Missing the silly bunch that gives us our weekly dose of fun and laughter? Worry not ‘cause the Banana Sundae barkada invites us to their online get-together sesh!
Hosting the mini live show is John Prats who jestingly looks forward to speaking like a legit Korean guy after binge-watching K-drama episodes this lockdown period. His ‘Pets,’ Angelica Panganiban, ups the fun with her hilarious live shower session. Seriously, though, the actress has been busy lending a hand in relief good operations with her friends. Then, her Tuesdays and Fridays are spent praying for everyone’s safety and good health.
Pokwang admits suffering from stress and anxiety triggered by, as how she jokes, the tongue-twisting efforts of talking with her husband and daughter in English. She wishes that tapings would soon resume, so she could take a little break from her exhausting wifey and mommy duties at home. Pooh kills the boredom with his green thumb and by doing household works. Meanwhile, Ritz Azul bonds with her baby sister by watching dinosaur shows.
The gang’s daddies celebrated their kid’s milestones this month even while on quarantine period. Jayson Gainza’s son, Ravel Luke turned one last April 22, JC De Vera’s daughter, Lana Athena celebrated her second birthday on the 13th; while John’s Lily Feather turned four on the 18th.
Despite the inability to prepare a grand birthday blowout for his unica hija, JC still feels grateful for the gift of time with his little family. “Na-appreciate namin ‘yung maliliit na bagay. At least, magkakasama kami,” he muses. The Kapamilya actor is still recovering after he underwent surgery for a ruptured right Achilles tendon last February. He is relieved to have transferred his family before the pandemic worsened.
John and wife, Isabel Oli, maximized their creativity by cutting paper decorations and re-wrapping Feather’s old presents. Meanwhile, Jayson marked the momentous occasion by preparing homecooked meals.
Jobert Austria is currently in Canada where his girlfriend is based. Badji Mortiz strictly follows stay-at-home protocols because of his kidney condition while Ryan Bang takes vlogging seriously even while at home.
Missing tapings and bonding at work
The sudden change in routine is quite a hard pill to swallow for the BananaKada who are all used to reporting at work every Thursday for the past eleven years. Angelica says she misses the dressing room that served as her ultimate tambayan every 4:00 PM and of course, munching on street food every taping. The kulitan and noise in the studio’s hallway linger on Pokwang’s mind.
Pooh admits that he misses JC and their deep conversations about life. The feeling is mutual for JC who pokes fun at the comedian’s stinky fart. Everyone agrees, laughing out loud.
Jayson and Ryan both agree that the audience makes work a lot more fun while Jobert misses bullying their Korean co-star. Badji looks forward to seeing his BananaKada again – from the cast to directors down to the staff and crew.
To soothe the feelings akin to homesickness, the Banana Sundae gang throws in their trademark comedy. Ryan quips a series of classic jokes but his friends end up breaking the punchline.
Ryan: Ano’ng tawag sa maliit na panda?
Angelica: John Prats!
Jason: Pandak!
Ryan: Ano’ng tawag sa hayop na walang gilagid? Eh, di ‘lang-gum’
Angelica: Insekto ‘yun!
Ryan: Ano’ng first name ni Nemo?
Jobert: Tang-i
Ryan: Eh, di ‘Sarah Gero’
Ryan: Ano’ng sabi ni Nemo nu’ng nakita ang isa pang Nemo? ‘Ano Nemo?’
Angelica: Ano?! Paki-explain!
Favorite Banana Sundae summer episode
It’s been the BananaKada’s tradition to tape summer special episodes. This year, though, the gang is taking a break from this ritual due to the coronavirus pandemic and instead, they simply relive their most memorable summer work-cations.
Most of them pick the Boracay episode aired last year. It was Jason’s first summer special with the group. Pooh shares this anecdote, “Umiihi kami nang sabay-sabay sa isang eskinita.” John narrates a weird incident where Angelica took his clothes and put them in her room. The next day, even she was clueless on how the items ended up in her belongings.
JC and Ritz list down the Bohol escapade as their favorite because of that truly memorable drinking session where everyone ended up extremely intoxicated. Pokwang finds the trip to Korea unforgettable as she ended up burning her boots in an attempt to keep warm with a bonfire.
A first-time traveller to Baguio City, Ryan packed his summer clothes, having been told by his co-stars that the place has a warm weather. He ended up shivering in the cold. Sharing another funny anecdote, the newbie Ryan opened up to Badji about his complains towards Direk Bobot Mortiz, clueless that he’s talking to the director’s son.
The BananaKada still wouldn’t let the pandemic and lockdown spoil the summer fun. Sunbathing in the backyard, taking a shower in the garage, dipping in the bath tub, and sipping a refreshing drink with a beach backdrop behind, the Banana Sundae cast brings us summer vibes with their very own “Pinangingiti mo ako, Ikaw ang Sunshine ko” music video.
The bunch reminds everyone to stay safe and watch out for the next episode of At Home with Banana Sundae!