A Kapuso love team bound by music

MANILA, Philippines - GMA 7 is offering a musical-drama titled Kahit Nasaan Ka Man on its primetime GMA Telebabad. But what excites one is the promising team-up of Kristoffer Martin and Julie Anne San Jose. Surprisingly, they have onscreen chemistry in spite of being identified with their perennial love teammates. Perhaps this can be attributed to their musical leaning. Kristoffer plays the guitar in his spare time, while Julie Anne sings for a living. It’s a Kapuso pairing bound by music.

“They’re happy,” replies Kristofffer when asked about his fans’ reaction over the latest development in his career. “After Kakambal ni Eliana, I have this (new project) and I only took a month’s vacation. I don’t know how I should react because it hasn’t sunk in yet — that I’m a leading man and I have a primetime show. For me, all roles are the same. There’s no small or big role. The word bida is just a title. It is my first time to play a lead in a primetime show.”

Kristoffer was invited to do a screen test with Julie Anne. His character named Leandro is close to home.

“Leandro’s best friend is his guitar,” says Kristoffer. ”He talks to it. If he has problems, he plays the guitar. I’m just like him. I play the guitar, too, and sing. I sing in my room while playing the guitar. It helps me feel better and when I’m sad, I also get to compose songs.” Kristoffer, who first learned to play the guitar in Grade Four, considers “singing a hobby” but is open to the idea of recording an album.

Playing the love interest of Kristoffer is Julie Anne as Pauline, who was born blind. “When she grows up, she’ll gain her sight,” says the singer-actress. “She’ll have a cornea donor. Music is an important element in her life.”

As for her tandem with Kristoffer, Julie Anne has this to say, “I’ve given the opportunity to work with other people. I want to innovate and to explore. I think that’s how I will grow. Some understand (this change of partners or career move), while others are not used to it. I think we (me and Kristoffer) should be given a chance to show what we can (do) as a team-up.”

Kristoffer adds that by pairing them with other Kapuso artists will make them known “sa pangalan nila at di dumedepende sa isa’t isa. What’s good about the network is that they value love teams but they want their artists to rise individually. We’re happy that we’re not just paired with or tied up to one artist. I’m happy with it.” Just like Julie Anne, Kristoffer appeals, “Give it a chance first.” After all, working with different artists will help Julie Anne and Kristoffer bench mark their acting skills and expand their circle of showbiz friends.

“He’s not really a bad singer,” Julie Anne says of Kristoffer. “He can sing. Maganda ang boses niya. He just needs (vocal exercises). I’m here to support him.” During the recording of Kahit Nasaan Ka Man theme song titled I’ll Be There, Julie Anne coached Kristoffer, perhaps from  phrasing lines to hitting the right notes.    

“I’m excited,” shares Julie Anne on her official transition from recording to TV acting. “It is different when you do something on a weekly basis or (a primetime show which airs on a) daily basis.” Although there are offers to record tracks from other producers and an album to be released abroad, Julie Anne wants to take things one at a time. She is all eyes on Kahit Nasaan Ka Man.

What’s interesting to note about Julie Anne and Kristoffer is that both have thriving careers. Her debut self-titled album was a certified platinum while his performance in the film Oros won for him Best Supporting Actor awards.

With that, this Kapuso pairing deserves a second look. 

(Kahit Nasaan Ka Man airs weeknights after 24 Oras.)