‘Pamilya Sagrado’ actor hopes series will produce discerning voters

Floyd Tena. Image: INQUIRER.net/Armin P. Adina

The political drama series “Pamilya Sagrado” wrapped up its second and final season earlier this month, and the show’s “Doc Harvey Hermoso,” actor Floyd Tena, hopes those who followed it will become more discerning when it comes to electing officials.

“The show is very political, and we’re about to again have elections soon. So, I hope the people will see the values that are really important for the entire nation,” the actor told INQUIRER.net at the recent launch of Repertory Philippines’ new musical “Going Home to Christmas.”

Tena had been doing theater productions before jumping over to television. He was previously seen on “Senior High” essaying the role of Reginald Castrodes.

“Sometimes, what happens is, when we vote them, we’re the ones serving them. I hope when they watch ‘Pamilya Sagrado’ they realize ‘we’re the boss, we have to take charge.’ We elect them because we want to hire them to run our country for us,” he explained.

Tena reminded Filipino voters not to be swayed by the candidates’ “sweet words” or by the money that they churn out during the campaign season. “We really have to decide to vote for a public servant,” he said.

He also shared how delighted he was with the positive response the show generated from the public. Tena also approves of the ongoing practice of producing limited-run series, a far cry from the years-long programs of the past. “I don’t want to stretch it. Because sometimes when we stretch a series, we lose the story’s essence. I’m very happy that the public accepts it that way,” he said.

Tena has been busy with TV, movie and theater work. He was part of the stage adaptation of “One More Chance,” and filmed “Bagman” while also working on “Pamilya Sagrado.” This month, while doing “Going Home to Christmas,” he will also start rehearsing for another musical slated for next year.

“Going Home to Christmas” is the first musical play inspired by the songs of Jose Mari Chan, who ushers the holidays in the country. Tena confessed that unlike many Filipinos, he feels indifferent about Christmas. “I hope it changes when I do this. I may have a takeaway first before the audience does,” he said.

“But definitely, it talks about different kinds of love, and you can find it in the most unexpected places. So that’s what I want the audience to take away when they watch this,” he added.

“Going Home to Christmas” is directed by Rep’s Artistic Director Jeremy Domingo,. It will run at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati City starting Nov. 29.