Lee & Tuesday: New ‘laff-team’

MANILA, Philippines - With the show titled as Kano luvs Pinay and with Tuesday Vargas topbilling it, the latest TV5 offering is obviously a comedy-themed series. But aside from its aim of giving televiewers laugh-out-loud moments while watching humorous scenes and the actors’ funny dialogues, Kano luvs Pinay will also serve as an eye-opener because it tackles the real goings-on in interracial relationships and how couples in such situations handle ridicule from people whose judgment — whether they admit it or not — is often based on one’s physical looks.

Tuesday admits she is guilty of being judgmental but portraying the lead character, Conchita Evelyn Bigoy a.k.a Cookie, a Pinay single mom who falls in love with an American whom she met through an online dating site, has changed that. Playing Cookie has allowed her to realize the challenges and triumphs of being in a relationship with a foreigner. 

 “Even if we discuss the issues lightly through comedy, the female character actually has something to say. Meron s’yang boses na gustong ibigay sa mga babae na gaya ni Cookie, who at times is irritating; at times nakaka-hurt, but they, too, have their voice that has to be heard. So in the story -— though it starts out really simple — one (can easily) see that the couple wants to live a life in the Philippines together. The struggle (they’re going through) is very real and so we need to look closely at every character like si Cookie makikita natin ano ba itong suot (n’ya) at may kulay sa mukha but she has an admirable personality that we need to explore. Actually, case study s’ya para sa akin.”

Like most women, Tuesday observes, her character can be very vocal yet remains a kind person. “You need to know her – she is a loving and caring mother, a very accommodating host to a foreign guest and  a loving wife who sacrifices everything for her family, so kumakatawan ‘yan ng malaking bahagi ng pamilyang Pilipino.”

Breathing life to Cookie has also led the comedienne to experience the pain of someone being ridiculed for having a foreign partner. “It’s tough (the role) because of the social stigma na lagi ka may makikitang (tao) who seem to doubt about the intention or reason of being in that kind of  relationship. We also got to interview a couple who experienced some issues due to the relationship. So totoong nangyayari (na may mga usap) especially when they (couple) have a child. I really admire couples who were able to surpass all hardships.”

Playing Tuesday’s love interest is Hollywood actor Lee O’Brian as Matthew Adams. The American actor had his local acting debut in the movie Edsa Woolworth topbilled by Pokwang to whom he truly fell in love with. That’s why, Lee can easily describe the wonderful feeling of being in a romantic relationship with a Filipina.

“Pokwang is an amazing person. She also has an incredible sense of humor…she also has a big heart for people. She treats me like a king,” says Lee about the endearing qualities of Pokwang. “I like her cooking. I really like Filipino food including balut, dinuguan and talangka.”

Lee also admires Tuesday’s passion for her craft. “I like her commitment to the craft. She always comes on the set prepared and ahead of schedule. She treats everyone with respect…she gets her job well done and sets a good example to the rest of the cast. She’s also very helpful to me.”

Tuesday, on the other hand, shares funny moments with Lee on the set. “Even at 6:30 in the morning, he would offer you stuffed crabs because he wanted to share his  to everybody. It’s very refreshing to see someone like him na may hawak na talangka (laughs).”

A joint venture of TV5 and Unitel Productions, Kano luvs Pinay is directed by Randolph Longhas, who was also behind the indie film Ang Turkey Man Ay Pabo Rin where the Kapatid sitcom is based. It also stars Wilma Doesnt, Kiki Baento, Martin Escudero, Eula Caballero, Boboy Garovillo, ces Quesada and Cho Chok Venida.

The sitcom airs Saturday nights at 9 beginning Sept. 5.