As FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’s “Ang Pambansang Pagtatapos” airs on our TV and digital screens tonight, Lorna Tolentino relives her three-year stay in the show by reacting to her trending scenes as the infamous ‘kontrabida’ Lily via this edition of Kapamilya React.

We begin with the proposal scene, which sparked the beginning of Lily’s more evil plans. She finally stole President Oscar (Rowell Santiago)’s heart; soon, she would steal the palace and the country from him. This was a scene from 2019, the year she debuted in the series. Looking back, Lorna remembers accepting the role right away because of the show’s reputation and success.

“Kasi lahat halos ng mga artist noong panahon na ‘yon talagang gusto nilang mapasama sa FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. Alam ng lahat ng artista na talagang inaalagaan ‘yung role na binigay sa’yo, pinag-isipan, at talagang pinag-aralan nila kasi nga hindi naman basta-basta ibibigay sa isang artista ‘yung role nang hindi nila alam kung ano ‘yung, kahit papaano, outline, bone structure ng character, pinapalawak na lang ‘pag nakitaan ng galing,” she said, commemorating her supposed 10-day taping that stretched for over three years.

Lorna credits the strong support system on set for her successful portrayal of the bag woman-turned First lady-turned most wanted criminal. She said the stars help each other especially in heavy scenes, “Para lalo mong mapagbuti ang eksena. Sa loob nandoon na ‘yung suporta, hanggang sa paglabas hindi bumibitaw. Alam nila ‘yung intensity na binibigay ng bawat isa, so alam nila ‘yung pagod ng isa’t isa.”

With each taping cycle, the cast members had each other, and together they collected abundant good memories. From their zumba sessions to swimming, walking, light discussions about the story and characters after a day’s work, even the ups and downs due to COVID-19 pandemic – everything, she will look back on with a smile, “Dahil sa samahan, na-surpass namin lahat.”

The powerhouse actress embraced even the challenges that came with the role, specifically the intense physical and emotional scenes. Despite the challenges, she enjoyed every bit of it especially her “bait-baitan” acting. In her three years of playing Lily, she put in the effort to get to know her, “Pinag-aralan ko ano bang behavior meron si Lily, anong mental disorder niya aside from the fact na sakim lang siya sa kapangyarihan.” And that explains why the character successfully triggered our ‘gigil.’ It also reveals Lorna’s commitment to her job.

“Pagiging parte ng isang artista ay ‘yung pinag-aaralan mo ‘yung character na binigay sa’yo pati ‘yung pananalita niya. Kailangan magkaroon ka ng sarili mong lenggwahe. Maswerte kung mabilis na andiyan agad sa’yo ‘yung script. Pero minsan bago kunan inaayos pa na maging smooth at truthful ‘yung pagsabi mo ng linya mo,” she said, adding that even villains need “puso” in portraying them.

The veteran star is grateful to Coco Martin, the show’s main hero on- and off-cam. And she’s proud of his growth as an artist from when they first worked together via Kapamilya series “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” in 2011 to this day, “Napakataas na ng inabot ni Coco ngayon hindi lang bilang isang artista kundi bilang direktor, kapitan ng isang produksyon , ultimo pag-location iniintindi niya para mabigyan ang manonood ng magandang resulta. ‘Yun ang malaking talon sa before ni Coco. ‘Yung difference na nakita ko ngayon, napakalawak na, napakataas na ng kanyang naabot at hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin siya nagbabago.”

She’s also grateful to the viewers that showed loyalty to the longest-running teleserye for the past seven years, “Walang sawang pasasalamat din sa kanilang lahat. Nandiyan sila gabi-gabi para mapanood ang Ang Probinsyano. Lahat ng eksena hindi nila pinalagpas. Hindi naman magiging successful ang isang teleserye kung hindi rin dahil sa mga manonood. Sila ang unang dahilan.”

“Pangalawa, siyempre, ‘yung binibigay ng produksyon sa kanila. Hindi rin naman pinababayaan ng produksyon na mabigyan sila ng isang worthwhile na palabas.”

Admit it: ‘sepanx’ is starting to sink in. But we’re sticking by Cardo Dalisay and Task Force Agila until the end, right?