‘Kambal, Karibal’ stars talk about sibling love and strife

Pauline Mendoza

The supernatural drama series “Kambal, Karibal” follows the story of Crisanta (played by Bianca Umali) and her dead twin Criselda (Pauline Mendoza), and the bond that’s broken apart when jealousy gets in the way. Making life even more difficult and complicated for Crisanta is catty “frenemy” Cheska (Kyline Alcantara).

We asked the stars of the show to talk about their relationship with their own siblings:

What have you learned from your siblings?

Bianca Umali: I learn different things from every single one of them. It’s amazing how different we are from one another, yet we understand, love and embrace our differences and similarities. We have different stories to tell and diverse experiences to share, which make our family more colorful than it already is. I welcome different lessons from the people I love.

Pauline Mendoza: I’m an only child, but even if I have no siblings, I’m lucky to have caring cousins and friends who treat me as their own sibling and vice versa. They teach me the value of friendship and how to care for others. They make me feel that I’m always at my best when they’re around, cheering for me.

Kyline Alcantara: I learned that happiness is a choice and that I should always do what makes me happy. Also, living with brothers will give you a strong personality because you get to learn from their kalokohan.

Miguel Tanfelix: Since I’m older, I realize that I need to be a role model for my brother Yuan. I need to be strong for him and always do what’s right.

Miguel Tanfelix

What do you and your siblings fight about and how do you resolve your differences?

Bianca: My siblings and I don’t fight. We grew up with the same interests. We may have misunderstandings from time to time, but it’s usually about simple things. Communication is key.

Kyline: I have two brothers, and I’m the youngest in our family. Growing up, I have experienced them teasing or bullying me, but they always end up answering to our Papa (laughs). Whenever we have misunderstandings, our parents make sure that we patch things up before the day ends.

Miguel: We fight about petty things, since we’re both boys. But, I know I have to be more understanding since I’m older than him.

Bianca Umali

Is it easier to confide in your siblings than your close friends?

Bianca: It’s easier to confide in my siblings because they know who I am. I trust and love them, and we were all taught to help each other, in good and bad times.

Kyline: I’m the only girl in our family, so there are times when I feel more comfortable confiding in my best friend because she’s also a girl, and there’s girl stuff that my brothers will not understand. But if I have any problem, or if I need something, I know that I can always count on my kuyas, who will move mountains for me.

Miguel: It’s easier to confide in Yuan, because I know he won’t judge me. He talks to me every time he needs good advice—what clothes to wear, or how to hurdle challenges and move to the next level in a video game.

Kyline Alcantara