With the intense confrontations, the 'sampalan' and 'sabunutan' galore, and all sorts of drama that are often present in teleseryes or movies featuring two rivals, it's easy to assume that the bad blood between a ‘bida’ and ‘kontrabida’ may be inspired by real-life tension. Well, that’s what you call acting. And guess what? Some mortal enemies on camera even become BFFs behind the scenes.

Here in Kapamilya Snaps, we celebrate the amazing friendship of these bida and kontrabida tandems!

When we say on-screen enemies, first that comes to mind is the duo of Sharon Cuneta and Cherie Gil that brought us the iconic rivalry of Dorina Pineda and Lavinia Arguelles in the classic drama flick “Bituing Walang Ningning” (1985). As immortal as their confrontation scene that brought us the line “you’re nothing but a second-rate, trying hard copycat” from the said film, memories of their friendship could never be erased. Sharon was by Cherie’s bedside during the latter’s last moments.

Just as Lavinia is to Dorina, there’d be no Mara without Clara. The ABS-CBN classic Mara Clara (1992), a story of two teenagers switched at birth, has opened an unbreakable friendship for Judy Ann Santos and Gladys Reyes, even if they had to engage in intense slapping and hair-pulling at the time. Thirty years later, the two keep their closeness strong by catching up once in a while – with their kids in tow.

In 2010, Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes were tagged as modern Judy Ann and Gladys. Not only did they reprise the lead roles in Mara Clara, but they also copied the original actresses’ real-life closeness. More ‘collabs’ followed for KathJul be it in the movies, TV, magazine covers, and events. But, soon, they had to pursue separate paths in showbiz, building their own branding. Kathryn took on the rom-com route (currently in 2 Good 2 Be True) while Julia found her niche in classic drama and action (recently appeared in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano). Despite that, they remain very good friends to this day. Proof? Photos of their night out with Mara Clara co-star Dimples Romana uploaded on the latter’s Instagram page just last August 11.

Similarly, Julia is fondly called “baby sis” by Shaina Magdayao, who played her kontrabida in the afternoon series Asintado. While their characters as long-lost sisters Ana and Samantha, respectively, engaged in intense confrontations, their off-dynamic seem calm and sweet. Julia sent Shaina flowers, fruits, and a sweet note as the latter tested COVID-19 positive last January. Goes to show they’d stick by each other through thick and thin, and yes, in sickness and in health. The talented actresses reunited on TV via FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.

We know Coco Martin and John Prats are inseparable. On-cam, they portray best friends and Task Force Agila co-troopers in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano. Off-cam, they still work together as two of the series’ directors. But, there was a time they played on-screen rivals via Komiks Presents Tiny Tony in 2008, wherein John was the titular superhero and Coco was the evil foe.

It seems police/military series really inspire solid brotherhood among co-stars. Just like Coco and John, Gerald Anderson and Jake also grew closer on the set of Tayong Dalawa (2009), where they played brothers and rival soldiers. They also starred with each other in Sana Maulit Muli (2017) and Ikaw Lang Ang Iibigin (2017). One thing that keeps them bonded is their shared passion for staying fit.

One of the most recent fierce rivalries to grace primetime is that of Ellice Señidoza and Marissa Pineda, brought to life by Iza Calzado and Jodi Sta. Maria, respectively, in Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin. The two really divided a nation of teleserye enthusiasts into Team Ellice and Team Marissa debating on who’s the real queen of the jewellery industry. But, in real life, they have found the real gem, which is their friendship that continued even after the cameras start rolling. Fun fact: They call each other “my love.”

These celebrities must be lucky to have found real friendships while working. Which of these bida and kontrabida tandems is your favorite, Kapamilya?