We started with dalgona coffee, now we’re leaning on to nature and techs. With the whole universe cancelled due to the pandemic, especially during the earlier months, people were forced to find new hobbies and interests as a way of coping. And it turned out that there’s so much more to do and learn even while stuck at home.

Stars of Bagong Umaga, the newest barkada to bring us afternoon entertainment, share what they’ve been into since the quarantine.

One of them would say ‘plants,’ of course. Michelle Vito is just one of the many celebrities converted into plantitas. In a previous interview for Kapamilya Chat, the actress talked about how she turned her black thumb green by herb gardening.

For Barbie Imperial, also a new plant parent, caring for a leafy baby is more than just keeping up with the fad. It’s about the genuine desire to nurture a fragile living thing. “Meron ako, isa lang, pero ‘di ko akalain na ilo-love ko siya at aalagaan ko siya nang ganun,” she said.

With gym and sports facilities closed for months, health buffs like Kiko Estrada were prompted to be resourceful. The actor developed a strong interest in no-equipment home exercises. He’s into HIIT (High Intensity Internal Training) workouts and a bit of fasting as well.

While most of his showbiz colleagues have ventured into vlogging, Yves Flores opts not to go after the same path, although video editing tickled his interest. “Uso ngayon YouTube pero ayaw ko naman mag-vlog. Pero nagpa-practice ako mag-edit ng videos para kung sakali lang kailangan, libangan,” he said.

Tony Labrusca hasn’t discovered a new hobby but he’s using the free days for personal development such as practicing self-control.

Heaven Peralejo finally found the time, and curiosity, to try mobile gaming. She’s completely hooked, so she tried game streaming. “Kasi dati, sabi ko, ‘Ano ba ‘yang mobile games na ‘yan?’ Ngayon, naaadik na ako,” shared Heaven. She had to take a break from gaming, though to focus on her biggest showbiz break.

Bagong Umaga follows the story of a six-piece barkada connected by friendship, lies, envy, and anger. Tisay (Heaven Peralejo) grows up with her loving parents and adoptive brother, Dodong (Yves Flores), and best friend, Angge (Michelle Vito).

The ambitious Ely (Tony Labrusca) will fall for her. But his best friend, Cai (Barbie Imperial), secretly in love with him, will get in the way by using Dodong. Adding a layer of conflict, Otep (Kiko) will enter the barkada and get closer with Tisay for his own vengeful plans.

Catch the pilot episode of Bagong Umaga on October 26 after It’s Showtime via Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live and A2Z!