Being true to its promise of providing quality entertainment, GMA-7 brings its own adaptation of the well-loved South Korean series "My Love From The Star" starting Monday, May 29.
Starring Jennylyn Mercado and newcomer model/actor Gil Cuerva, "My Love from the Star" is a No.1 South Korean romantic/comedy/sci-fi series that showcases an extraordinary love story about two people coming from different worlds, and how love defies time and space. It's Tagalized version was also aired on GMA-7 early this year and became a nationwide hit that Kapuso Network decided to come up with its own local version.
Gist: Matteo Do (Gil Cuerva) is a cold-hearted alien who was accidentally left behind 400 years ago. Three months before he gets back to the star where he lives, he will meet Steffi Cheon (Jennylyn Mercado), a self-centered but lovable actress who makes him wish to just be an ordinary man. But he will try to keep himself away from her because if he will let go of his only chance to return to his star, he will die on Earth.
Q&A with "My Love from the Star" lead stars Jennylyn Mercado and Gil Cuerva:
Q: The role of Matteo Do was intended for Alden Richards, but GMA execs decided to award the role to him. Is he up for the challenge?
GC: At that time na nag-audition ako, may certain reservations ako, kasi walang assurance na makukuha ko ang role. But now, it's all been very worth it. Hopefully, this is something I do well.
Q: How did he prepare for the role knowing that he's new in the acting department?
GC: Na-culture shock ako nang konti. I guess, it's a different industry sa modeling. I have to make certain adjustments, certain sacrifices. Pero it's something I embrace and I'm ready for it.
I want to get good at acting para naman maganda ang reputation. Ayaw ko naman na yung reputation mo is sikat ka, guwapo ka, pero ang pangit mong umarte. I'll do my best to stay long because this is something that I want.
Q: Reports have it that his kissing scene with Jennylyn reached nine takes, who did it happen?
GC: Very particular kasi si Direk [Joyce Bernal]. Gusto niya ramdam na ramdam. Tapos may certain blocking po. Tapos, yung hinila ko si Jen, it was actually a lot harder to take.
Siyempre si Jennylyn yun, di ba? Talagang nahiya ako, kinabahan ako. Hindi lang basta-basta, ka-kissing scene ko si Jennylyn pa talaga. I guess, a lot of nervousness came out and it took a lot of tries para mawala yun.
Q: While she admits that she's funny in real life, it will be the first time that Jennylyn will portray the role where she needs to make fun of her character.
JM:
Puro kasi mga heavy drama ang ginagawa ko, kaya akala ng marami, ma-emote akong tao. ‘Yung maraming hugot parati. Pero in real life, kengkoy ako. Kaya thankful ako na this time, hindi ako iyak nang iyak.
Kaya noong sabihin sa akin na ang Steffi character ay comical, nagustuhan ko agad. Para naman maiba, di ba? Comedy naman ako this time. Na medyo kaaasaran ako dahil sa kaartehan at pagka-diva ni Steffi.
Q: How is she making sure that she will fit correctly on the role of Steffi after her numerous heavy drama TV series in the past seven years?
JM:
Si Direk Joyce Bernal pa ang direktor namin dito sa MLFTS. Tinuruan niya ako ng comic timing. Yung natural lang, pero ang bagsak matindi.
Q: How does it feel working with newcomer Gil Cuerva?
JM: Noong una tahimik lang siya talaga. Alam kong kinakabahan kasi malaking role agad ang binig
ay sa kanya. Pero later on, naging okay na siya at nakikipagkuwentuhan na akin. Unti-unti, nakikilala ko na siya. May serious at funny side din pala si Gil.
Q: Did she give him tips, pointers on how to attack his role and make him comfortable on the set?
Performance-wise, okey naman si Gil. For a newcomer, nakakasabay na siya agad. Pero siyempre, may mga times na nagkakamali siya sa pag-deliver ng lines. Pero natural lang iyon sa mga baguhan. Dumaan din kasi ako sa ganyan, di ba?
Ako naman, bilang leading lady niya, sinusuportahan ko si Gil lalo na sa mga bagay na bago sa kanya. Sinasabi ko nga sa kanya na dumaan din ako sa nararamdaman niya, kaya okay lang kung magkamali siya. Part of being an actor in the business ang magkamali ka, kaya next time matatama mo na siya.
Q:
Replacing ALDUB's "Destined To Be Yours," "My Love from the Star" airs weeknights after "Mulawin vs. Ravena" on GMA Telebabad starting May 29.
