For years, singer-actress Karylle has been portraying historical characters in period plays. It kept her wondering why she wouldn’t attract similar roles in either TV or film projects.

A surprise call from TBA considering her for the part of former First Lady Aurora Quezon in a film-bio on her husband, President Manuel Luis Quezon, was to be the turning point in Karylle’s career.

“It was a wonder that turned into a wish. And then, the offer to do Aurora came at a time that I was busy with many other things. I am just thankful to TBA Studios for waiting for me and for things to fall into their proper places."

She quickly jumped at the opportunity, knowing the artistic value of the project, especially since TBA is known for having produced quality historical films as Heneral Luna and Goyo. It helped a lot that Quezon was to be played by an actor she admires, Jericho Rosales.

By far, Quezon is Karylle’s biggest break as a film actress. She hopes to land more substantial roles in succeeding projects, although she is kept busy by co-hosting the daily noontime show, It’s Showtime.

She says Echo is one of the most energetic people you'll ever meet.

“It was trippy seeing him pin himself on a chair to get his MLQ look right. I know that seems like a surface level thing but it sums up his commitment to his role. He gives his all from the start of the shoot to the promo which is happening to this very day. To see him transform into my husband, Manuel Quezon, in front of you is something else."

“He’s a great actor. It takes a lot to get to that level.”

Echo and Karylle previously worked together in dramas Betty La Fea and Dahil May isang Ikaw. Most recently, they did "Larawan: Isang Musikal."

Karylle says, “Because our last project was a theater project, I got re-acquainted with our work dynamics in "my world," so I was very comfy and he was on student mode who came very prepared and in costume from the very first rehearsal. I do remember giving him a nice "break a leg" gift for opening night na sinuklian niya with the best movie "break a leg" gift in the beginning of our shoot.

She says gift traditions, a work history and trust, really do help when you act with someone.

“If I were to be perfectly honest, I've always been grateful for the things I've learned from Echo. I think his love for the craft is admirable and infectious. He is very generous with his time to help me figure out certain things for my character. I love that we danced the tango coz we had some bonding over that and BananaQ before we started our shoot.

For Karylle, the most fun part about playing in a period film is the old music.

“Though I don't sing in the film, I love listening to period music on my Spotify. And I even learned a song by Aurora for my event on the 22nd.”

On the former First Lady, she says, “Aurora Quezon made a difference. She was active in charity work. She brought the Red Cross to the Philippines. She was a simple woman, but she proved that being First Lady wasn’t just being an accessory to her husband.”