Jodi Sta Maria (left) and Richard Yap
Unbreak my Heart” (UMH) has broken network barriers. The riveting drama series, which is a collaboration of GMA Network and ABS-CBN and airs from Monday to Thursday at 9:35 p.m. on GMA, stars Richard Yap, Gabbi Garcia, Joshua Garcia and Jodi Sta. Maria.
Jodi and Richard’s tandem has not lost its spell, even as they portray an estranged couple. It’s a complete turnaround from their cutesy roles in “Be Careful with my Heart” (2012).
I’ve been hooked on UMH since it premiered a few weeks ago. Aside from its postcard-pretty locations in Switzerland and Italy, the potent combination of the lead stars makes me yearn for the next episode, yet I don’t want the story to end.
Here’s my chat with Richard:
What’s your advice to the character (Matteo) you play?
Just stay away from Rose (portrayed by Jodi) so as not to complicate things.
During your younger years, were you a heartbreaker?
It was the opposite. I had my share of being heartbroken because there were times I got jilted.
How has your working relationship with Jodi evolved at this point of your careers?
It has matured. We are more attuned to each other as actors. We know exactly how to feed off each other’s energy and give support when needed.
What’s your most memorable moment in UMH?
When I, as Matteo, asked my bodyguards to get Rose. It was such a “Godfather” moment. It was fun pretending I could speak Italian, even if it was just a phrase or two.
What was it like having your family around during your shoot in Europe?
It was cool that they were able to watch me do my thing. Since we had a skeleton crew, my wife Melody was in charge of buying food while our kids, Ashley and Dylan, helped in the cooking.
John Estrada (left) and Priscilla Meirelles
Significance of John Estrada’s birthday
I am so looking forward to the birthday bash of my good friend, John Estrada. In his text invite, he said in jest that he’s turning 30. I ribbed him, “You mean 30 years in service?” He shot back and said, “Mismo, dear.”
Aside from his birthday, it will also be a celebration of his reinvigorated marriage after he and his wife Pri (Meirelles) got embroiled in a crazy controversy a few headlines ago.
These days, the Estradas’ domestic front is no longer a battlefront.
Arron Villafor (left) and Christine Bermas
From breakup to breakthrough
If your heart is under renovation and not yet ready for its next occupant, you must watch “Hilom” on Vivamax. Directed by GB Sampedro, it stars Christine Bermas and Arron Villaflor.
The film centers on Sam (Arron) whose heart is in limbo after his longtime girlfriend rejected his marriage proposal. Then, he meets Sammy (Christine), who gives him a Lucky 9 list to help him move on and move up. Let the movie show you how a breakup can turn into a breakthrough.
Here are quotes from Christine (C), Arron (A) and GB:
C: When we lose our partner, we lose part of ourself. So we must heal first before falling for someone new. Love on the rebound is a no-no for me.
A: I am going through an emotional struggle now detaching from my ex, that’s why I can totally relate to the character I play.
GB: Our film is based on combined stories of brokenhearted people in the process of moving on. I want to cover all angles, so it’s from various sources.
C: My sexy scenes are subtle compared to my previous films. It’s a good move because I want to veer away from sexy films.
A: We have different coping mechanisms for heartbreak. What works for me is being productive, instead of self-destructive.
GB: Our movie will give the audience options on how to move on. Just embrace the process and, before you know it, your heart will be healed.
TVJ’s ‘nontransferable’ legacy
“Eat Bulaga” (EB) is synonymous with TVJ (Tito, Vic and Joey ) and the Dabarkads. With all due respect to the new hosts of EB, I just want to say that the legacy of TVJ and Dabarkads is nontransferable.
It would be better if they change the title of the noontime show and create their own legacy instead. It seems like it turned into “Sh*t Bulaga” because of the sudden change of casting.
Thank you for the “isang libo’t isang tuwa” all these years, TVJ and Dabarkads. In this crazy show biz world of copycats, here’s to the originals.