After almost a decade away from the teleserye landscape, Jolina Magdangal is making a much-anticipated comeback with "Lavender Fields." And she's returning with a fresh perspective.
In an episode of Kapamilya Chat, she opened up about what it’s been like stepping onto a set again after so many years, how the filming experience has evolved with the times, and her process of adapting to today’s teleserye-making methods.
Her decision to return to drama through "Lavender Fields" wasn’t made lightly. The fact that it’s a Dreamscape Entertainment masterpeice was already a significant factor, given Dreamscape’s reputation for remarkable storytelling and stunning visuals. However, what truly drew her in was the script itself. The way the narrative and characters are crafted captured her interest. But what excites her the most is the element of unpredictability. With only half of the script pitched to the actors, no one, not even the cast, knows how the series will unfold or what surprises are waiting down the line, keeping the creative process thrilling.
Lily Atienza, her character, is another compelling reason she accepted the project. At the moment, we see that Lily as the embodiment loyalty, but are there hidden agendas or secrets lurking beneath her devotion to her friend Iris (Janine Gutierrez)? Let’s not forget that the show’s first teaser featured the ensemble cast wearing white masks—could this hint at the personas the characters project versus the truths they may be concealing?
What she’s sure of is the strong connection she feels with Lily, especially her faithfulness, because that’s exactly how she is with her own friends and family in real life. Much like Lily, Jolina is fierce and unyielding when it comes to defending her loved ones, especially her children.
A big character often equates to huge pressure. For Jolina, that pressure was certainly present when she accepted the role, considering this is her return to teleserye work after almost a decade. Besides, she had little room for preparation and dove straight into the look test and promo shoots.
Stepping back onto the set, she immediately noticed the many changes in how teleseryes are made now. The work ethic is different, the process has evolved, and the dynamics have shifted. Many of these changes stem from the protocols established during the pandemic, and Jolina feels these adjustments have actually improved the production environment. She senses a stronger sense of collaboration and organization now, with strict taping guidelines that everyone follows closely.
Jolina appreciates how the current production environment aligns more with international standards, with strict schedules that help control taping hours, unlike before when there was no set timetable. She believes these changes will benefit the next generation of actors and she’s happy that her workplace feels safe and well-structured.
As for her acting process, she’s quite adaptable. She adjusts based on the scene. Before filming heavy sequences, for instance, she tends to avoid being overly cheerful or chatty on set, giving herself the space needed to prepare and fully immerse in the emotions required. However, when filming lighter scenes, she's more open to socializing with her co-stars during breaks. So far, in "Lavender Fields," she hasn't had to isolate herself dramatically to get into her character’s psyche, but she remains flexible and ready for whatever the role demands.
Whatever challenges Jolina faces on set, it always comes down to trusting her directors and fellow actors. Perfecting a scene is all about teamwork, after all, and it’s crucial for everyone to be on the same page. And sometimes, the best collaboration happens when they simply tune into each other’s feelings and instincts.
When it comes to unloading her emotions, Jolina relies on a tried-and-true method: chatting with her co-stars to recharge her energy. Just the night before the interview, she filmed a particularly intense scene that left her emotionally drained, to the point where she was nearly shaking even after the director called “cut.” To recover, she stayed on set a bit longer to bond and talk with her castmates. On days when she can’t engage with others, she makes sure to talk with someone during her commute home, which helps her transition back to being her warm and cheerful self as a mom and wife.
Jolina believes that even after many years in the industry, there’s always something new to learn, and she’s grateful for that. “Ako, kahit matagal na sa industriya, marami pa rin tayong natutunan kasi wine-welcome natin ‘yan,” she said.
She also sees "Lavender Fields" as a sort of on-screen reunion with Jodi Sta. Maria and Jericho Rosales. They all started out together as homegrown ABS-CBN talents, so working with them again feels like a trip down memory lane. She’s thrilled to see how Jodi and Jericho have evolved; she remembers Jodi as the shy girl and Jericho as the playful guy, but now they’ve both become pillars of the acting world.
On the other hand, it’s her first time working with Janine Gutierrez. She’s excited about this mix of old and new faces and experiences. She’s impressed with Janine and has enjoyed getting to know her better through their behind-the-scenes interactions.
After all, one of her favorite things about working on a teleseryeis the fun and friendships that develop off-camera.
Support Jolina’s comeback in "Lavender Fields," which airs weeknights after "FPJ’s Batang Quiapo," on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, TV5, and A2Z.