YOUNG STAR Shaina Magdayao said she would rather focus on work than get involved in the controversies surrounding her latest Kapamilya show, “Kambal sa Uma.”

Shaina’s supporters have complained about unfair star billing, saying the actress’ name should have been given more prominence in publicity materials than Melissa Ricks’, a relative newcomer in the business.

“I don’t care much about it. It’s really up to management to decide,” Shaina, 19, told Inquirer during the show’s launch on Tuesday at the Dolphy Theater inside the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City.

“Let’s just see if there’s really unfair treatment when the show premieres on April 20.”

Created by novelist Jim Fernandez and Ernie Santiago, “Kambal sa Uma” was first published in Pinoy Komiks in the 1970s.

The story revolves around twin sisters Vira (Shaina) and Ella (Melissa), who both have rodent-like features. Their mother Milagros (Rio Locsin), who was forced to abandon one of them as a child, chose to keep Ella, who grows up with her in the mountains. Vira ends up in the care of a rich couple.

The two girls eventually cross paths, a meeting that leads to a bitter clash.

The afternoon drama show, which airs right after “Wowowee,” also stars Matt Evans, Jason Abalos, Gina Alajar, Lotlot de Leon, Noni Buencamino and Bing Davao. Manny Palo and Rechie del Carmen direct.

What about rumors pointing to Melissa wanting to outdo Shaina? “I have no complaints against Melissa. She’s very professional,” Shaina explained. “I’ve worked with her in ‘Ronin.’ Yes, people will see us fight, but only when we assume the roles of Vira and Ella.”

Shaina also clarified that Vira’s character is not a contravida. “When I read the script, I found the character to be complex and multilayered,” she explained. “I saw that she has a good heart. People will love her as much as they would Ella. Also, I said yes because I wanted to work with Tita Rio again.”

Shaina and Rio first worked together in the afternoon drama series “Marinella.” Rio played both Vira and Ella in the movie version of “Kambal sa Uma” created by the late Joey Gosengfiao in 1979.

“It’s easy to empathize with Vira. At school, people make fun of her physical flaws. At home, her foster father treats her like a lowly animal,” explained Shaina. “The differences between Vira and Ella are striking. Ella may be ugly and poor, but her family loves her deeply. Vira may be beautiful and rich, but at home, she is unloved.”

Meanwhile, Shaina said her sister Vina Morales is set to give birth at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan anytime this week. “The whole family is excited. We spent the Holy Week at her house because we were all hoping she’d give birth to Baby Ceana then, but she didn’t,” said the actress.