Veteran thespians Adrian Alandy and Maricar De Mesa never let the quarantine stop them from getting ripped. Even while gym and sports facilities remain closed, Maricar maximizes every corner of her place to stay in shape. “Kapag nandito ako sa condo, sa hagdan ako akyat-baba.”  She invested in at-home workout equipment to up her fitness regimen. She’s also thinking of buying a new treadmill in time for the rainy season.

 

Adrian works out four times a week, usually in the morning, with each session lasting for an hour or so. Besides the physical activities, the dutiful father often cooks and rides on his motorcycle to keep himself busy.

 

Adrian and Maricar headline the upcoming episode of Ipaglaban Mo airing this Sunday, July 5, on Kapamilya Channel. In this episode shot before the lockdown, they portray as Jerry and Ruth, husband and wife defrauded by a relative. “Masyado kaming mapagtiwala at mapagbigay kasi ang tingin namin sa pamilya kailangan tulungan pero minsan kapag sobrang mapagtiwala ka sa tao nagkakaproblema,” shared Maricar about their characters.

 

This isn’t the first time Adrian and Maricar play as a couple, so there was no room for awkwardness. They’re good friends as well. And instead of adding discomfort, their friendship even makes intense scenes easier to execute. There are intimate and bloody crime scenes to watch out for.

 

Joining them in the episode is critically-acclaimed actor Emilio Garcia who Adrian described as “very natural.” He continued, “’Pag nag-roll na ‘yung camera, he’s very true to the character. May breakfast scene na natural lang talaga siya. Buong staff at crew nagtatawanan na kasi hindi mo na makikita ‘yung Emilio Garcia.”

 

These acting virtuosos indeed put their heart and soul into their craft. Yet this doesn’t exempt them from challenges on the set. Maricar revealed, “Minsan ang challenging lang naman diyan ‘pag hindi ka emotionally stressed, parang mas kailangan mong humugot nang mas malalim.“  Adrian added that the script was given a week prior, giving them enough time to gear up.

 

Maricar mentioned that comedian turned director John Lapus’ styles and techniques resulted in a facile execution of scenes. Direk John’s filmmaking methods reminded her of the late Direk Wenn Deramas – the smart time management skills and the smooth transition from light behind-the-scene bonding to serious work once the cameras start rolling. Prior to Ipaglaban Mo, Adrian also worked with Direk John in the hit Kapamilya series Kadenang Ginto and they’ve been friends for around two decades.

 

Maricar believes their episode will impart lessons on being discerning in order to avoid conflict, for kinship does not always guarantee truthfulness. “Meron pala na kahit pamilya o kadugo mo ay kaya kang walanghiyain. Hindi dahil magkadugo kayo, eh puro tiwala kayo sa isa’t isa. So, nangyayari din pala ‘yun. Kailangan pala your guards are always up. Mag-iwan ka ng konti. Hindi lahat pwedeng ibigay kahit kamag-anak.”

 

For Adrian, there must be a thin line between helpfulness and blind generosity. He advised viewers, “Okay lang naman na tumulong sa mga relatives in times of need pero siguro lagyan n’yo ng hangganan, ng boundary kasi kung tulong ka lang nang tulong, in a way ite-take advantage ka.”

 

To end the interview, the artists shared fun facts about themselves in a Yes or No Game where they would simply confirm or deny the given statements. They are fitness and workout enthusiasts, so they would definitely say ‘no’ to the first question, “Naranasan mo na bang hindi magpalit ng underwear for two days?”

 

In this challenge, Adrian revealed that his wife is 13 years younger than him. The Kapamilya actor considers this wide age gap as an advantage. Having different likes and dislikes even add more excitement to their union. On the other hand, Maricar prefers a guy older than her, given that women mature faster than men.

 

They already experienced going beyond ten takes on the set but not because of their inefficiency as actors. There are instances when the production had to re-take some scenes for technical purposes.

 

Even veteran actors like them also get starstruck, especially to senior artists. Maricar recalls her last fangirl moment with Maricel Soriano and Lorna Tolentino. For Adrian, he last requested for a photo-op with Martin Nievera and Richard Gomez during the ABS-CBN Ball.

 

Both Adrian and Maricar admit they already experienced sleeping completely naked, tried their luck in the lottery, and searched themselves up on Google. Adrian once consulted the trusty Google to trace his acting resume while Maricar sometimes gets curious on the latest news about her.

 

Adrian started late in drinking alcohol because he is allergic to one. They own up to taking home hotel items – bedroom slippers for Maricar and towels for Adrian.

 

The new normal gives a digital take on the classic Bring Me game and our guests were up for the challenge. When asked to bring ‘alcohol,’ Maricar quickly grabbed a bottle of disinfectant and champagne, just to be sure. Her competitive spirit was on fire in the next category, ‘ulam.’ She took a long trip from the living room to the kitchen to present a serving of Indian Curry. Adrian, of course, wouldn’t want to get left behind and took a plate of Korean Chicken dish.

 

The next item – gift given by a special someone – stirred Maricar’s ‘hugot’ about love, prompting Adrian to react, “Ang dami mong hanash, Maricar!”  The lovely actress revealed she’s single at the moment and she considers her daughter as the most special person in her life. Meanwhile, Adrian proudly showed a pair of shades. 

 

“Wala akong bible dito sa bahay pero may prayer book ako. Huwag kayong judgmental ha,” Maricar explained after losing to Adrian in the last round.

 

Catch Adrian and Maricar in Ipaglaban Mo “Ninong,” on Sunday, July 5, 2:30PM on the Kapamilya Channel.