Big dreams are coming true for KD Estrada as he stars in his first lead role via romantic series “Bola Bola” opposite Francine Diaz with Ashton Salvador and Akira Morishita.
Happiness and excitement shined through KD’s eyes as he talked about the series, his role, and cast-mates in an episode of Kapamilya Chat. He plays Julian in the iWantTFC original series, Thea (Francine)’s ‘torpe’ best friend, who harbors special feelings for her. KD breezed through portraying the character since they’re both musicians. Also, he was once ‘torpe’ like him.
“I remember, I had a few crushes na I can’t tell them kasi it’ll be very awkward kasi school crushes. I wouldn’t tell them,” he said. He was around 16 then. Now at 18, he’s learned to be more expressive, “Now, I wouldn’t say torpe ako. I’m very vocal about my feelings toward other people. Not just in terms of love but general feelings toward other people.”
It even felt good to have made big confessions since entering the Pinoy Big Brother house, “Luckily, for me, this year, I made a pretty bold move. Honestly, it’s one of the best decisions I made this year.”
KD carries the same boldness when it comes to confessing to crushes. He said it may lead to different consequences including friendship breakups, “It can go three ways, either parang wala lang or that person will avoid you or it will blossom. It depends on the situation din kung gaano kayo katagal na magkaibigan, paano kayo naging friends and how your relationship was prior to making amin.”
But at least something heavy will be taken off your chest. Still the best thing you could do is confess but don’t expect. “It sounds sad pero don’t expect. You just have to tell your feelings kasi ayaw mo to bottle it up inside your head kasi one day it will explode,” said KD.
The Squad Plus member also believes that the best romantic relationships blossom from friendship, “’Yung pagkakaibigan ninyo, that’s the foundation of your relationship. If you’re friends first and you become lovers, then, if ever nag-split kayo, at least, you still have that friendship, you still have that bond.”
In the series, main character Thea, bullied for her size, improved her physical appearance to get a crush’s attention, which KD doesn’t really agree with. “I wouldn’t want to change myself just so another person could love me,” he said, adding that it’s important to improve but do it for the right reason. Do it for your own growth and not just to impress somebody else.
So, if he won’t change himself for another person, what then could he sacrifice for love? “I’m willing to bring down my pride for the person I love.” KD is willing to compromise to make the relationship work, every day, be it in the little things or big arguments.
His onscreen counterpart, Julian, also carries this level of selflessness for his best friend and secret crush Thea, who’s in love with Lucas (Akira). Plus, the entrance of fitness coach Josh (Anton) will add another layer of flavor in Thea’s life.
Behind the scenes, the cast members easily gelled like a real ‘barkada.’ KD grew close with his roommate Akira and noted his being friendly, kind, and respectful that’s part of his core as a BGYO member. Akira was also his jamming buddy, “First night, we we’re just jamming inside the room. It’s 12 midnight already, nagja-jamming kami…”
Like Francine, Ashton is also KD’s squadmate in The Squad Plus, so he’s already known him as a nice kid with good potential. “Ashton is very natural. May pinagmanahan talaga siya,” he said, pertaining to Ashton’s showbiz lineage. He’s cousins with King of Hearts Daniel Padilla and sisters with Analain Salvador, who also plays one of Thea’s best friends in the show.
KD had also worked a lot with Francine for The Squad Plus before. But it’s only during “Bola Bola” lock-in taping that they got really close. “Naging tropa ko na rin siya and I’m thankful for that kasi despite her young age, she’s a very experienced actress na. I’m amazed how young she is, how professional she is, and how good she is in her scenes. So, respect to Francine,” expressed KD.
The young actor-musician recorded a song as part of the series’ official soundtrack. He sang “Mahal Ba Kita,” which is Julian’s special track for Thea while Akira also performed “Mahal Na Kita.” KD said the songs perfectly fit his and Akira’s opposing personalities. His song sounds like a shy guy’s ode to his secret crush while that of Akira gives off boy-next-door vibes.
KD’s “Mahal ba Kita” is already a top hit in digital music platforms.
Catch “Bola Bola” starting March 26 on iWantTFC. It is directed by JP Habacand also stars Vance Larena, Danica Ontengco, J-Mee Katanyag, and Arlene Muhlach.