JM de Guzman says ‘My Bespren Emman’ helped him reconnect with God

JM de Guzman confessed that he is still navigating the highs and lows of healing when “My Bespren Emman” came to him, a project in which he ultimately felt closer to God. 

In the inspirational drama, de Guzman stars as Mateo de Jesus, who is involved in a life-threatening accident, much to the worry of his wife and daughter. He soon encounters a mysterious man named Emman, who takes him on a journey of transformation.

“Bago pa lang mag-start ang show, to be honest, I’m battling spiritual warfare. I lost my connection with God. I lost my relationship with God. This show helped me reconnect with him,” he said in a press conference for “My Bespren Emman.”

The project came to de Guzman when Derick Cabrido, who co-directs the drama with Jerome Pobocan, pitched to him the story and what it stood for, though it was for a different character at the time.

“Naalala ko noong pumunta si Direk Derick sa condo tapos kwinento niya ang storya, character, backstory, iyak lang ako nang iyak sa kanya kasi natataon na kailangan ko si God — or si Emman — sa buhay ko ngayon dahil may mga ups and downs pa rin ako kahit naka-recover ako sa past ko,” he said, adding that the drama made him reflect on how an “Emman” should be defined.

(I remember Derick coming to my condo unit, then he told the story, character, and backstory. I ended up crying a lot because it came at a time when I needed God — or Emman — in my life due to the ups and downs in my healing journey.)

Reflecting on how the drama changed his perception of healing, the actor said that playing Mateo made him more enlightened. He also realized that his battle with depression and anxiety helped him change for the better, allowing him to be in a state of mind where he can wholeheartedly take on his character.

“Binibigay na mission sa’yo ni Emman na hindi mo maintindihan bakit paulit-ulit or bakit ang hirap, and noong dumating ang ‘My Bespren Emman’ sa’kin, parang nagkaroon ako ng enlightenment. Nagbago pananaw ko ulit,” he said. “Narealize ko lang ng lahat ng pinagdaanan ko before, depression, anxiety, nilead lang ako to prepare for this show. Na-bless ako na napunta sa’kin ang role ni Mateo.”

(Emman gives us a mission that you won’t understand, or a difficult moment that keeps happening. When I was given the chance to do this drama, I felt a sense of enlightenment. My perspective has changed for the better. I realized that the depression and anxiety I experienced led me to prepare for this show. I’m blessed that Mateo was given to me.)

“My Bespren Emman,” which took two years to produce, also stars Shaina Magdayao, Sid Lucero, Ai-Ai delas Alas, and Ryrie Sophia.

The Cabrido and Pobocan-helmed drama begins airing on TV5 starting April 27.