In this episode of Kapamilya Chat, Ella Cayabyab, Sky Quizon, and Sela Guia talked about their upcoming project PiliKula: “Her Story,” as well as the friendship and lessons they got working on the new TVDG digital movie.

Ella, who won her role via KUMU campaign spearheaded by Star Hunt, leads the pack as Phoebe, a struggling artist desperate for the best, life-changing story that will save her career. She comes up with the story of Nica, the perky ‘raketera’ who will do everything for her dreams even if it means working close with the cold-hearted ‘oppa’ boss, Ian.

As Phoebe writes, the characters in ‘her story’ will also be brought to life by Sky playing Boss Ian and Sela as Nica. Also joining them is Jelay Pilones as Bei, who portrays Nica’s friend.

The trailer exudes charming Kdrama vibes but aside from ‘kilig,’ viewers will also get inspiration and lessons from the characters. Boss Ian, for instance, proves that he also has a heart despite the ‘masungit’ assumptions about him. Sky added that Ian’s character also knows how to fall in love despite the cold, emotionless façade. Sela admires her onscreen counterpart as well for being everybody’s happy pill. Meanwhile, the most dominant trait Ella appreciates about Phoebe is her being a fighter.

Although it’s their first time working together, the cast grew close in an instant, proven by their no-filter ‘kulitan’ in this episode of Kapamilya Chat. Sky said he used to just interview Ella but working with her in a movie set, he realized she’s “sobrang kulit.”

They also had the sweetest things to say about Director Sonny Calvento, describing him as “soft-spoken.” Sky mentioned that Direk Sonny was very collaborative and helpful throughout, and he’s not the type to intimidate his artists. The newcomers also learned how to share their ideas and work as a team.

On the lessons they picked up from the story, Ella stressed the value of respect despite our differences. “May iba-iba mang problema ang mga tao, may pinagdadaanan si Nica, Ian, Phoebe, magkakaiba man ang problema nila, pero ang pinaka solusyon po diyan ay respeto sa isa’t isa. Respetuhin natin ang nararamdaman ng bawat isa,” she explained.

Sky and Sela also related how their characters taught them perseverance. He shared, “Talagang ipaglalaban mo ‘yung pangarap mo… As cliché as it sounds, never give up on your dreams.” Sela added, “Kahit mapagod tayo, huwag nating isipin na susuko ako. At the end of the day naman, gusto pa rin natin lumaban.”

Speaking of dreams, the trio opened up about the times they thought of quitting showbiz. Sky admitted that self-doubt still visits his thoughts to this day. Sometimes it’s inevitable not to compare himself to his contemporaries.

“May times na ginagawa mo naman ‘yung best mo pero bakit parang kulang? Sabi nga nila, don’t compare yourself to others pero kasi may mga kasabay ka sa journey tapos parang, ‘Bakit sila may ganitong projects na?’ As difficult it is na sabihing huwag mong i-compare ang sarili mo, pero mapapa-compare ka talaga in the journey that you are going through,” he admitted.

Despite all the struggles, Sky is determined to pursue showbiz because it makes him happy. “Kahit may mga ganung iniisip, go back kung bakit mo ba ginagawa. Ako, ginagawa ko dahil dito ako masaya, para sa pamilya ko. Dito lang din talaga ako parang dinala at tuloy lang ang pangarap.”

Sela, who started her career via girl group MNL 48, recalled the rejections she experienced trying her luck in different auditions. As she goes through the process, she’s come to accept that her only competition is herself. “Habang tumatagal ako sa ginagawa ko ngayon, mas naiintindihan ko na dito sa industriyang ito, meron talagang mas maganda sa’yo, mas talented sa’yo, mas magaling sa’yo. So, isipin talaga natin na ang kalaban natin ay sarili natin. Dapat everyday, nag-go-grow tayo. Laban lang.”

For Ella, no matter how many rejections and failures today brings, tomorrow is a new chance to start over and wait for her big break. “Iisipin mo din na nandito na ako, ngayon pa ba ako susuko. I-try lang natin nang i-try. Hintayin natin ‘yung pagkakataon na, ‘Ito, sasang-ayon na sa akin ngayon.’

Get inspiration and ‘kilig’ from PiliKula: “Her Story.” Book your tickets now via ktx.ph to catch its exclusive premiere on February 25.