Hoy Love You headliners Joross Gamboa and Roxanne Guinoo-Yap graced the latest episode of Hotspot and talked about their fondest memories in filming it and the second season, as well as their well-loved team-up that has made a comeback through this project.
Those who grew up in the 2000s arguably know that they were among the most popular artists and celebrities of their generation, gaining recognition through their remarkable journey in the inaugural season of Star Circle Quest. They may have gone on separate paths for a long time to pursue different endeavors, but their avid supporters have stuck by them (and even grew in number) at present, nonetheless. Thus, JoRox, as what their loveteam is fondly called, is very much happy and grateful.
“Kasi kung maco-compare namin ‘yong fanbase ngayon compared do’n sa mga panahon nina Tita Vilma, Tita Lorna, hanggang generation ng mga John Lloyd-Bea, up to sa’min na Star Circle Quest, makikita mo ‘yong difference na parang itong solid fans namin, talagang hindi kami iniwan. Hindi sila ‘yong parang nawala kami for a while, nawala rin sila, parang naghanap na siya ng iba. I think sumusuporta rin sila, pero parang alam talaga nila na ‘teka, ito ‘yong flagship ng JoRox. Talagang solid, nandiyan pa rin sila,” Roxanne enthused.
She added that while fans of their age have remained and now have families of their own just like her and Joross, there are teenagers and adult women who have also hopped on to the JoRox ship. The actor, on the other hand, also expressed his delight towards their ardent shippers who, despite not being much active on social media like the younger fans of other celebrities, still try to show their support by sharing their live videos on Facebook.
“Ako, I always give time to them. Kinakausap ko sila, nag-e-effort ako na makipag-banter sa kanila sa kuwentuhan kasi things na mga gano’n sa kanila, malaking bagay para mapasaya mo sila. Kasi ‘yon ang purpose namin bilang mga artista e, maging magandang influence lalo sa mga kabataan. So, ginagrab ko ‘yong opportunity na ‘yon,” the 35-year-old actress related.
The on-screen couple also happily looked back on how extremely different the fan-idol interactions were during their time and at present, as well as the mode of voting in reality shows. Besides, they tackled, too, how they address or confront bashers or naysayers that they encounter on social media.
Host DJ Jhai Ho then veered the conversation to Hoy Love You by asking them how they feel about it having a second season. Both of them agreed that it’s indeed a blessing not just for the people comprising it, who were given the opportunity to still work despite the pandemic and grow spiritually, but for the viewers as well who were blessed with delightful entertainment and a virtual vacation at the comforts of their homes. Thus, they’re genuinely thankful to God.
With regards to their working relationship with their director Theodore Boborol, Roxanne relayed that he and her loveteam partner assist her every time she’s having hard time in doing some scenes. Meanwhile, Joross regarded how their production has been open for collaboration as the creators are very much open for suggestions from the artists and Direk Ted would make a way to incorporate those in the script.
When it comes to the pieces of advice and words of wisdom they relay to their younger co-stars, Joross stated, “More on, siyempre, payo. Dalawa lang namang bagay kung saan ka matututo e -- from your own experience or someone else’s experience kumbaga. Kami nina Rox, kinukuwento namin kung paano ka maging professional sa set. More on in general, hindi lang siya sa pagiging loveteam, kundi kung paano ka magtrabaho nang maayos dahil aminin natin, ang daling sumikat ngayon pero mahirap magtagal sa inustriya. ‘Yon ang dapat nating ituro sa mga bagong artista.”
Roxanne, on the other hand, related that being the “Tita Moms” of the Hoy Love You family on-and-off-cam, she really made time to bond with their teen co-actors Karina Bautista, Aljon Mendoza, and Brenna Garcia and have a heart-to-heart chat with them.
“Siguro ang nabigay ko lang na advice, sabi ko sa kanila, i-enjoy nila ‘yong craft nila kasi ang trend ngayon, tama ‘yong sinasabi ni Joross na ang bilis na ng pacing ng mga artista ngayon,” she said. “So, ang sabi ko sa kanila, akapin n’yo kung anong meron kayo kasi ang daming nangangarap na nasa posisyon nila. So, huwag silang magpabulag sa kinikita nila, sa fame, because isang ano mo lang do’n, lahat ‘yan guguho.”
If there’s one word to describe Hoy Love You Two, it would be “family” for Roxanne as she has already considered their whole team as one. Meanwhile, it’s “love” for Joross since it’s the foundation of their show and what the audiences give to and receive from them.
DJ Jhai Ho wrapped up the episode by having them play “Who’s Who Challenge”, wherein JoRox revealed who among their castmates were the sleepyhead, the Mr. or Ms. Congeniality, most likely to go viral because of a funny photo or video, the fitness junkie or who loves to workout, and fond of feeding the whole team with the snacks he/she brings to the set.
They also discussed how it is working with their new co-actors in Hoy Love You Two -- Ritz Azul and Hasna Cabral. Roxanne didn’t have much time to bond with Ritz, yet she admires how “sweet” and “very cowboy” she is off-cam, compared to her character in the series. Meanwhile, she had the chance to talk with Hasna on their last taping day and found out the hardships she went through before getting to where she is at present.
Joross, on the other hand, revealed that it was not his first time to work with Ritz, thus, it was easy for him to bond with her, not to mention that she’s also one of the boys. Meanwhile, he regards Hasna as witty, so he believes that she could be a great comedienne someday if she will be given a break.
You may binge-watch the whole Hoy Love You Season 1 on iWantTFC while waiting for Season 2!