A project of firsts for ‘Kara Mia’ boys

CEBU, Philippines — GMA Network has posted only a teaser of upcoming fantasy-drama series “Kara Mia” early this year, but it has already gained traction for its unique premise. A mother dotes on her daughters Kara (Barbie Forteza) and Mia (Mika dela Cruz). The catch: Kara and Mia share one body. Kara is in the front while Mia’s face is in the back. It has since spurred memes and strong reactions from bemused or creeped out netizens.

For heartthrobs Paul Salas and Jak Roberto, “Kara Mia” is a project of firsts.

“Abangan po nila kung ano yung mangyayari [sa show], yung reaction namin na two faces sila. At paano po yung mga love-love na eksena,” said Paul, who will portray the standoffish Chino. “Noong first time ko talaga nabasa yung script, na-weirdohan ako pero nagustuhan ko kasi tingin ko magugustuhan ng mga manonood.”

Paul and Jake were in Cebu alongside lead actresses Barbie Forteza and Mika dela Cruz for a press conference at Kuya J’s Escario prior to their mall shows at Gaisano Grand Mall Jai Alai and Ayala Center Cebu.

The series is Paul’s first major project after returning to the network. Although he began as a Kapuso via 2004’s “Starstruck Kids” – same batch as Miguel Tanfelix and Bea Binene – Paul moved to ABS-CBN and stayed there for almost ten years. Often seen in minor roles or the younger version of lead actors, Paul has appeared in the “Mulawin” and “Kung Fu Kids.”

“Ang saya po. Sobrang napapa-thank you po ako sa binagay na opportunity sa akin. Eto po yung dream role ko,” said Paul, who is looking forward to playing the opposite of his previous clean-cut, underdog types.

The 20-year-old actor was among the last additions to the cast. Despite having to kind of catch up with the rest of his co-stars, Paul is grateful that he was chosen for the role.

“Siguro nakita nila na bagay ako. Nagpapasalamat ako na nakita nila ako doon,” he said.

Paul, who has known Mika since they were child actors, appreciates how easygoing his other co-stars, Jak and Barbie, are.

“Nagka-work na sila dati so ako yung medyo left out. Naging approachable naman po sila. Madali silang kausap, madali pakisamahan. Lalo na si Jak, parang hindi nauubusan ng words. Excited ako makatrabaho sila.”

As for Jak, while he and real-life girlfriend Barbie co-starred in 2017’s “Meant to Be,” “Kara Mia” will be the first time they are working together while a couple.

Jak is Boni in “Kara Mia,” his grandma’s pet who has feelings for Barbie’s Kara. Since they’re still in the early stages of taping, he isn’t certain if there will be scenes that would require him to show off his physique, given that “Kara Mia” is said to eye a young, family-oriented demographic.

Asked how it felt to work with his girlfriend, Jak said he and Barbie aren’t too showy with gestures especially when they’re together in official appearances. When it’s time for work, they work, explaining that they don’t want to seem like bragging about their relationship.

“Mas kampante po ako ngayon kasi nakilala na po namin ang isa’t-isa ng mas malalim. Ang importante naman po kasi sa bawat eksena yung chemistry niyo, yung pinagsamahan niyo at paano niyo i-treat ang isa’t-isa.” Jak quipped.

“Komportable kami sa eksena, makakahugot ka ng emosyon na pwedeng ilagay sa makatotohanan,” Jak, 25, added.

Airing soon on GMA primetime, “Kara Mia” is directed by Albert Langitan and also stars Carmina Villaroel, John Estrada, Glydel Mercado, Mike Tan, Gil Cuerva, Liezel Lopez and Althea Ablan.