Some of the most life-changing relationships we forge in our ‘adulting’ era are with those who challenge us to reach our full potential, empower us to use our voices, and inspire us to stand firm and advocate for what we believe in. Young investigative journalist Sky (Andrea Brillantes) has found on in her “On Quest” editor, publisher, and boss, Dante (Romnick Sarmenta).
Although, at first, we might have feared that he would be just another spawn to challenge Sky, someone who might add to her difficulties. However, it soon became clear that his tough exterior was merely a facade. His strength and intimidating presence are simply part of his leadership style. The truth is he’s offered Sky a powerful example of how to fearlessly advocate for the truth, as every journalist should. Through his experiences and guidance, he has helped mold her into a journalist with unwavering courage.
Warm your hearts with their inspiring mentor-mentee dynamic showcased in this Kapamilya Toplist of scenes from “High Street.”
Dante's influence on Sky's career and personal growth is a perfect balance of encouragement and constructive criticism. He knows just how to highlight her strengths to boost her confidence while gently pointing out areas for improvement. This was evident when Sky, confident in her six months of hard work at On Quest, pushed for a promotion. Despite her belief that her performance should warrant advancement and Dante's praise of her skills, he wisely advised her to be patient and continue growing at her own pace.
When Sky was late to work for the first time, she vowed to give her tasks her all and was assigned a new team, Nikki (AC Bonifacio) and Wesley (Harvey Bautista), to support her. Dante's quiet encouragement was evident as he asked if she could handle it. Having someone who steadily believes in us provides us an extra push to persevere, right?
Dante might have seemed stern with Sky, but his tough love was actually a form of support. When he reprimanded Sky’s team for not having a complete story, it wasn’t about perfectionism—it was his way of reigniting her motivation.
Yet, Dante also knows when to uplift and affirm Sky’s worth. In a scene, he praised her for an outstanding article on labor practices and the resolution between Juan Canning Corp and its employees. Well, he might be challenging her to excel, but he also deeply values her good work.
Sky showed unwavering determination to be involved in Gov. Acosta (Mon Confiado)'s case. She insisted to Dante that she couldn’t stand by and let justice for Gov. Acosta's long-fought cause slip away, especially with her sister, Z (Daniela Stranner), still missing, a situation she firmly believed was connected to Acosta. Although Dante understood the dangers involved, he recognized Sky’s passion and commitment to the case. He remained a steadfast mentor, emphasizing that while he supported her drive, she needed to ensure that the company remained separate from the personal risks she was taking.
Slowly, Dante has come to deeply understand Sky’s feelings. When Sky expressed her frustration and fear over the unresolved case of Gov. Acosta, and her worry that more people might fall victim to his wrongdoing, Dante responded with genuine empathy. He reminded her that as a journalist, her role is to deliver balanced news, free from personal emotions and biases. While the authorities were actively searching for Gov. Acosta, Dante advised her to focus on what she could control and to take time to rest.
Eventually, they began working together as a cohesive team. Dante’s seasoned expertise and Sky’s fearlessness as a young professional created a powerful energy in their quest to unravel Tori’s (Dimples Romana) mysterious motives. Tori, who had unexpectedly become the new owner of "On Quest" and caused trouble for Sky's mother, Tania (Angel Aquino), puzzled them both. Dante encouraged Sky to develop a profile story on Tori, believing that their investigative work might reveal Tori’s skeletons.
As viewers, we felt a shiver of excitement watching the scene where Dante and Sky teamed up to delve deeper into Tori’s background. Sky shared her concerns about how easily identities can be faked nowadays. She reveaed her findings about Nikki and Wesley as impostors and the discrepancies she discovered in their claimed hometowns and alma maters. It became clear that Nikki and Wesley were not who they had pretended to be when they joined "On Quest."
We were deeply moved when Dante referred to Sky as his protégé. It turns out that he sees his younger self in her. After all, he reached his position of authority by taking risks, and he expects nothing less from Sky, whom he values greatly. He shared a personal story of how he lost loved ones at the hands of then Vice-Governor Acosta's group, who sought to silence him for exposing their corruption. For a long time, Dante was unafraid, believing that he had no one left whom his enemies could use against him. However, with Sky now under his mentorship, he is reminded of the importance of protecting those he cares about. He cautions her to be careful, as they are confronting dangerous adversaries in their pursuit of truth and justice.
True enough, Tori subjected both Dante and Sky, along with others in their circle, to considerable hardship. However, Dante assured her that their adversaries were merely attempting to inconvenience them. After all, he believes that they did unbiased work as journalists. Sky expressed her gratitude to Dante for his support. He responded that she is part of his responsibility as her publisher and editor, and questioned whether she was afraid. Sky simply smiled, showing no sign of fear, thanks to the unwavering courage that Dante, her mentor and boss, had instilled in her.
Join Dante and Sky on their quest for justice and truth in “High Street,” airing weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, TV5 and A2Z.