PBB graduates add kilig to Moon of Desire

MANILA, Philippines - Former Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) housemates Kevin Fowler and Devon Seron team up for the teenage audience of ABS-CBN’s afternoon fantasy-drama series Moon of Desire. Their characters explore the travails of young romance. The new love team will make Moon of Desire expand its viewership in terms of age bracket. JC de Vera, Meg Imperial and Ellen Adarna comprise the adult pairing, while another PBB alum Beauty Gonzalez and Franco Daza make up the comic-relief partnership. So far, Kevin and Devon have a strong following online. 

“Our PBB followers are happy because we’ve been given a break,” says Kevin of the common feedback his team-up with Devon gets. 

“Based on what we’ve read in social media, our scenes are nakaka-bata lang, very teen lang. (The viewers feel young),” adds Devon. “It’s refreshing because (the fans haven’t seen us for the longest time) at nakita kami nila ulit.”

That’s true because Moon of Desire is Kevin’s first regular project after Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited (where Slater Young was named the Big Winner), while Devon was last seen as Rosario in Maria Mercedes. It’s a welcome change to watch Kevin as the nerd, man of a few words Runin and Devon, the boyish Riri. 

“It was two long years of praying and feeling sad and happy. It was mixed emotions,” shares Kevin of his showbiz story. “After PBB, I just waited for my break. In the span of two years, I polished my Tagalog. I took Tagalog lessons and attended acting workshops. I also hit the gym. I always speak Tagalog and talk to my relatives in Tagalog. When I went to the States, I would speak to my parents in Tagalog. I watched teleseryes and Pinoy movies.”

These activities kept Kevin from being idle and the waiting time made him contemplate his priorities in life. “In those years, I would ask myself if I should stay, go back to the States or give up my dream.” As we all know by now, Kevin opted to stay — and persevered to enter showbiz.

“It took months before I got my first project,” recalls Devon. “And it was followed by a string of assignments.” Her first was the teen-variety show Shoutout. When Mula sa Puso was remade, she landed the supporting role Mariel. Angelito: Batang Ama was her first afternoon series. This was followed by Apoy sa Dagat and Maria Mercedes.

With what the two young stars have gone through in their careers, Kevin and Devon will agree that patience is a virtue and there is a  right time for everyone. That’s why they can’t help but smile and be grateful these days. “It’s a blessing. It’s my first exposure on TV. I was happy when I learned that I was part of it,” says Kevin. Although Devon was “initially afraid if people would like our team-up,” the viewers, especially the netizens, have noticed  their onscreen chemistry.

“They are shocked that we have chemistry,” says Devon. “They are happy about our team-up. We’re moreno, morena. We look the same — we have the same facial features.” (Check out their cheek bones and facial shape.) 

Although the Kevin and Devon sub-plot adds kilig to Moon of Desire’s fantasy leaning, the young stars are pressured “because we have to work on our chemistry,” says Devon. “It’s our first time to work together. That’s why if we’re not taping scenes, we talk to understand each other and to share ideas.” On Kevin’s part, he looks Devon straight in the eye to understand her character’s feelings.

Since the tandem seems promising, we can only wish the best for Kevin and Devon. “Sana magtagal ang love team namin and we can work in more soaps,” says Devon. “Sana malayo ang marating ng love team namin,” adds Kevin. 

Asked what makes a person desirable like the dramatis personae in the Kapamilya afternoon series, Kevin answers, “There are factors (that make a person desirable). When I was younger, my idea would be physical. But it’s not (all about that). If you’re goal-oriented, you’re desirable. The way one acts when no one is watching also makes a person desirable.”

“You have to know the person’s personality,” adds Devon. “His being intelligent and gentleman — and all his good traits — make him desirable.”

Reality speaking, Kevin concludes, beauty fades and personality stays.

(Moon of Desire airs weekdays after It’s Showtime!.)