So much more to give beyond ‘FiLay’

Hands down, Barbie Forteza and David Licauco are a match made in teleserye heaven. Their onscreen chemistry as David’s elite and mild-mannered Fidel of the “Noli Me Tangere” era and Barbie’s feisty but big-hearted Klay from the future was nothing short of electric in 2022’s phenomenal primetime success, “Maria Clara at Ibarra.”

It is, therefore, no wonder that the current countdown to “FiLay’s” (Fidel and Klay) follow-up project is consuming legions of “BarDa” (Barbie and David) fans today. For indeed, there hasn’t been a love team as universally endearing and wildly successful as theirs on Philippine TV since the “AlDub” years of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza on the former “Eat Bulaga.”

This phenomenal breakout tandem from ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ is eager to deliver another memorable partnership in ‘Maging Sino Ka Man.’ 

Come Monday, September 11, Barbie and David are determined to steal the nation’s hearts again, this time as the stars of GMA Network’s bold and brave attempt at a primetime adaptation of “Maging Sino Ka Man.”

A colossal blockbuster from Viva Films in 1991, the action-filled love story is one of the best-loved Filipino movies of all time, thanks to the iconic portrayals of Megastar Sharon Cuneta and erstwhile Bad Boy of Philippine Movies, Robin Padilla of lead characters, Monique and Carding.

A dream project for any actor in their prime, it was only thoughtful to ask Barbie and David how they’re doing as the highly anticipated premiere of their show fast approaches. They are undoubtedly grateful for yet another big break, but isn’t “FiLay’s” unexpected success compounded by the magnitude of bringing “Maging Sino Ka Man” back to life looming over them somehow?

Still very much grounded, the highly sophisticated actress that Barbie has become was only too happy to unload her feelings. Telling The Manila Times Entertainment that she closely watched the Sharon Cuneta classic, absolutely aware she had enormous shoes to fill, she gushed, “Of course, there’s pressure. There’s so much pressure. But [on the other hand], we see it as an opportunity to grow and give our fans something memorable again. We’ve evolved as actors since ‘FiLay,’ and I believe our fans will see a different and more mature side of us in ‘Maging Sino Ka Man.'”

David, the newbie chinito who proved his worth in “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” similarly said he and Barbie chose to thrive on the pressure rather than struggle with it, adding, “We want to exceed expectations because that’s what our viewers deserve.”

From the viral and high-powered trailers GMA released across its various media platforms, it does seem like Barbie and David both stood up to the plate with everything they could muster. While only the eventual series itself can confirm this, series director Enzo Williams (“Bonifacio ang Unang Pangulo,” “AWOL,” and “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”) said he can vouch for the pair of actors for whom he had nothing but praise.

“Barbie is one of the best actresses, if not the best actress I’ve ever worked with. Her dedication to her craft is unmatched. She’s very invested in what she does, and she’s very collaborative as well, which only makes the series even better.

“It’s really a privilege to direct her,” Williams rounded out.

As for David, the director shared, “He has really stepped up his game with the action. He was determined to do everything himself, no matter how difficult and demanding the scenes were. You’ll see his jaw-dropping sequences and will surely realize he isn’t just a heartthrob. He’s proven himself not just as a leading man but also as an action star in the making.”

Consequently, Williams said viewers should brace themselves for a roller coaster of emotions, intense confrontations, heart-pounding drama and high-powered action scenes every weeknight following “Maging Sino Ka Man’s” Monday night premiere.

As BarDa gratefully reveled in their director’s good words, they also steeled their confidence as they gently urged the members of the media to help them get the word out that their tandem has so much more to give beyond “FiLay.”

“Our journey as Fidel and Klay in ‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ was unforgettable,” Barbie reminisced. “The love and support we received from our fans were overwhelming. That they’ve been with us every step of the way is something we carry with us in every project we do, and that’s a promise we keep for them.”

Echoing his lady lead, David finally acknowledged, “It’s both a privilege and a challenge to return as a love team after the success of FiLay. My friendship with Barbie and our comfort level working together are already there. Meanwhile, this project is a chance for us to grow as actors, so we’re ready to face the challenges, give our best, and bring our characters to life. We hope that our fans will join us on this new journey.”

BarDa’s ability to convey authenticity, whether in their performances or in interviews like these, refreshingly sets these two apart from other love teams who give more importance to surface charm over true talent. Neither denying that their perfect chemistry only goes as far as their scenes, Barbie and David’s respective professionalism and captivating acting caliber are sure to make their journey from Fidel and Klay to new characters here onwards so worthwhile to see.

“Maging Sino Ka Man” also stars some of the country’s most respected artists in film and television, namely ER Ejercito, Jeric Raval, Jean Saburit, Juan Rodrigo, Antonio Aquitania and Jean Garcia, with the special special participation of Al Tantay and Tonton Gutierrez.

Catch the world premiere of the teleserye this Monday on GMA Telebabad at 8 p.m. and 9:40 p.m. on GTV. Viewers abroad can also watch the series via GMA Pinoy TV.