In “Secrets We Keep”, a six-episode Danish thriller, we follow a mystery that unfolds around Ruby, a Filipina nanny who disappears from a rich Copenhagen household.
Angel (played by Pinay newcomer Excel Busano) is another nanny whose life is deeply intertwined with her employers.
The series peels back layers of privilege, exposing how domestic workers—often invisible—bear emotional burdens and make huge sacrifices.
Angel cares for her employer’s children while her own son in the Philippines is cared for by her sister.
Mabuhay Canada was able to reach Busano to learn more about her journey from Bohol, Philippines, to the Danish set of “Secrets We Keep.”
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself.
“I speak Cebuano and Tagalog. I’ve been living in Denmark with my husband and two children for several years now.”
2) How did you get cast as Angel?
“I went through three casting rounds organized by Casteriet in Copenhagen. The process was exciting.”
3) Were you also a nanny before? How close was Angel’s experience to yours?
“I had an au pair experience in Denmark, and that’s how I actually got the idea to try the casting.
Angel’s experience with the family is pretty much similar as mine. I was part of the family, and I was also well taken care of.”
4) Are there any real cases like Ruby’s in Denmark?
“The series is fiction. I have not heard anything like Ruby’s case in Denmark.”
5) Is this your first time acting in a movie? How did you prepare?
“Yes, it’s my first time to act in a movie. The shooting process was very professional.
(There was) great support from the director, actresses and all the crew at UMA Film.
The film had many emotional scenes. I cannot say it was always easy but I tried to be prepared as much as possible.”
6) Any fun “Marites” moments behind the scenes with the Filipino cast?
“It was always fun to work together with (other) Filipino actors.
Always tawanan at minsan tulungan sa pag-memorize ng mga lines namin, like nagpa-practice talaga kami.
(We were always laughing and sometimes we’d help each other memorize our line. We really rehearsed.)
And of course we’re talking about Filipino foods and what to eat after the set.
We also talked about how grateful we were to work with this amazing production.
We were treated well despite how well-known (the other actors were).
7) What message do you have for other Pinays?
“Be kind and follow your dreams. Sometimes the world works out in mysterious ways. Laban lang. (Just keep fighting.)”
