 35 to 25 to just 18, I managed to get the film in the can without any overtime—proof that good planning goes a long way.
With any production, there are always wrenches thrown in the mix, and you just have to go with the flow and figure out solutions on the fly. Flexibility and creative problem-solving are essential tools in this process, and I’m grateful for a team that embodies both.
Small but Mighty Crew
Thanks to my small but mighty crew: Myles Aquino, our DP; Michael Gomez, our sound man; Dez Dioquino, our all-around G&E; Niko Galindez, who kept everything running smoothly as our runner; and Rayray LB, who jumped in with her production design skills. I’m also incredibly thankful that my editor, Dennis Ruel, gets my brain. We’ve already been able to see snippets of the series coming together while we were still filming, and it’s been so rewarding.
What’s Next?
With only one more day of principal photography, post-production is already putting the pieces together. We’re aiming for a Valentine’s 2025 Weekend release of the pilot, which feels like the perfect time to share this love-filled story with the world. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes content and a trailer sneak peek in the coming weeks.
To my cast, crew, producers and community partners: thank you for trusting this vision. Together, we’ve created something truly special.
Here’s to Maid to Shine and the stories yet to come.
