While many perhaps only know her as a versatile actress, not a lot of people are aware that Tessie Tomas is actually a great host, too. And we got to see that facet of her through her YouTube channel, wittily named “TessTube,” especially recently when she uploaded a video of her interviewing four of her co-stars in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.” 

The vlog commenced with her taking the viewers on her trip to their filming location, which was at a campsite in Tanay, Rizal, with her personal assistant and driver. She also showed us her preparations before she was called to shoot her first scene and gave us a glimpse of the happenings behind the scenes and of the mansion premises.

During their breaks, Tessie had the opportunity to chat with her castmates Jaime Fabregas, Ara Davao, Malou Crisologo, and Charo Santos as they talked about the characters they portray and the challenges they face in doing so.

Prior to portraying one of the series’ kontrabida Don Facundo Caballero, the veteran actor was often bestowed with protagonist roles. When asked which kind of character he prefers more, he said that he liked both goody and baddie characters since he firmly believes that as actors, they must be “ready to do anything they are asked to do.” 

However, he considers preparing for a role as the most challenging part of taking on any acting project. For instance, he disclosed that he builds the backstory of Don Facundo in order to give it substance, such as delving into why and how he turned up as he is now.

Since Don Facundo is apparently becoming more drawn to Tindeng, the character compellingly played by Charo, Jaime told Tessie that it’s possible for Facundo to fall for someone like her since he believes that there’s no definite set of rules and regulations in life, especially for him. Besides, he doesn’t easily get attracted to physical appearance but to the personality of a woman.

Tessie got to interview Ara next, who plays the role of her character’s granddaughter, Katherine. Coming from one of the most prominent clans in the local entertainment scene, not to mention being the daughter of actors Ricky Davao and Jackielou Blanco and cousins with Janine Gutierrez, it’s absolutely inevitable for Ara to not feel any pressure.

However, Ara’s grateful that they have them in her life, especially her dad, with whom she got to talk after work since she currently lives with her. It also helps that he’s a director, as he’s able to give comments about her performance and the technical stuff. Besides, her parents have reminded her of the importance of professionalism, kindness, and respecting everyone’s time, which are some of the keys to staying long in the industry.

While depicting Katherine is already difficult, Ara confessed that she has to face other challenges as well. She imparted that since “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” is her first acting stint, she couldn’t help but get nervous and rattled, which has been her greatest struggle. Although she has done acting workshops before, it’s still entirely different when she’s on the actual set since she has a lot of things to remember.

Due to the continuously growing popularity of the primetime series, more and more people are able to recognize her whenever she goes out. They would call her “Katherine,” request to have pictures with her, and advise her to get away from her on-screen scheming and violent husband, David (McCoy de Leon). As Ara mentioned these, Tessie went on to share that a cab driver once gave her a free ride after he took pity on Doña Bettina getting stabbed in an episode.

Tessie then got to converse with veteran character actress Malou Crisologo, who amuses (and maybe irritates) us with her portrayal of Pacing, the trusted mayordoma or the female head servant in the Caballero household. When asked if she ever resents or gets conscious that she’s given the role of a maid, Malou responded “not at all” because she firmly believes that “there are no small roles, only small actors.”

She expounded, “Kapag tiningnan mo ‘yong sarili mo that you are a minor character, that’s your loss. Pero I never do that kahit na wala akong linya, I make it a point na I deliver.” Tessie seconded it by relating that it’s actually one of the things that she admires about her.

Not many of us know, but Malou is also a stage actress, which she thinks has helped her when it comes to the way she moves in her scenes and motivates herself internally in terms of the characterization of her role. Compared to theater, acting for TV and film is less physical yet more heart and mind acting.

Despite receiving backlash from viewers for her portrayal of Pacing, Malou conveyed that she actually likes playing the role of someone who pushes or provokes other characters, such as Bettina and Facundo, and who antagonizes someone who’s related to the main character, such as Tindeng to Tanggol, because she knows that her actions, although irritating, will lead to something. While she doesn’t usually respond to criticisms that she encounters online and in person directed at her character or on the show, there are instances where she would tell them that it’s all for show.

Lastly, Tessie also got to speak with Charo, who is as excited as us to see what is going to happen next to her character, Tindeng. Tessie took the opportunity as well for Charo to dispel the rumors that the actors who pointed fingers at her or fought her on the shows she did lost their jobs.

“Hindi po totoo ‘yan. Marami nang namatay sa serye na hindi ko naka-eksena. Wala po akong kinalaman kung anong mangyayari sa kuwento. Ako ay isang magaling na sundalo lamang dito na sumusunod sa kung anong gusto ng director,” she said and went on to ask everyone not to bash Tessie anymore since everything’s just a depiction and they’re giving each other energy.

Tessie capped off the vlog by showing herself drinking wine at 10 p.m. after they filmed an intense confrontation scene between Tindeng and Bettina that day.

Catch them on “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” weeknights at 8 p.m., on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5.