Tom confronts fear in latest GMA drama

MANILA, Philippines – “(Memory) is what defines our experiences. It is what we hold on to, it is like an instrument or tool to know that we are here and we have loved… If we loved and we can’t remember it, then we didn’t love at all?”

That’s Tom Rodriguez establishing the themes (love and memory) and the premise of his latest GMA drama Someone to Watch Over Me. Replacing Juan Happy Love Story, it will premiere on Sept. 5 and will be helmed by Maryo J. Delos Reyes. “I don’t know honestly,” he replied when asked if a person suffering from extreme memory loss will still be able to love. “That’s why I get intrigued by (the soap’s) story.” 

Tom has all the reasons to feel that way since his character TJ is showing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, which causes some brain cells to degenerate, affecting one’s intellectual activities. Consequently, daily routines will be changed. This becomes more pronounced as the person gets older.

“When they (people behind the show) told me about this (neurological degenerative condition), I never believed them na may ganitong sickness pala. I told them that I will study,” recalled Tom of his initial reaction when the role was offered to him. Given the soap’s tale of human spirit, Tom has been sold on the idea of portraying another meaty role.

“I’ve learned about the symptoms (like forgetting things). So you get paranoid,” he said. “Even if you like reading or engaging your mind (in some mental activities), it is not an assurance that it won’t happen to you. If (you’re predisposed to it), it will happen to you. Legitimately, the fear I feel is real. I wish it won’t happen to me. So every time I read the script, I always have that feeling.”

According to Tom, his character “is the first (case) in his family. His initial reaction (upon learning his condition) of course was disbelief. Since he lacks information about his illness, he tells himself (and rationalizes) that it is impossible for a 32 year old like him to suffer from it. ‘I’m 32. Why would I have Alzheimer’s? I think I need to seek a second opinion and you’re all wrong.’”

This state of denial is the starting point for TJ’s inner struggles and how his illness will affect his life and the relationships he has made and will make. “The conflicts are (arising from) two fronts: I’m trying to understand what’s happening to me and at the same time my wife is witnessing (changes in me),” said Tom. “My character is doing (things) that he has never done before like forgetting the birthday of his wife and their anniversary and him mentioning another woman’s name. These happen in real life.” Tom added that it’s a tough time for both the patient and his family.

The women who will love TJ despite his condition are Joanna (played by Lovi Poe) and Irene (Max Collins). Soon televiewers will find out who will make more sacrifices in the name of love.

With co-stars Max Collins (left) and Lovi Poe: They will play the women in TJ’s life and try to live up to the show’s title.

What is the worst situation that could happen to his character TJ or to someone with Alzheimer’s? Tom answered, “Like what direk Maryo has relayed to us that although there have been studies done on mice and they (studies) could reverse it, but they are not yet implemented, so the illness is incurable. The worst scenario is they (patients) will die at a young age.”

Given the psychological status and the personal narrative of TJ, Tom is in for some tour-de-force role-playing. On top of that is dealing with the taping style common in local TV production — similar to how one covers a developing news story.

“It is definitely challenging,” he said. “You’re getting to know your character on the set. We have resources like Yani (Yuzon, writer of the soap) and direk (Maryo) who talk among themselves and talk to us so everyone is on the same page. You’re like shaping (the character) on the spot. You’re like a sculptor doing (your work) on the spot. Whereas if you’re doing a movie, you have tracked already the path of your character.” These little sacrifices, if you may call it, are nothing to what the audience can learn from Someone to Watch Over Me.

“In this industry, we can’t deny the fact that this art and medium has the power not just to entertain viewers but also to inform them,” Tom said. “If we can do both, why not? We should celebrate those types of things. I’m happy that GMA is always willing to explore (things) outside the box.”

In this line of work, where the audience is not the only one involved in the meaning-making process, Tom has his take-away from the soap. “It makes you reflect and ask questions about yourself,” he said. “That is a beautiful thing. We learn and we grow from it — ganun pala yun, (you understand) why it happened and why they did it.” Tom also feels fortunate to have a glimpse of that life — and to be a part of that platform which also raises awareness about the Alzheimer’s disease.