MANILA, Philippines??I welcomed the change in my life and used it to improve my craft as an actress,? said Claudine Barretto, who recently gave birth to Santino, her son with actor Raymart Santiago.

After taking some time off, ?the new and improved? Claudine is back at work. Starting this week, she stars in the TV adaptation of the horror flick, ?Maligno,? in the role of Angela Cortez, played by Susan Roces in the 1977 movie version. It is the second installment of ?Sineserye Presents: The Susan Roces Cinema Collection.? Wenn Deramas directs.

Did you watch the movie version?

I watched half of it, then I stopped. I got too scared, and I did not want to duplicate Tita Susan?s portrayal.

You?re being paired with Diether here. Are you prepared for possible rumors romantically linking you to him?

I guess that?s part of the job. But Diether is my guy best friend in real life, and Raymart knows that.

Which genre are you more comfortable with, drama or horror?
Horror movies are a lot more difficult.

You?re a Born Again Christian. Was it easy for you to accept this kind of movie?

Even before the first story conference, I sought my pastor?s advice. He said he believed I was well-equipped to take the job. Now, I also pray before we start taping. When I have to do sensitive scenes, I recite Bible verses in my head. Rio Locsin, who is the wife of a pastor, is also in the cast. She helped us a lot. At the end of the day, it?s just a role.

Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph