With how tightly bonded they have been over the past few months, the cast and crew of Can’t Buy Me Love couldn’t help but get emotional as they looked back and talked about their collective experience in filming the series during the media conference for its highly anticipated “The Priceless Finale.” And one of them was Ina Raymundo, who further shared about her fantastic journey in the well-loved series in her exclusive interview with Dyan Castiellejo in the latest episode of “On Cue.”

She portrays Annie Mariano, who despite being a support character, truly plays a significant role in the continuously unfolding narrative due to her involvement in the sudden demise of Divine (Shaina Magdayao), which still remains a mystery yet to be solved by the tandem of Caroline (Belle Mariano) and Bingo (Donny Pangilinan).

It might only be during the Week 9 of the series when her character had her grand entrance following her short stint in the pilot week, but she’s still able to create a great bond with her castmates. Even though she didn’t get to share a lot of scenes with majority of them in Binondo, she’s still able to mingle with them not only on the set, but also during their victory party.

Among her co-stars that she gets to usually work with is DonBelle, to whom she has nothing but praises and kind words. Ina told Dyan, “Sa kaunting panahon na ‘yon, they were such good people and very good actors. I’m a fan actually, I’m a fan of DonBelle kasi they were so young, right? Parang sobrang experienced na sila sa buhay the way they act, the way they carry themselves. Nakaka-proud silang katrabaho.”

Since Donny has the same build and same height, not to mention being as handsome as her beloved unico hijo Jakob Poturnak, she related that being with the young actor reminds her so much of her son who has been based in the United States to pursue both his tertiary education and his aspiration to become a baseball player.

“I’m thankful na si Donny ‘yong katrabaho ko kasi it was easy for me to show emotions, kasi very emotional ang mga scenes namin. Imaginine mo ‘yong anak mo cannot forgive you, hate ka ng anak mo doon sa istorya. ‘Di ba ang hirap no’n as a mom? So, parang i-imagine mo pa lang na si Jakob hate ako, talagang it breaks my heart into tiny pieces. So, talagang ang dali niyang i-channel with Donny,” she conveyed.

When asked by Dyan how she’s able to seamlessly pull off the transitions of her character, Ina imparted that aside from preparing herself physically, mentally, and emotionally, she also prays a lot with the help of her two sisters whom she regards as her “prayer warriors.” She would text them before filming her scenes to ask for their prayers in order for her to deliver her lines well and execute just the right amount of acting.

The 48-year-old actress firmly believes that prayers really help her with her performances, especially during the times when she has a hard time memorizing her lines, when she gets really stressed about the sudden changes in their script, or when they still have to finish scenes late at night. Besides, her goal to not become the “weakest link” is also what inspires her to really take her character Annie seriously and be able to keep pace with her truly incredible castmates, whom she’s going to miss alongside the amazing production crew and their brilliant directors Mae Cruz-Alviar, Raymond B. Ocampo, and Ian D. Loreños as they approach their bittersweet conclusion.

She also commended the creatives behind the show for their decision to end the series after 150 episodes as they put greater importance on the beauty of the narrative instead of prolonging it and dragging the story. Thus, she’s hopeful that there are going to be new projects waiting for everyone after the series.

Beginning her showbiz career in 1994, Ina noted how the industry has changed for the better for it has relatively become stricter when it comes to working hours. So, she appreciates it very much that the longest time that they have to wrap up one taping day in Can’t Buy Me Love is 14 hours, which is totally different from the grueling experience she had in the late ‘90s.

Apart from her Can’t Buy Me Love stint, Ina also enthusiastically talked about her trending appearance in the most recent fashion show of the local clothing brand she endorses, as well as how she’s able to maintain her fit and fab physique and youthful beauty through discipline, consistency, and routine when it comes to her diet and work out.

Furthermore, the proud and hands-on mom to five kids also eagerly gave updates on what each one of them is up to at present, especially her firstborn Erika, who is in Boston to pursue her studies at Berklee College of Music, and her only son Jakob, who already boasts 10 home-runs and continues to impress various schools with his baseball skills. Of course, her beautiful marriage with her husband of 21 years Brian Poturnak was mentioned as well in the conversation.

The interview capped off with Ina sharing her advice to married couples about the secret to long-lasting togetherness and to moms like her when it comes to properly communicating with their children.

Catch Ina Raymundo on Can’t Buy Me Love, weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5.