Soul sisters

Their rivalry is just for the ABS-CBN show Mara Clara. Once the cameras stop rolling, Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes become soul sisters swapping stories of their latest fashion finds and planning their next visit to the spa. They also discuss how to attack big scenes to make their onscreen competition look believable. 

“There’s collaboration between us especially in confrontation (and hair-pulling) scenes,” says Julia. “We talk to each other before the take. We ask at least two minutes to get the feel of the scene.”

“The directors guide us along with other actors,” adds Kathryn. “They teach us how to be better. We study how to attack (the roles and) the script differently. I should not only cry but I also have to show where my character is coming from.”

Thus, Kathyrn and Julia have successfully owned their characters. They have given the primetime tearjerker a twist that is close to the viewers’ present plight and entertainment sensibilities. Many tend to forget that Mara Clara is just a remake. 

“We don’t own the roles because we know that Judy Ann Santos and Gladys Reyes originally played them,” clarifies Kathryn. “We’re thankful that they entrusted us the roles.”

“We’re happy with the public’s feedback considering some changes made in the show,” shares Julia. “They’ve never compared us to the original stars that are far better than us.”

Mara Clara is a top-rater on the Kapamilya network’s weeknight primetime programming. This is the reason why Kathryn and Julia can’t rest on their laurels. They have to be on their toes all the time.

What’s the typical shooting day like for the two?

Kathryn and Julia have to be on the set three times a week on top of TV appearances and promo tour. They do their character study as soon as they get the script or browse it on their way to the shoot. Once on the set, Julia says she and fellow actors rehearse their blocking and lines. This is when they connect with other actors. Kathryn also asks the directors if she could change some words or slightly revise some lines to make them sound more natural.

Are they friends off camera?

“Yes, we are,” answer Kathryn and Julia in chorus. “We’ve known each other before we got the roles.”

“Since we’re together every day and have the same work schedule, friendship has developed,” says Kathryn. “We have bonded well. We even go to the mall together.”

“There are times that we buy the same things,” adds Julia.

 Below, Mara and Clara, err, Kathryn and Julia share with The STAR readers what makes their hands full on and off soundstage. To get to know more about the two promising stars, grab a copy of StarStudio June issue as they grace its cover.

5:30 a.m. — (Kathryn) I wake up for a 7 a.m. or 8 a.m.-call time. I leave at 6:30 to arrive on time. (Note: The location for Mara Clara varies. Sometimes, it is in Marikina or in Tanay.) If there’s enough time, I’ll have my breakfast. We can’t leave home with an empty stomach. But I can also have my first meal of the day on the set. They provide us food. I should have a heavy breakfast of rice (and a viand) in anticipation of a whole-day work.

— (Julia) I leave for work two to three hours ahead of call time to avoid traffic jam and arriving late on the set.

Sometimes, I easily gain weight. So I watch the food I eat. I avoid fattening food, rice and sweets. But if I’m in the mood of eating, I don’t deprive myself.

In-between takes — (Julia) I eat. Hahahaha. (Kathryn) I love chips but we’re told to avoid it. I have biscuits instead. 

(Kathryn and Julia) We shoot a maximum of 52 sequences and minimum of 30. We are happy if we do four (tuhog) scenes. It means we can finish work early and we can still hold on to the emotions of our characters.

Free day — (Kathryn) We also wake up early so we could plan where to go later in the day and do many things.

(Julia) We talk about going to the spa and having facial.

(Julia) I watch TV with my family.

(Kathryn) I dine out with my family because I hardly see them on weekdays, or we only stay at home. Sometimes, we also work on Sundays.