The ‘perfect combo’: Migo Adecer and Kate Valdez

Kate Valdez (left) and Migo Adecer

Having already known each other prior to entering show biz, young actors Migo Adecer and Kate Valdez are now more in tune with each other’s personalities and feelings. And that, in turn, leads to onscreen chemistry.

“Our tandem is solid and we have been working together for almost our entire careers. We first met before show biz. So we now understand not only the good things about each other, but also the weaknesses,” Migo said in a video conference for the GMA Public Affairs drama anthology “My Fantastic Pag-ibig.”

Kate, who has also worked with Migo in the shows “Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday” and “Project Destination,” was initially surprised that their love team was received enthusiastically by fans.

“I’m so happy because there are people who love our team-up and are moved by it. I was surprised that they feel a spark,” Kate said. “Because we know each other well, it wasn’t hard for us to make them relate to us, or make them feel what we want them to feel.”

The two first met in a commercial shoot in 2014. And it’s amazing, Migo said, to have witnessed Kate’s growth and how far she has come as a performer.

“Kate’s hardworking. I have seen her go through trials and ordeals, and jump through hoops to get to where she is now. She could have failed, but she didn’t, because she’s strong. And she proved those who doubted her capabilities. She took that as a positive challenge,” said Migo, 21, who won the sixth season of the reality talent search “Starstruck.”

Kate, on the other hand, appreciates that Migo is very straightforward. “Ever since, he will always say what he feels or what’s in his mind. And while I admit that it can be a bit annoying at times, I actually like that about his personality,” she said. “I would rather have that than someone who says things that he or she doesn’t really mean.”

They’re a perfect combo, the 20-year-old actress jested, because Migo loves teasing her, and she gets easily annoyed. “He likes to annoy me and I’m pikon,” she said, laughing.

During the enhanced community quarantine, when television projects are on hold, Migo tried to focus on singing—his other passion—and was quite productive with it. But to make sure his acting doesn’t get rusty, Migo would do acting exercise at the most random moments.

“Sometimes, I would randomly make myself cry while brushing my teeth, just to see if I can do it,” said Migo, who, admittedly, had a hard time when he first returned to taping for “Waray vs. Biday.”

“The first three days were super tough. I remember asking our director if my approach was OK or if I had to push it. He told me to just trust the process, dig deep into the characters, and everything will follow. Eventually, it all started coming back,” he said. “It’s like riding a bike—but don’t let it get too rusty!”

Kate agreed with Migo, saying that their previous locked-in taping sessions helped warm them up for “My Fantastic Pag-Ibig’s” second installment, “Exchange of Hearts,” which aired last Saturday and again on Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m., on GMA News TV.

“While in quarantine, I kept on watching just to keep my emotions and reactions in check; to make sure I’m not going numb,” she quipped. “But so far, I’m happy because drawing inspiration and emotions isn’t so hard anymore, thanks to my costars and the working environment.”

In “Exchange of Hearts,” Migo and Kate will play, Popoy and Celine, respectively—a longtime couple on the verge of breakup, because of their differences in personalities: Popoy is the “stop and smell the flower” kind of guy, which Celine, a career-driven woman, can no longer stand.

Things take a turn when Celine and Popoy meet a “plantita,” who turns out to be a witch. The couple soon “finds themselves trapped in an unexpected situation.”

“My character is decisive and she feels like she can’t get along with her chill boyfriend,” Kate said. “My past roles have had some similarities, but this one’s different. She’s very jolly and rambunctious.”

“Popoy is a happy-go-lucky guy. Nothing can take away his positivity no matter what,” Migo said of his role. “Even if all odds are against him, he will never give up. And that’s what I’m also known for.” INQ