How do two people learn the perfect recipe for a lasting, sweet love? Is it simply a mix of affection and dreams? What if circumstances such as in-law problems turn their love sour?
Maalaala Mo Kaya kickstarts the month of ‘Feb-Ibig’ with its first Valentine episode featuring Jake Cuenca and Ria Atayde together with Malou de Guzman and Levi Ignacio.
Relatable to many and aptly given the hashtag “Monster in Law,” the episode follows the story of Jake and Ria’s respective characters, Eddie and Janice, a couple who had to deal with in-law problems. But contrary to typical scenarios where the guy is the one fazed by the challenge of winning his in-laws’ approval, the episode shows that even females can go through the same experience.
“This time, sa kwento ni Eddie at Janice, baliktad naman. So makikita natin ‘yung character ni Ria, si Janice, na pilit pinapatunayan ‘yung sarili niya sa magulang ko played by Malou de Guzman and Levi Ignacio,” the Kapamilya actor shared.
Ria said they didn’t have time preparing for their roles, handed the assignment two days before the actual taping. The good thing is they are longtime friends, though it’s their first time sharing a project. Jake had to say that he was excited to work with Ria and their closeness was a big help in getting the work done, “Siguro ‘yung nagdala sa acting naming dalawa, siguro ‘yung history ng friendship namin. Ang dali, hindi na namin kailangan magkapaan sa set. From the first to the last take, smooth-sailing lang.” Ria chimed in, “Super! I had the best time!” Jake added that he grabbed the offer because of Ria, even before he learned about the story.
Ria has nothing but praises for her leading man and good friend, “Jake is Jake! He’s a brilliant actor. As an actress, it was really such an honor but even more as a friend, it was nice to witness another side of him na magkasama kami kasi nga napapanood ko lang si Jake.
While it was a last-minute call, add to that the strict protocols, Jake said the taping went easy. Everything was smooth-flowing, thanks to the supervision of Director Dado Lumibao as well. Ria admitted that she struggled in the delivery of Filipino lines. Other than that, she didn’t encounter problems on the set and she even thinks the ‘new normal’ setup is more efficient.
Asked how much they can relate to their roles, Ria opened up about being a people-pleaser in the past. She used to be the type to move heaven and earth for loved ones. Meanwhile, Jake looked back on his past relationships where he used to get bad impressions from the girl’s family, “Hindi ako good shot agad sa magulang. Ever since, kailangan kong patunayan sarili ko and take the harder road.” But with his relationship with Kylie Verzosa, he had no problem winning his future in-laws’ approval, “I am very open with them and I can just be myself.”
They also learned so much from their characters. For Ria, the story is a reminder that, “If it’s really meant to work out, it will, and if you work hard enough. Good things take time and everything worth it takes hard work.” Jake also believes it boils down to having the right intentions, “Dito sa kwento namin, with persistence and showing the right intentions, good things will come at makukuha mo rin ‘yung gusto mo in the end.”
Maalaala Mo Kaya “Monster in Law” poses the question, “Maasim nga ba ang samahan kung hindi ikaw ang biyenan’s choice?” Find out the answers on Saturday, February 6 on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.