Dennis & Heart: The chemistry works

MANILA, Philippines - When two relatively sweet, wholesome faces enable to project themselves convincingly in a primetime TV series deemed naughty and sexy, it’s chemistry at work.

Highly-cited drama actor Dennis Trillo and equally-beloved Heart Evangelista found themselves a good combination as stars of Juan Happy Love Story, a romantic comedy of a series that features a chic boy and a family-oriented woman in a marital situation that is both problematic and fun.

The word play on the title alone, as Dennis plays skirt-chasing businessman Juan and Heart a feisty, wife-material Happy, suggests that viewers need not be worried about dealing with heartbreaking plots and nearly impossible dramatic twists. Instead, spectators are on for some tickling sequences and titillating scenes crafted in sheer-fun, non-offensive style.

The series began airing on GMA Telebabad last May 16, exactly a week after the National Elections that also bid goodbye to the publicly draining campaign. Thus, it is actually serving as a much-needed refresher for viewers who got tired watching politicians throw insults and accusations at each other.

Dennis and Heart only have well-written hirit lines to throw for the public to consume with gusto. It is a departure, too, from the now-overused hugot lines that reflect the emotional and often-bitter at romance Pinoys.

“Kakaibang project ito and we were given the freedom to experiment,” said Dennis. “I enjoy the fact that it is not stressful on the set and walang ganung iyakang walang katapusan.”

Two weeks prior to the pilot airing, the members of entertainment press were treated to a grand gathering at La Madera Gastronomic Pub in Tomas Morato area in Quezon City. Both Dennis and Heart were in upbeat mood and one couldn’t sense whatever unsettling emotions the latter must have felt as her famous politician-hubby Chiz Escudero was seen as kind of losing his grip on the voters at that time. Chiz would ultimately lose in the Vice Presidential race.

Heart, in talking about her extra-sexy role, sounded delighted, “You’re only young once so I’m enjoying the opportunity to do this and move on.”

She definitely did what she can supporting her spouse’s campaign and had something nice to say about him: “Very supportive ang asawa ko and he’s even reading the script.”

The plot of Juan Happy Love Story amuses with its complications, primarily because of the presence of Juan’s business partner Agatha (Kim Domingo) and Happy’s high school best friend Bob (Joross Gamboa). Obviously, the two won’t bother breaking a marriage for their own interests and especially that they’re doing it almost without tears involved.

Like all good TV projects, a strong support cast heightens the fun, led by veteran Gloria Romero and the low-profile but highly-decorated Nick Lizaso, who act as grandparents to Juan. Established character actors Gardo Versoza and Lotlot de Leon joined in playing Happy’s parents.

Gardo noted, “Ang series na ito, kahit may pagka-naughty, ay pang-family. May magagandang mensahe na di mabigat ang delivery.”

Second-generation actors Dominic Roco and Rob Moya (who portrays Juan’s bestfriend Kyle) likewise found themselves happily put into the trick. “Sobrang saya ko kasi yung pinapanood ko lang dati, kasama ko na ngayon. Na-star struck po ako kay Miss Heart,” mused Rob who is the son of Jovit Moya of That’s Entertainment fame.

Even PBA courtside reporter Ericka Padilla is taking the ball right into the hole, playing the role of Happy’s older sister Joy. Proudly she stated, “Malalim ang background namin ni Heart as friends so it was an easy opportunity for me to reconnect with her.”

Deeply thought, naughty lines can be heard all over the series. Needless to say, a talented team is behind the script led by notable names Roy Iglesias and Jake Tordesillas. Executive producer Darling Pulido Torres and director LA Madridejos both expressed high hopes for the series. By now they can sit, relax and enjoy the fruits of their efforts to bring a nightly dosage of comic punch lines and kilig, or better off said kiliti, moments.