Director RC Delos Reyes has nothing but good words for Xian Lim.
In fact, he even deemed the latter as the "Richard Gere of the Philippines."
"Siya 'yung talagang medyo iconic -- tall, super gwapo na leading man material na hinahanap mo," said he about the 31-year-old star.
According to him, he has been working with Xian ever since his days as Personal Assistant or PA.
That's why it was double nice for the director to work with him through "Parang Kayo Pero Hindi," Vivamax's first original series.
Based on the bestselling book by Noreen Capili a.k.a. Noringai who is also the writer for the series, it is the story of Joaquin (Xian) and Daphne (Kylie Verzosa), two strangers who start hanging out with each other after a series of encounters in Pangasinan.
They feel a connection between them, but not really ready to commit, the two decided to just go with the flow and see where their “friendship” will take them.
It was all fun and convenient until Joaquin falls seriously in love with Daphne. But Daphne rejects Joaquin, saying she doesn’t want to ruin whatever it is that they have.
Things get more complicated as Daphne’s ex-boyfriend Robi (Marco Gumabao) comes back to her, asking for another chance to fix things between them.
Questions and uncertainties surround Joaquin and Daphne as they try to define their relationship and decide on their true feelings.
Direk RC also applauded Kylie on her performance in the said project.
"Super na appreciate ko sa kanya 'yung ramdam mo na she's really willing to learn the craft especially she's really willing to learn the character that she's portraying and that is very important for me as a director -- na ganu'n 'yung artista ko," he said.
As for Marco, though it was his first time working with the latter, RC noted the latter gave justice to his character.
"When we were looking for the right person for the character talagang siya 'yung nag-fit du'n sa character. Kasi we're looking for someone na playful, someone na na mi-misunderstood mo na hindi siya seryoso pero seryoso naman pala. That's why perfect 'yung cast lalo na silang tatlo to portay the characters."
Joining the main cast for this first Vivamax Original Series are Phoebe Walker, Danita Paner, Francine Garcia, Gino Roque, Guji Lorenzana, CJ Jaravata and Ms. Yayo Aguila who plays the role of Joaquin’s mother.
VIVA is also introducing fresh faces in the series with the addition of Krissha Viaje, Stacey Gabriel and Thayfa Yousef.
Shot in different locations and beaches in Alaminos and Bolinao, Pangasinan, the series gives off a cool, local vibe and sets the perfect mood for each scene.
Also setting the mood and the feels in the series are its official soundtracks by different artists and band.
The series features songs like "Ulap" by Rob Deniel; "Nag-iisang Muli" by Cup of Joe; "Glances" by Sabu; "Umibig Muli" by Janine Teñoso, and "Parang Kayo Pero Hindi" by Marion Aunor.
"Parang Kayo Pero Hindi" can be streamed now on Vivamax.