POKWANG
Comedienne Pokwang refuses to be called the reigning Kapamilya comedy queen, admitting that she still has a lot to learn as an actress.
“Accepting that title will put too much pressure on my shoulders. I’m just happy because I’m slowly able to achieve my life goals,” Pokwang said at a recent media gathering for her latest soap series, “We Will Survive.”
She further explained: “I still have a lot to improve on as an actress. That’s what I want to focus on right now.”
Pokwang, who has been in the business for 12 years now, said she had her share of problems that she thankfully was able “to survive.”
“The saddest was when our noontime show, ‘Wowowee,’ was replaced (in 2010),” she said. “I really loved that show. I enjoyed hosting so much.”
She continued: “I was able to survive it because I had the full trust of my network bosses. They took care of me by giving me worthwhile projects.”
Pokwang plays Wilma in “We Will Survive.” She will work closely with another comedienne, Melai Cantiveros, who plays Maricel.
“I may be older than Melai and act like her big sister most of the time, but I also learn a lot from her—like how she handles her married life. She’s actually very mature,” Pokwang shared with the Inquirer. “Her life story is inspiring. I’ve been her supporter since she joined ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ and actually voted for her.”
Also part of the cast are Regine Angeles and Bea Saw, who play Wilma and Maricel’s friends, Sheila and Ana Fe, respectively.
Business unit head Ginny Monteagudo-Ocampo said her team chose “We Will Survive” as the followup to their successful drama show, “Ningning,” because “the characters of Melai and Pokwang are unique and refreshing.”
Resilient survivors
“Filipinos are very resilient. We’re survivors, and we should be proud that we are,” she observed. “The show will highlight the Filipino people’s strength and ability to face problems not just as individuals, but as a nation.”
“We Will Survive” will replace the ABS-CBN drama, “Pasion de Amor,” today. Pokwang admitted to feeling apprehensive because, she said, her program has big shoes to fill.
“The show will offer something new—a different flavor to the usual fare. The gorgeous cast members of ‘Pasion de Amor’ showed their abs. Mayroon din kaming abs, nasa mukha nga lang.”
“We Will Survive,” directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, also features Carlo Aquino, Jeric Raval, Alcris Galura, Maris Racal and Vangie Labalan.
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph