As Viral Scandal nears finale, cast members Kaila Estrada, Louise Abuel, and Aya Fernandez got a little ‘senti’ looking back on their experiences in the series. One thing they wouldn’t forget is the bond that grew strong throughout almost a year of bubble taping.
On their guesting in Kapamilya Chat, Kaila, Louise, and Aya mentioned the cast finished filming in December of last year but managed to sustain their friendship by physical get-togethers or virtual hangouts. Kaila said watching the episodes would bring back a lot of memories. Aya, currently doing a new series with Jameson Blake, said they’d unwittingly crack inside jokes from Viral Scandal and realize they’re now in a different bubble. Louise mentioned he often bonds with his Sicat siblings Charlie Dizon and Karina Bautista, plus Kaila.
Another reason to celebrate their successful Viral Scandal stint is being able to portray challenging roles. Louise enjoyed playing Nico, the “makulit at mapagmahal” youngest child of the Sicat family. It was fun since they’re both teenagers but the challenging part was playing the carefree ‘bunso’ when he’s the responsible eldest in real life.
Kaila’s character Raven is a contrast to her real personality, thus the challenge. Yet, rooting for her character, she said she resonates with Raven’s boldness to stand up for what she believes in. Presenting a plum portrayal, she’s a revelation not only to viewers but to herself. “May similarities kami ni Raven pero in terms of pagiging maldita, matapang, at confrontational niya, hindi po kasi ganun in real life. Medyo kinailangan ko siyang ilabas. Hindi ko alam na kaya ko palang gawin ‘yun. Kaya ko palang manigaw nang gan’un.”
Add to the challenge pretending that she’s the daughter of Jake Cuenca and Maxene Magalona, both of whom are only about 10 years older than her. But her co-actors’ believability and their family-like bond helped a lot.
Aya’s role as the cancer-stricken and rape victim Ella required big emotions, thus the struggle with exhaustion. “’Yung challenge for me, number one is to feel and accept the pain of Ella, kung ano ‘yung pinagdadaanan niya… Pagkatapos po ng Viral Scandal, 12 pounds po ‘yung nawala sa akin as in ang luluwag ng mga damit ko… Sobrang nag-breakout ‘yung skin ko tapos sobrang dry.”
She said another challenge was to act that vulnerable, “Naalala ko na ‘pag meron kaming scene na galit o iyakan, nahihiya ako sa mga cameraman, kanila Direk. Parang hindi ako makatingin sa mata kasi feeling ko nakita nila akong weak.” Aya came in the bubble a little later but everyone was still welcoming, so it was easy to overcome the challenges.
On her favorite trait of Ella, Aya believes her character is a different definition of being a fighter. Ella proved that courage doesn’t always mean being fierce. Sometimes it could be about fighting in silence and waiting for the right time to speak up.
The guests went on to share some set secrets, proving how close they’ve become after filming. Louise spilled that his roommate Aljon Mendoza sleeps deeply. Kaila shared that her roommate Maxene’s routine is to wake up at 4am to meditate and exercise. Aya also mentioned that Maxene likes to listen to music while jogging; then revealed that everytime she drops by Jameson and Gian Magdangal’s room to ask for coffee from the latter, she’d catch Jameson sleeping in an adorable baby-like position.
The ‘sepanx’ is real for the cast of Viral Scandal and viewers. Show Team Viral your all-out support by tuning in to the show’s finale week on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.