First Yaya

First Yaya is a 2021 Philippine television drama romance comedy series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by L.A. Madridejos, it stars Sanya Lopez in the title role. It premiered on March 15, 2021 on the network's Telebabad line up replacing Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday. The series concluded on July 2, 2021 with a total of 78 episodes. It was replaced by The World Between Us in its timeslot.

A continuation of the series, First Lady aired in 2022. The series is streaming online on YouTube.

Cast and characters

 * Lead cast
 * Sanya Lopez as Melody Reyes-Acosta


 * Supporting cast
 * Gabby Concepcion as Glenn Francisco Acosta
 * Pancho Magno as Conrad Enriquez
 * Cassy Legaspi as Nina Acosta
 * Joaquin Domagoso as Jonas Clarito
 * Sandy Andolong as Edna Reyes
 * Gardo Versoza as Luis Prado
 * Maxine Medina as Lorraine Prado
 * Boboy Garovillo as Florencio Reyes
 * Pilar Pilapil as Blessilda "Blessie" Acosta
 * Kakai Bautista as Pepita San Jose
 * Cai Cortez as Norma Robles
 * Analyn Barro as Gemmalyn Rose "Gemrose" Reyes
 * Thou Reyes as Yessey Reyes
 * Patricia Coma as Nicole Acosta
 * Clarence Delgado as Nathan Acosta
 * Thia Thomalla as Valerie "Val" Cañete
 * Jon Lucas as Titus de Villa
 * Glenda Garcia as Marni Tupaz
 * Anjo Damiles as Jasper Agcaoili
 * Kiel Rodriguez as Paul Librada
 * Jerick Dolormente as Lloyd Reyes
 * Hailey Mendes as Charlotte "Charlie" Barboa


 * Guest cast
 * Boots Anson-Roa as Diane Carlos
 * Jean Garcia as Christine Acosta
 * Andre Paras as Alexander Carlos
 * Tommy Abuel as Anthony Carlos
 * Allen Dizon as Subido
 * Mikoy Morales as Jaime
 * Jenzel Angeles as Paige
 * Lovely Rivero as Viola
 * Frances Makil-Ignacio as Rosales
 * Wilma Doesnt as Matilda
 * Issa Litton as Helena Buenaventura
 * Michael Roy Jornales as Danilo Garcia
 * Dennis Marasigan as Ezekiel Lopez
 * Muriel Lomadilla as Beverly "Bevs" Oliveros
 * Rollie Inocencio as Pedrito Conde
 * Nicki Morena as Aila
 * Julius Miguel as Osmond Buenaventura
 * Atak as Impak
 * Cecile Paz as Jess
 * Chinggay Datu as Kathy Baluyot
 * Lourdes Conde Serrano as Lourdes
 * Michael Flores as Allan Buenaventura
 * Marnie Lapus as Mercedeta "Mercy" L. Primavera
 * Luis Hontiveros as Jason
 * Teresa Loyzaga as Alessandra "Sandra" Robles
 * Polo Ravales as Secretary Ordoñez

Casting
In November 2019, Marian Rivera was hired to portray the role of First Yaya. Rivera left the series in September 2020, due to the safety protocols of the series' filming. Sanya Lopez was later hired as the replacement in October 2020. Actor Kelvin Miranda was also initially hired for the role of Jonas Clarito. He was pulled out from the series to appear in the drama series The Lost Recipe. Actor Joaquin Domagoso served as his replacement.

Production
Principal photography commenced on March 10, 2020. Filming was halted on March 15, 2020, due to the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Filming was continued in November 2020. Filming concluded in May 2021.

Ratings
According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Nationwide Urban Television Audience Measurement People in television homes, the pilot episode of First Yaya earned a 23% rating. The final episode scored a 19.2% rating.