Young superstar overwhelmed by raves for new series
MANILA -- KC Concepcion was admittedly hurt and even "saw stars" when Judy Ann Santos slapped her for a scene in the prime time series "Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala."
Santos, who is known to be close friends with Concepcion, said "it was a scene that had to be done," when asked for her reaction to the younger actress' earlier statement that she had felt the slap's impact on her jaw.
"May mga bagay na kailangan mo i-set aside para magampanan mo nang maayos 'yung istorya at 'yung character mo, and 'yun iyon," Santos told reporters on Tuesday night.
The 35-year-old actress further explained that the heightened "tension" in the scene was the result of events involving her and Conepcion's characters.
In the Primetime Bida series, which debuted Monday, Santos portrays the strong-willed and hard-working Anessa, a young woman from a poor family who falls for Eros (Sam Milby), a rich businessman.
Concepcion, on the other hand, takes on her first "kontrabida" role as Alexis, a woman "blinded" by her love for Eros, and whose obssession for the man drives her to make Anessa's life a living hell.
"Kung babasahin mo kasi 'yung mga eksenang pinagdaanan," Santos said, "Bago 'yung part na kailangan ko siyang sampalin ulit, masyado nang matindi 'yung sitwasyon."
"So 'yung mismong eksena, nakakadala. And at the same time, kailangan mong pag-aralan 'yung takbo, 'yung growth ng storya naming dalawa," she said.
Although the physical confrontation between Anessa and Alexis has yet to air, it was seen as one of the highlights of the full trailer for "Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala" released leading up to its premiere.
Abused Anessa
Santos, for her part, has her own share of being hurt physically in scenes involving her and Milby, whose character, over time, develops an abusive behavior toward his wife from his pent-up aggression.
Asked whether her husband, Ryan Agoncillo, has expressed concern over "violent" scenes involving her character, Santos said the actor-host fully understands the nature of her work.
Sam Milby as Eros in 'Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala.' -- Photo: Handout
"Wala naman. He knows naman na it's work, at bilang artista, may mga pagkakataong hindi mo talaga maiiwasan na masasaktan ka, may nadadala sa eksena, o sadyang may mga aksidente lang," she said.
She added: "Parte iyon ng trabaho ng isang artista na hindi mo dapat bigyan ng iba pang ibig sabihin, kasi napaka-unprofessional mo naman kung kaunting kanti lang sayo, nagre-react ka na."
In the first episodes of "Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala," Santos' and Milby's characters are seen caught in a whirlwind romance, leading them to exchange vows despite the disapproval of their respective families.
With a time slot after the Coco Martin-starrer "Juan dela Cruz," the drama series' pilot episode on Monday drew strong nationwide viewership, easily beating its competing program.
Thankful
Asked for her reaction to the positive reception to her comeback series, Santos said, "Wala nang mapaglugaran 'yung pagpapasalamat ko sa mga taong sumubaybay. Thank you. Wala na akong ibang masabi kundi thank you."
The cast of 'Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala': (Top row, from left) Susan Africa, Tirso Cruz III, Coney Reyes, Matet de Leon, (second row, from left) Mylene Dizon, John Estrada, Judy Ann Santos, Sam Milby, KC Concepcion, (bottom row, from left) Joseph Marco, Empress Schuck and Bryan Termulo. Photo: Handout
Admittedly, however, Santos said she still feels pressure to sustain her audience and do justice to her portrayal.
"Hindi naman mawawala 'yung pressure, hindi mawawala 'yung kaba, which I guess is good," she said. "Kasi ibig sabihin natatakot pa rin naman ako kung ano pang proyekto ang ibibigay sa akin. Nandoon pa rin yung takot na, 'May manonood pa ba? Iyong tensyon na, 'Kaya po bang gampanan ito?"
She added: "At the same time, nandoon 'yung tiwala mo sa mga tao na nandiyan lang sila. Hindi mo sila nararamdaman, pero alam mo na kapag lumabas ka, babalik sila."
Santos' role as Anessa is billed as her drama series comeback after a three-year break. Now dubbed the "Queen of Pinoy Soap Opera," the actress is also considered a veteran after having starred in a dozen TV series over the past 25 years.
Directed by Jerry Sineneng, Tots Sanchez-Mariscal, and Malu Sevilla, "Huwag Ka Lang Mawawala" also stars John Estrada, Tirso Cruz III, Coney Reyes, Susan Africa, Mylene Dizon, Matet de Leon, Empress, Bryan Termulo, and Joseph Marco.
