Kapuso stars buckle down during pandemic


Stars and celebrities need to work, too! This after several Kapuso debunked beliefs that celebrities are "privileged" during trying times.

"Hindi totoo na hindi namin kailangan ng work. Bilang mga artsita meron kaming kanya-kanyang responsibilidad at na mi-miss rin namin kahit papaano ang trabaho namin, 'yung mga katrabaho, ginagawa sa taping, shooting," said actress Jennylyn Mercado, one of the stars of  "Truly. Madly. Deadly," during an online interview.

Actor Dennis Trillo, partner of Mercado, pointed out the importance of being grateful in the middle of the pandemic.

"Siyempre sa panahon na 'to papahalagahan mo kahit anong trabahong meron ka. Masuwerte kami nandito kami sa industriya, merong iba nawalan ng trabaho at masuwerte kami -- isa din 'yan sa dahilan bakit namin tinanggap," Trillo said.

Trillo said that he hopes to be part of a project that could help ease the anxiety of everyone in times of crisis. 

Actress Rhian Ramos cited the resumption of movie and TV productions which paved the way to help other people in the industry. "Everyone is trying to find a way to support their family and if we can make sure na natutuloy pa rin 'yung mga projects na ganito and also help support anyone on set, gagawin namin."

Trillo and Ramos also stars on "Truly. Madly. Deadly,” the last installment for GMA's "I Can See You" series.   

Jennylyn Mercado

Set to premiere on Oct. 19, the mystery-romance project revolves around the story of Coleen (Jennylyn), who is a professional woman, that after being ridiculed online for a scandal with a married man, moves out of the city and works in a remote resort where she meets the mysterious resident IT guy named Drew (Dennis). Life seems to be going well for the recovering Coleen until her best friend turned enemy Abby (Rhian) shows up and her past begins to haunt her once again.  

Director Jorron Lee Monroy said that the premise of the series is actually "love in the time of social media" where characters have their own dark side.

The lead stars also talked about their efforts to make sure they were working on a safe environment. 

Mercado, described by Trillo as "germophobic," is always equipped with a health kit composed of alcohol, sanitizer, wipes, among others, her partner revealed.

"Ganu'n ginagawa namin in our own little way. Pag sinimulan mo sa sarili mo, makaka-impluwesiya ka ng iba na maging responsable sa safety ng lahat," he added.

On the set, Mercado said they took swab tests before the production began and practiced social distancing measures by wearing face mask and face shield all the time except when the camera is rolling.

"And may exit swab test din kami, siyempre para bago umuwi may peace of mind and safe din 'yung mga uuwian naming pamilya," she added.

Ramos couldn't agree more that she's willing to continue to work despite the scare brought about by COVID-19.