A few days before the premiere of the much-awaited “sweetcom” My Papa Pi this coming March 19, three of its cast members – Alora Sasam, Frenchie Dy, and Quincy Villanueva – graced the latest episode of ABS-CBN Entertainment’s Hotspot on Tuesday, March 15, to talk about the upcoming show, their roles, and working with their castmates and brilliant director Cathy Garcia-Molina.
Featuring the happy community of the fictional Barangay Mspag-asa, the actresses initially introduced their respective roles, with Frenchie describing her character Marichu as the wealthy yet rude aunt of the characters of Pia Wurtzbach and Daniela Stranner. Alora is “Crazy Marie”, the one and only feeling fortune-teller in the community who owns a laundry business and sees Quincy’s character Sheena, the naïve manicurista, as her ultimate rival in the heart of Joross Gamboa.
When asked how does it feel to be part of the program, all them enthused how glad they are since it is totally a happy set. Frenchie couldn’t help but express how much she admires the way lead actor Piolo Pascual takes good care of his co-stars. Alora, meanwhile, revealed how tightly bonded the cast already are that greatly helped in building their chemistry, which is a must in any comedy project. Quincy echoed their statements by implying how grateful she is to everyone for treating newbies like her as equals and never making them feel out of place, making her acting debut truly amazing.
Meanwhile, with regards to working with Pia, they all agreed how she never made them feel that she’s Miss Universe 2015 because of how truly down-to-earth, kind, and game she is in doing everything for her role Tere, even though that meant she had to roll on the floor or to endure the wound she got from her minor accidents.
With Cathy Garcia-Molina as their director, they confessed how nervous yet happy and honored they are since it is considered a milestone in any local actor’s career to be "reprimanded" by the blockbuster director and survive a scene, as well as to make her laugh. Alora conveyed that despite having the talent and timing in comedy, it’s important for an actor to know how to adjust to and obey their director. Frenchie, who’s able to work with DirekCathy in the 2016 series Dolce Amore, related that she knew that the filmmaker only wanted her to exert her best.
Quincy, on the other hand, was stoked to find out the Direk Cathy wanted her to be part of the sitcom after being able to work for her in a previous online campaign. She’s also pressured to work with her for a longer period, and at the same time delighted to learn a lot from her and her castmates. Frenchie added that they were all hand-picked by the esteemed director, which indeed added pressure to them.
Host DJ Jhai Ho then veered their fun chikahan to the “Who’s Who Challenge”, wherein they had to name who among their castmates are being referred to by the qualities or descriptions that he mentioned.
For masandal tulog or the sleepyhead, the three shared none since Joross always knocked on their dressing room. When it comes to the cast member who loves taking selfies, they all agreed that it’s Madam Inutz, probably because it’s her first acting stint, while Joross is the one who loves to go livestream.
While Frenchie proudly admitted that she’s “rice is life”, they all agreed that Papa Pi is “workout is life” as he even brought treadmill in their bubble. Alora and Frenchie, meanwhile, revealed that Quincy and Anthony Andres are notorious for their corny jokes.
Joross, who they tagged as Direk Cathy’s favorite, is the “bangka” in every kuwentuhan as he seems to always have stories with him, while the quietest is Haiza Madrid since they described her as an introvert.
When asked for any trivia that they could share to the viewers, Alora disclosed that it’s Piolo who always led their script reading without the production staff having to tell them because it’s his way of helping them in their scenes. At the same time, he also treated them sumptuous food in their every session, which Frenchie jested made them extra excited.
Self-confessed fangirl Alora also attested to how humble Piolo really is as she recalled that instance when he told her to stop patronizing him since he’s not comfortable with the overwhelming attention he gets.
Aside from the abovementioned artists, the gregarious cast of My Papa Pi is also comprised by Pepe Herrera, Hyubs Azarcon, Anthony Jennings, Daniela Stranner, Katya Santos, and Allyson McBride. Catch them beginning this Saturday, March 19, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z Channel 11, iWantTFC, and TFC.