Kylie and Andrea explain how characters in LGBTQ series resonate with them

Scene from “BetCin”

The real question is, kaya pa ba natin lokohin ang mga sarili natin?”

This was what controversial actress Kylie Padilla said was her favorite line from the gay-themed romantic series “BetCin,” where she plays Beth, a lesbian.

Andrea Torres plays Cindy, the other half of the popular social media couple in the series directed by Shugo Praico.

During the virtual media launch organized by producer WeTV, Kylie and Andrea were asked to share with the audience what they considered were their favorite lines from among those that their characters said in the series.

As soon as Kylie recited hers, program host DJ Sam YG asked if she ever told this to anyone in real life. To this, Kylie said, “Only in my head. I never actually said it.”

Off-cam, Kylie is reeling from a bad breakup herself. In July, the actress admitted to having broken up with husband Aljur Abrenica, the dad of her two sons Alas, 4, and Axl, 1. This was after her father, actor Robin Padilla, said in an interview that the couple parted ways because Aljur got involved with a “third party.”

Online bashing

Aljur received intense online bashing as a result of Robin’s interview, more so when he eventually announced that he is dating young actress AJ Raval. To protect his new relationship, Aljur said, he posted on social media a message urging Kylie to tell the truth about who between the two of them cheated first. In a recent interview on “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” Kylie insisted that, “While we were formally married, I never had any extramarital relationships with other men. That’s my truth…”

Andrea, on the other hand, said her favorite from among Cindy’s quotable lines in the series was this: “Wala naman talagang inherently perfect sa mundo, ’di ba? But we can make it, we can choose to be happy, we can choose to love.”

Relationship highs, lows

This was Cindy’s biggest realization, explained Andrea, who also became the subject of headlines early this year because of her controversial breakup with actor Derek Ramsay. The two have since moved on, especially Derek, who is now engaged to another actress, Ellen Adarna. “It took a while before this sunk in for Cindy. Her experiences allowed her to grow and mature. There, you will see acceptance,” Andrea pointed out.

“BetCin” is the story of Beth and Cindy, who are two popular vloggers. “They are romantic partners on the verge of a breakup, but when they learned about this contest, they decided to join. The series shows the highs and lows of a relationship that’s already shaky and then under the social media microscope. It also shows to what lengths people go to in order to keep the ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ coming, and the impact of that in a relationship,” explained Georgette Tengco, country manager of WeTV Philippines.

Andrea explained why even though she relates better with Beth in real life, she was able to enjoy playing Cindy. “Like Beth, I’m not into social media so much. I’m always behind when it comes to what’s trending. I’m not a techie. That’s why I empathize with Beth, but I had so much fun playing Cindy because her world is a place I’ve never been to before,” she said. “Because of this show, I became more open. I realized that it’s fun to be someone like Cindy because she’s always game. She’s the type who doesn’t let the day pass without experiencing something new. She is OK at trying anything.”

As for Kylie, she considers the show a “blessing.” She explained: “It came at a time when I really wanted to sink my teeth into a project and a character that I really love. I wanted Kylie to disappear for a while. I wanted to get into Beth’s shoes and stay there for a while. That’s why I had so much fun portraying her.”

Kylie fell in love with the character the moment she read the script, the actress recalled. “I wasn’t done reading the first episode yet, but I already knew her and thought that I needed to give this character justice,” she said. “I know her wants and needs. That’s why playing her wasn’t really a challenge. Bitin nga ako. I want to play her again. We were so sad when taping ended. Until now, we’re begging for Season 2.”

Positive light

Kylie claimed to have learned so much from the series in relation to love. “One thing is the social media [component] in a relationship that’s going through a breakup and was put under a microscope. It made me ask myself what the impact of social media is on my life. Am I sharing too much? What is my truth and how can I make my life better?

“On a smaller scale, I’ve learned to love both characters in all their flaws and messes. They’re imperfect people, but they try their best. Their love is pure, but that’s how love works. There are relationships that don’t really work out.”

Andrea said she appreciated the LGBTQI+ community even more as a result of working on this series. “‘BetCin’ appealed to me because I had wanted to present the community in a positive light. I want to help them feel accepted. I hope they will feel proud of us when they watch this series because Kylie and I are also proud to represent them.”

Fatrick Tabada cowrote the eight-episode series with writer John Carlo Pacala. “BetCin” has been streaming exclusively on WeTV for free since Oct. 15, with new episodes dropping every Friday.