Luck is on JM's side

MANILA, Philippines - While it is a given that any family drama tackles various issues involving parents or their children and solves conflicts at the end of the story, ABS-CBN’s afternoon drama Angelito, Ang Bagong Yugto, a sequel to the first installment Angelito, Batang Ama, mirrors the reality of life without exaggeration.

Its first installment loudly echoed the consequences of teenage pregnancy which is prevalent in today’s society. It aimed to be an eye-opener to the youth as it illustrated how Angelito played by JM de Guzman struggled as a young father. His girlfriend Rosalie (Charee Pineda) faced the dilemma of a teenaged mom torn between her love for Angelito and her desire to obey her parents’ (Al Tantay and Snooky Serna) decision. Of course, there came more conflicts for young televiewers to realize how tough to get into the trouble of having a child at an early age. And just like in real life, the story closed with their parents eventually allowing the teenaged couple to marry after seeing their efforts to survive all the hardships.

This time, director Theodore “Ted” Boborol shares, Angelito, Ang Bagong Yugto will present the ups and downs of raising a family. “Angelito got his wish of sealing his love for Rosalie at the altar but new challenges are about to set in. It will also show the modern Filipino family.”

From getting along with the in-laws to facing tough situations within and beyond the confines of home are just some of the issues that are about to unfold.

In the early part of the afternoon soap, which began airing last July 16, there was one scene showing how Rosalie tries her best to get along with Angelito’s grandmother played by Elizabeth Oropesa. Rosalie explains things with careful words and offers help in the kitchen. It’s really hard to please your partner’s relatives sometimes.

But the show is not all about pain and drama. It also speaks of how a Filipino family stays together no matter what. In a video clip shown during the presscon, Elizabeth says, “Ang pamilyang Pilipino kahit may problema ay nasu-solusyunan ng sama-sama.”

The story also defines Pinoy traits and values. “Makikita mo ang kaugalian ng Pinoy na pagiging magalang, ‘yung pag-mamano at pagsasabi ng po at opo,” Elizabeth continues.

It also reflects Pinoy’s strong faith as one scene saw Angelito and Rosalie with their son Jun-Jun (Joshen Bernardo) kneeling before the altar praying together.

And since most of the scenes require a display of maturity, JM and Charee admit they are working doubly hard to portray their roles better than the first installment.

“I enjoyed the first book because the role didn’t require me to be serious as compared to the Angelito now. Dun naglalaro pa ko, ngayon mas focused na ako at dapat maipakita ko kung paano makikita ni Angelito ang mga naging mali n’ya nung una,” reveals JM, who seems to have Mother Luck on his side.

His first TV lead starrer topped the ratings game in the afternoon block. Thus, a follow-up came just a few months after.

JM is grateful that ABS-CBN has tapped him to do the role. “Mas marami nga ang tawag sa akin Angelito kaysa JM but I’m happy with it. It clearly shows the impact of Angelito to the viewers.”

Asked about his stand on pre-marital sex, JM replies, “As an actor my responsibility is to give the young viewers a vivid picture of the possible consequences of engaging in pre-marital sex. Through the show, we can tell them na ’di ito laro, ’di ’yun sarap, ’di ’yun hobby. Meron ’yun malaking kapalit.”

Aside from honing his acting ability, JM also wants to improve on physical aspects like “makikita n’yo magkaka-abs na ko,” he quips. Kidding aside, he does martial arts and boxing every day.

Does he still find the time to go on dates? He reportedly has an eye for Jessy Mendiola.

“I’m more focused with my work. Perhaps, it’s just natural to have bonding moments with friends and family because that’s my source of happiness. Crush ko si Jessy, okey kami. She’s beautiful and kind. I’m looking forward to working with her.”

(Angelito, Ang Bagong Yugto airs weekdays after It’s Showtime.)