First Yaya (transl. first nanny / international title: The First Nanny) 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. The series concluded on July 2, 2021, with a total of 78 episodes.
The series is streaming online on YouTube. A television sequel series, First Lady aired in 2022.
Contents
Cast and characters
Lead cast
Sanya Lopez as Melody Reyes-Acosta
Supporting cast
Guest cast
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.
Legacy
A television series First Lady premiered on February 14, 2022, serving as a sequel to First Yaya. In August 2026, actress Sanya Lopez appeared in the 2026 Philippine television musical drama series Born to Shine in a guest role, portraying the same character.