OK Fine! Whatever: The more spontaneous, the better

Despite competition, ABS-CBN’s OK Fine! Whatever is doing very well a year after it first broke into primetime TV.

While the initial concept was to stir both curiosity and bewilderment among viewers on how on earth funnyman Bayani Agbayani could be the twin brother of drop-dead gorgeous Aga Muhlach, the show has evolved into some sort of weekly witty exchange of comic punchlines and outrageous situations. This, after the creative team behind the show finally found the right chemistry – meaning, the right people for the right roles.

With the inclusion of Edu Manzano, undeniably another drop-dead gorgeous actor (although a bit senior in terms of age and experience, but nevertheless gifted with an endearing and highly intellectual kind of outrageous flair), the Aga-Bayani tandem has expanded into a funny triumvirate.

Over dinner with Edu, Aga, Bayani and the show’s executive producer Cynthia Jordan last week, spirits ran high as each shared anecdotes and stories about the show, specifically the special anniversary episodes they have taped.

Some of the brightest stars will make rare appearances on the show for the next four weeks. Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta, Roderick Paulate, Regine Velasquez will take turns in doling out laughs with Edu, Aga and Bayani, plus the other mainstays who include Gloria Romero, Rica Peralejo, Nikki Valdez, Onyok Velasco and Tado Jimenez.

"It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our televiewers for sticking it out with us for the past year," says Bayani, in reference to the big-time guests lined-up. "Mga superstars yan at super-busy kaya para mapagbigyan kami, it meant a whole lot of love!"

A seemingly introspective Aga shares that the closeness of the cast members, especially the three main leads, extend beyond the rolling of the tape. He says, "We have become good friends. We genuinely have a lot of fun, we talk before a take, we talk after the camera stops. People ask why it works for us, and I always tell them that the secret is respect. No one person stands out. And no one is afraid to take a back-seat for the other to shine. Everyone has his moment and we’re just all too willing to give that person his moment!"

Aga adds that open communication is always present in the group and that the actors always take the viewers into consideration whenever they dish out jokes. "We try not to alienate our viewers," he explains. "Even yung mga personal jokes namin, sinisigurado naming masasakyan ng mga nanonood."

Bayani has become a busy bee, since he’s also part of the cast of MTB and Klasmeyts. "Basta ako, sobrang pasasalamat ko sa mga blessings," he says. "Malinya ba naman ako sa dalawang tisoy na ito! Kaya ilang taon pa, tingnan ninyo, tisoy na rin ako sa kasasama ko sa kanila!"

Aga recalls the first time he met Bayani, "Tinanong ba naman ako ‘Pare, kumusta na kayo ni Janice (de Belen)?’" And ever since, the two just continue to hit it well. In fact, both are starring in the latest Jollibee commercial.

Edu joined the show right after they killed his character in Kay Tagal Kitang Hinintay. He admits that it wasn’t an overnight decision to accept the offer to join the show. In the soap, he played dad to Rica, and here, he is big brother to her. OK Fine! Whatever also comes right after Kay Tagal Kang Hinitay. "Syempre, we had to weigh everything, kasi it was an emotional turnaround. But in the end, saying yes would be the right thing to do," he shares.

Warming up with the cast took about only two episodes for this charming actor, who also leads the pack every morning in Magandang Umaga Bayan. Edu is aware of his grueling schedules that’s why he tries to rest whenever he can. "I try to catch as much sleep as I can," he says, without sounding like he’s complaining. He adds that he makes sure he spends a lot of quality time with his children (Luis, Enzo and Adi).

Edu says with visible pride, "Wala pa namang nagagalit sa aming artista na nag-guest na sa show. Iba ang pagsundot sa pagtira, I think that’s where the secret lies. In the show kasi, it’s funnier if it’s more spontaneous. Mas relaxed, mas sapul ang jokes."

One year means it’s just the beginning of funnier episodes for Edu, Aga, Bayani and the people behind OK Fine! Whatever! led by director Danny Caparas, assistant director and part-time actor Sammy Lagmay and executive producer Cynthia Jordan. As Gloria Romero once said, "You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!"