MANILA, Philippines - After five days of all work and no play, we crave for something light and easy. ABS-CBN’s TODA Max has never failed to give Kapamilya a light Saturday night since its premiere last year. It has become a staple of one’s weekend entertainment fare after watching heartwarming stories featured in Maalaala Mo Kaya.
Topping its timeslot with 13.2 percent audience share last Feb. 4, the Robin Padilla-Vhong Navarro starrer is given a second season — and another chance to tickle everyone’s funny bones and to teach a lesson.
“The branding of the sitcom is situational comedy,” says director Malu Sevilla of TODA Max’s attempt to be different from previous Kapamilya comedy shows. “Comedy, as we know it before, is very situational revolving around one topic. Even the old sitcoms, there’s a lesson learned at the end. But that’s not the way we do it now. The difference now is, it is character-driven. It is the story of the four characters.” Thus, the viewers will get into the lives of Tol, Justin Bibbo, Isabel and Lady G played by Robin, Vhong, Angel Locsin and Pokwang, respectively. The humor will simply emanate from them.
“For ABS-CBN, it is (first time to offer something like this),” direk Malu continues. “It is not situational and the story of the characters is moving. Every week, something happens to the characters. Of course, there’s still humor. What is interesting is the development of the characters and how they react to the situation presented. And that is (the show’s) styling. It is very modern.”
From direk Malu’s point of view, Robin “represents the (Filipino) family.” He is one probinsyano father who tries to watch over his children in a city. Vhong and Angel provide the kilig moments as they “connect and disconnect” with their budding relationship. “If something comes up (with their affair), nagkakagulo sila,” says direk Malu.
Pokwang, on the other hand, embodies the career woman of today. “She is trying to expand her wealth and, at the same time, realizes that she is lonely. As a rich woman, wala siyang love,” offers direk Malu.
That explains why many tune in to TODA Max week after week. The characters are relatable.
“They are everyday people,” says direk Malu. “I can relate to each one of them. So, it is something worth watching.”
Aside from that, TODA Max is a good way to cap your stress-free night with loved ones. It is a breather from shows that only offer an escape from life’s realities.
“On a Saturday night, you want to watch something easy, something you can relate with,” says direk Malu. “…after Maalaala, you just want to relax.”
Direk Malu’s first directorial job was Ang TV. From there, she moved to helm drama shows like Tabing Ilog, Katorse, Agua Bendita, 100 Days to Heaven, Noah and My Binondo Girl. She shares her dramas are “not drama-drama.” Her approach “has always been natural.” It is perhaps realistic and not theatrical. This is the same attack direk Malu uses in directing TODA Max.
“As a director, your main purpose is to tell your story,” direk Malu says. “Whether it be drama or comedy or even another form, it is still storytelling. There’s no difference (between directing drama and comedy). Timpla lang ang aayusin mo dyan.”
Pressed to discuss the development of the characters and twists and turns of the plot, direk Malu is mum to give details.
“At the end of each episode, you always want to leave your viewers with something,” she concludes. “You want to share with them something about life, and at the same time, you want to empower them. That’s our purpose as entertainers.”