(From left) Jose Manalo, Vic Sotto, Maja Salvador. Image: Instagram/@maja
A new sitcom is coming to town, with the wacky tandem of Vic Sotto and Jose Manalo teaming up with Maja Salvador to star in the upcoming show called “Open 24/7”
The project was confirmed in a report of GMA-7’s 24 Oras on Tuesday, April 18, which showed the actors during a pictorial for the show. The trio has already kicked off production for the sitcom.
Sotto and Manalo have previously worked with Salvador in “Eat Bulaga” for a year until she earlier this month decided to leave the long-running noontime show to be able to prepare for her wedding with her non-showbiz boyfriend, Rambo Nuñez.
Despite this, the two comedians praised the actress for her “sweet” personality which can be reflected during their times on the “Eat Bulaga” set.
“Si Maja [Salvador], maganda ang personalidad niya. She is very sweet. Tapos nagkasama kami sa ‘Eat Bulaga.’ Matagal ding nandoon ang aming vibes kaya nandoon pa rin ang [magandang samahan] kahit first time ko siya makakasama sa sitcom,” Sotto said.
(Maja Salvador has a nice personality. She is very sweet, and we even worked together in “Eat Bulaga.” The vibes have been there for a long time so our good relationship is there, even if it’s our first time working together in a sitcom.)
The veteran actor-host also shared that the series will revolve around a “relatable storyline,” which would catch the attention of viewers.
“Hindi lang siya puro patawa. Kumbaga, may laman at galing din sa puso ang mga storya na tatalakayin namin kaya makakarelate ‘yung mga tao,” he added. (The sitcom is not only funny, but it also contains heartfelt stories where the audience can relate.)
Meanwhile, the “Wildflower” star revealed that her character Mikaela is one of her most flamboyant roles to date.
“Si Mikaela ang pinakamaarteng role na gagawin ko. Ngayon pa lang, pagod na ko,” she said in jest. “Pero exciting for me. Parang ‘yung [sa] iba [kong roles], subtle naman ‘yung pagkaarte niya. Ito, matindi.”
(Mikaela is one of the most fussy roles I’ve done. I’m already tired, even just now. But it is exciting for me. My role is more out there compared to my previous characters which are more subtle.)
Salvador also admitted that working with Sotto is her dream, and he hoped that they would join forces in a film in the future.
“Dream ko talaga na makatrabaho si Bossing. Hindi man sa pelikula pero at least sa sitcom niya,” she said, referring to Sotto using his nickname. (It’s been my dream to work with Bossing Vic Sotto. Even if we didn’t join forces in a film, at least we’re working together in a sitcom.)
The actress also expressed her excitement for the project on her personal Instagram page on Wednesday, April 19, as she shared glimpses of her photoshoot with Sotto and Manalo.
“‘Open 24/7’ SOON! Panibagong pangarap ko na naman ang natupad! Last January nung malaman ko ang balita tungkol sa sitcom. Finally, ito na at tuloy na tuloy na! A million thanks Bossing sa tiwala,” she wrote. (“Open 24/7” is coming soon. It is a new dream of mine that came true. I found out about the sitcom last January and finally, it has already kicked off. A million thanks to Bossing for the trust.)
The actors will also be joined by Sofia Pablo, Allen Ansay, Kimson Tan, Bruce Roeland, Abed Green, Anjay Anson, and Muriel Lomadilla.
Details about the storyline and premiere date are yet to be announced, as of this writing. EDV