Sexuality, gift of familial love, friendship in EB Lenten special

From left: Vic Sotto, Maine Mendoza and Rita Avila

The six-episode Lenten drama special of the noontime variety show “Eat Bulaga!” ends today (March 28) with Adolf Alix Jr.’s “Taray ni Tatay,” which is headlined by Vic Sotto and Maine Mendoza.

“In times when we often take for granted the love and trust of the people around us, it’s nice to pause sometimes and reexamine the life we live and be thankful for the gift of family and friends,” Maine said of doing “Taray,” a story about a single father who has been hiding his sexual orientation from his daughter.

Feeling a little rusty after months without an acting project, Maine added that Vic helped her get into the role.

“It was frustrating at first because there were scenes that I couldn’t do on my own, even if I was very focused and motivated,” she said. “Bossing (Vic) made me feel comfortable on the set and guided me in finding the story behind my character.”

Also airing today is “Hating Kapatid,” which stars Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola and Miggy Tolentino.

Directed by LA Madrilejos, the episode tackles a kind of friendship that goes beyond blood ties.

It’s a fitting theme, pointed out Jose, because he treats Wally as his own brother. “We finish each other’s sentences. We see each other every day, but more than what you see on TV, we have a deep trust and confidence in each other,” he said. —ALLAN POLICARPIO