KathNiel captivated

KATHRYN Bernardo learned a lot from Aetas’ simplicity and sincerity.

Teen superstars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla said they learned valuable lessons while filming “Crazy, Beautiful You” with a community of Aetas at the foot of Mount Pinatubo in Tarlac.

“DJ (Daniel’s nickname) and I realized so many things during our stay. We made friends with the Aetas, shared with them whatever we could,” Kathryn told reporters during a recent press conference hosted by Star Cinema, the film’s producer.

“We will go back there for sure,” said Daniel, adding that he and Kathryn have been personally gathering donations for the Aetas.

Work made easy

Kathryn recalled: “They are so warm; they live very simply and were very happy with the small things that we gave them during our time together.”

She said work for her and Daniel was made easy because most of the scenes were shot on location. “We got to know more about our characters because we were able to work on them every day. When we took a break, we had a hard time getting back in character.”

Challenging

In the movie, Kathryn plays rebellious teen Jackie Serrano, who is forced by her parents to join a medical mission in the province to instill in her a sense of responsibility. Daniel, who plays Kiko Alcantara, is tasked to look after her.

“WE’RE going back there for sure,” says Daniel Padilla.

“This role is challenging because I’m used to playing the good girl,” said the 18-year-old star. “I liked the story the very first time I read it. I had been waiting for a project like this for so long.”

Daniel likewise found the story “very real, something that every teenager can relate to. You will see a little bit of maturity in my performance here. My character and I are so much alike, I sometimes wonder why our writers didn’t just name him Daniel,” he quipped.

He added that working with other cast members—Gabby Concepcion, Lorna Tolentino, Iñigo Pascual, among others—was enjoyable. “They were all very helpful, easy to get along with,” he said.

During the press conference, many noticed, and commented on, how good Daniel looked with a little weight gained.

“Some other people think I’m too chubby,” Daniel jested. “This is because now I can afford good food. Star Magic advised me to increase mass, although I’m still not planning on becoming buff. I’m too young to lift weights.”

Kathryn came to the rescue: “He doesn’t need toned abs for people to like him. He’s sexy and charming as he is.”

“Crazy Beautiful You,” which opens in cinemas nationwide on Feb. 25, is directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar.

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