Comedienne Pokwang said she and her family have a lot to thank for, especially since they have moved out of the slums.
“I remember the time we were forced out of our apartment because we could no longer pay the rent,” said Pokwang. She then recalled having to sleep in a makeshift shack with her six siblings in a squatter settlement. “Now, years later, we can afford decent homes. I feel so blessed. I have no more reason to feel insecure.”
The actress added: “I tell my siblings to always be grateful. If they compare their current situation to those who live on the streets…I can never forget all those times we slept with empty stomachs. This is why I often bring food to work, for the staff and crew.”
CAST MATES (from left, back row) Benjie Paras, Pokwang, Jayson Gainza, (front) Sharlene San Pedro, Marco Antonio Masa and Yesha Camile
Pokwang is also thankful that she can send her daughter to a good school. “I know it’s something that many other parents can only wish for their own children.” Her daughter, Ria Mae, is a college junior taking up culinary arts.
Inspiring show
“I’m also thankful that I woke up this morning, that I’ve been given another day to live. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work in a project like ‘Nathaniel,’ a very inspiring show that promotes good values,” the actress said.
In “Nathaniel,” which premiered April 20 on ABS-CBN, Pokwang plays Beth Bartolome, adoptive mother of the young hero Nathaniel (Marco Antonio Masa).
“It is a happy family. We’re content with whatever food is on the table,” said Pokwang.
Benjie Paras plays her husband Abner. Sharlene San Pedro and Yesha Camile, play their daughters Hannah and Abi, respectively.
In “Nathaniel,” a fantasy drama directed by Darnel Joy Villafor and Francis Xavier Pasion, God sends his angel, Nathaniel, to earth on a mission—to restore humanity’s faith in God and to remind people of their inner goodness.
Angelic encounter
Pokwang said she had a personal encounter with an angel when she was 9: “I fell into a river and almost drowned. It was deep and covered with water lilies. It was dark beneath the surface and I was scared. Just when I was close to panicking, I saw a light and what I thought at that time was a small kid swimming near me. I swam toward the kid until I reached the shallow portion of the river. When I emerged from the water, I realized that the child I saw couldn’t have been one of my playmates. They were all very far from where I was because they were chasing dragonflies. I think that was my guardian angel who saved me.”
Personal guide
Pokwang believes people could be angels in disguise, especially those who come into others’ lives, without explanation, when help is needed.
“I remember when my son Shin had very high fever. He was really sick and needed to be brought to the hospital. I felt so helpless because I had no money. One of my siblings showed up at our house and gave me money.” Pokwang lost Shin to brain cancer at age 5.
“My son would have been 23 today. I consider him my angel. I sometimes talk to him. I ask him to look after his younger sister,” said the actress.
“Nathaniel” also features Gerald Anderson, Shaina Magdayao, Jayson Gainza, Isabelle Daza and Coney Reyes.
(mcruz@inquirer.com.ph)