MANILA, Philippines?Actress Snooky Serna returns to drama in Joel Lamangan's forthcoming film, "Sagrada Familia."

For her new role, Snooky is deglamorized as she plays Merlie Asero, a working mother and wife who worked abroad for her family. Married to security guard Johnny (played by Urian awardee Emilio Garcia), Merle has big dreams for her daughter Kat (portrayed by Lovie Poe), who wants to take up medicine. Little does Merle know that her being away will destroy her family.

Returning to the country after finishing her contract, Merle discovers that her family has disappeared. Here begins her endless search for her husband and daughter, and the devastation that awaits her.

Snooky is very excited about her new role; her last big role was over a decade ago with Reyna films' "Inagaw Mo ang Lahat Sa Akin."

While it is true that Snooky recently won several awards for her realistic portrayal as an "organ-broker" in last year's "Paupahan," and has appeared in several acclaimed films this year: Mel Chionglo's "Bente" and Lamangan's "Dukot," both political dramas where Snooky plays ?supporting? roles.

But in "Sagrada Familia," co-star Gloria Diaz, who plays Snooky's mother-in-law, admits that Snooky's lead performance holds this film together. "She worked very hard in this picture, and she was always ahead of all of us in the cast on the set," recalls Diaz.

Snooky is enthusiastic about "Sagrada Familia." "It's a very good film and I have all praises for my director Joel Lamangan," she says.

Emilio Garcia, Diaz, and Lovi Poe, who essays the role of the abused daughter, also deliver fine performances.

"Sagrada Familia" is the initial venture of Legalas Entertainment Production. It will hold special screenings this December.