Queen Greta: A cut above the rest

For more than a year, Gretchen Barretto has her sights set on doing Alta, an ABS-CBN concept for a series with the Philippines’ “high society” as backdrop. She was ready with her wardrobe, having shopped in Paris while on vacation with partner Tony Boy Cojuangco and daughter Dominique. And because her previous show Magkaribal was a top-rater, there was no stopping Gretchen from embarking on a new role in a series that had all the marks of a potential hit.

But early this year, the show was shelved, and Gretchen, who was more than eager and excited to start “taping,” cried upon hearing the news. After all, she already had workshops with co-stars Angelica Panganiban and KC Concepcion, had been doing trade launch promos for the show, and had already finished shooting for Alta’s plugs and promo materials.  It was a show she poured her heart into. And understandably, Gretchen felt hurt when the project was cancelled. 

But as they say, when one door closes, windows will be opened. And right after losing Alta, she was offered the role of a Queen in the new series Princess and I.