Julia Barretto praised by ‘Secret Ingredient’ co-star Lee Sang-heon

(From left) Lee Sang-heon and Julia Barretto are all praises for each other’s professionalism and camaraderie on the set of “Secret Ingredient.”

Not even a nasty seafood allergy attack could shake the professionalism of Julia Barretto on the set of the new series “Secret Ingredient,” earning her high praise from her co-star Lee Sang-heon, who took note of Barretto’s efforts to ensure her scenes were pulled off “perfectly.”

During an interview with ABS-CBN News, the “XO, Kitty” star said Barretto’s professionalism is what impressed him while they worked together on the upcoming series, even when she was beset by allergies from the seafood that they had to prepare and partake for the series.

The actress hinted that many of the food they cooked included some form of seafood, with which she became “friends” with now.

“We dealt with a lot of seafood so I drank a lot of antihistamines, but now I’m friends with the shrimp, crab, and lobsters,” Barretto said.

These make up most of the unforgettable moments for Barretto, who recalled Lee whipping up a meal when he was feeling hungry and her relying on antihistamines to fight off her allergies.

“The super fun fact is while we’re filming, since we’re filming in the kitchen, and he got hungry, and then he (Lee) comes out of the kitchen and he [cooked something],” she said. She also noted filming the series took place in an actual kitchen where the essential tools were provided to them.

Julia and Sang-heon are troopers

(From left) Lee Sang-heon and Julia Barretto in a scene from the upcoming series “Secret Ingredient.” Image: Courtesy of Viu Philippines

“Every time Julia came on set, she tried to be as happy as possible. Even if she feels sick or tired. She never lets that become an excuse. She always tried to make sure once the cameras were rolling, she got the take perfectly,” Lee said.

The actress, on the other hand, said Lee is a type of co-star who makes a “constant effort to keep [things] light” especially during stressful moments. “Coming from how he was on the set when the pressure is real and there’s a bit of tension already as we need to get things done, I do notice his effort to break that.”

“And to make people laugh and smile. He is the type to notice when you’re feeling down or tired, or thinking about something,” she continued.

Barretto also shared that Lee makes it a point to check in with his co-stars and production team with his favorite line being, “Are you all right?”

“He always asks, ‘You good?’ Are you all right?’ I think it’s that constant checking in and constant effort to keep it light. The takeaway is when the tension arises, he always finds [a way] to keep the humor and to smile,” she said.

The six-episode romantic comedy also stars Indonesian actor Nicholas Saputra and is directed by Jo Young-Gwang. It is set to hit a streaming platform in April.