Derrick and Elle bring real-life romance to ‘Makiling’

In the revenge drama series “Makiling,” Derrick Monasterio and Elle Villanueva play their parts well as Alex, the habal-habal driver, and Amira, the provincial lass. Beyond these descriptions, he is also the protector of her, while she is the protectress, in her own way, of the hapless and the helpless.

Now in its fourth week, “Makiling” has revealed these traits of Alex and Amira, and they are becoming more defined.

“Perhaps what my character and Amira represent is that they’re the figure of the people who are voiceless and powerless,” said Derrick in the show’s recent press conference. “(They) want to take revenge, but they can’t. They don’t have the power and the money. Their inner struggle is kung paano (sila) maghihiganti given their limited means,” added he, giving everyone a sneak peek.

“She got orphaned by her mom early in life. They both share interest in and passion for becoming an herbalist. Mahilig silang tumulong sa mga tao (They like to help others),” shared Elle.

Alex and Amira, who face poverty daily, have to step out of their comfort zone, said Elle. So, her character has left her family and hometown to seek greener pastures.

Again, they will see the disparity between the haves and have-nots when they meet the Terra family as well as The Crazy 5. In fact, an episode shows how the characters have witnessed, with its apt title, “the dark and cruel nature” of the Terras.

According to a piece of information given to this paper, the Terra family and The Crazy 5 have no choice but “to deal with sins from the past.” The recent commotion, which had one casualty, shows the Terras’ true colors as they’ve ordered “a cover-up.”

It adds that a janitor in the university will be used by The Crazy 5 “as a fall guy to evade punishment.” With her characterization, Amira will try “to prove her co-worker’s innocence.”

This will lead Amira to experience unfortunate situations at the hands of The Crazy 5.

With that, it’s safe to say that Amira might rethink if she had made the right decision to leave Mt. Makiling, where she and her family hail from. Viewers can also look forward to more intense scenes with Amira.

“Makiling” is the follow-up project of Derrick and Elle’s tandem that started in “Return to Paradise” and shows their potential as leading stars.

For newbies like Elle, the GMA Public Affairs-produced afternoon prime show is a great opportunity for her. That’s why she feels grateful and appreciates the trust that GMA has given her.

“Fortunately, mas madali po siya sa amin (it’s easier for us),” answered Elle when asked about her and Derrick’s experience as a couple working together. “Wala pa naman kaming disadvantage na nakikita, except for maghihintayan po kami kapag hindi pa tapos yung eksena nung isa (we haven’t seen any disadvantage so far, except for the waiting part if one has still scenes to take).”

“I think it’s a big advantage because we’re very open to each other. We are very straightforward in terms of our work. So, ‘pag may makita kaming mali sa isa’t-isa, sasabihin namin kahit hurtful siya. So, there’s room for improvement for us,” added she.

Although it’s the character Amira, played by Elle, who gets hurt in the series, Elle’s emotionally charged and physically demanding scenes, in some way, leave Derrick affected. That’s the only disadvantage he could think of.

To help Elle de-role, and recharge for the next taping day if one may add, Derrick is willing to do whatever she asks him, like cooking a meal for her. This is his way to “comfort” her. “Try to make her life easier,” said he.

After being powerless, Amira will find her strength and learn to fight back.

Given that change in the character, Elle was also asked if it’s easier to play someone, who is being bullied or someone who is ready to exact revenge?

“Hindi ko po masabi, pero gustong gusto ko na pinagdaanan ko yung parehas na inaapi, pati yung paghihiganti (I can’t say. As an actress, I like that I’ve gone through those aspects of my character’s life),” said she. “Kung hindi ko po pinagdaanan yung inaapi (yung character ko) na ganun ka-intense, hindi ko din po matatapatan yung emotion na gustong gusto kong gumanti (If my character had not been bullied in an intense way, I wouldn’t be able to understand and tap the emotion or feeling of taking revenge).”

(Watch the revenge series Makiling weekdays at 4 p.m. It is also available on GMA Pinoy TV.)