After rift in first film, McLisse finds groove in ‘Habangbuhay’

CEBU, Philippines —  Elisse Joson and McCoy de Leon, collectively known as McLisse, admitted that they let relationship troubles get in the way of their first movie team-up in 2019.

In their latest film together, they made sure none of that was repeated – not only have they figured out how to delineate the professional from the personal, they’re also now first-time parents to a daughter whose wellbeing is now foremost of their concerns.

“Mas natuto na kami because of our past mistakes in our first movie,” began Elisse, referring to the movie “Sakaling Maging Tayo” where they allegedly had a rift in the course of filming.

“At that time, it was the timing, we were young, and we let personal issues affect work. Dito kahit meron kaming pinagdadaanan na personal, naisantabi namin to be able to give our best in this project. We’ve matured enough, we’ve learned how to better deal with things. We already know how to work well with one another. Kabisado na namin yung dynamics.”

The showbiz couple, who first met as Pinoy Big Brother housemates before making headlines in the latter part of 2021 when they revealed having a baby, star in the romance-drama “Habangbuhay” which is now streaming on Vivamax.

“When we were doing ‘Sakaling Maging Tayo’, alam namin yung mga pagkukulang namin noon,” added McCoy, 27. “So with’ Habangbuhay’, suportahan kami. In scenes na kahit hindi kami kailangan, we were there for each other. I could say we established a work rapport.”

In “Habangbuhay”, a girl who is in a constant battle for her life is asking a boy to fight for their love.  If only he was not too consumed by his own battles.

Elisse plays Bea, a young woman diagnosed with Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID). Her body has low levels of protective antibodies, thus making her highly susceptible to various infections. Because of this, Bea does not have the luxury to travel beyond her confines. Her over-protective mother Lily (Yayo Aguila) just wants to keep her safe at home.

In spite of this, Bea maintains a cheerful disposition. She enjoys being in her own world filled with music, dreams, and imagination. She does live-streaming to interact with others. So all things considered, she’s doing good. And with around, she’s feeling even better.

McCoy’s JR is the family’s houseboy. Years ago, Bea’s nanny took him home after finding him roaming the streets in tears. JR grew up taking life too seriously, even calling himself a sad boy. As he learns to loosen up, Bea greatly enjoys his company.

She’s proud to say that he’s the one who truly makes her feel alive. But suddenly, this man whom Bea considers her safe space seems to be creating a gap between them.

McCoy said he was used in getting assigned roles that didn’t have much of a backstory. This made “Habangbuhay” different and challenging for him with JR’s colorful past, that he had to have a notebook often nearby to remind him of his role’s past and present motivations.

Of her character, Elisse, 26, shared. “Bea is a very upbeat person. I think whatever she’s going through, ang taas niya lagi. Nakakahawa tuloy yung positivity niya. In reality, I also want to have that trait.”

“Habangbuhay” is directed by Real Florido, Best Director winner at the London Film Awards, and Best Feature Film at the Canada International Film Festival for the movie “1st Ko Si 3rd.”

One scene has Elisse pleading McCoy to fight for her, just this once. The actress said she has uttered the same words in real life, though the circumstances were different.

“The line na ‘ipaglaban mo naman ako’ – mabigat talaga yun and nagamit ko na rin yun but magkaiba ang situation. When doing that scene, meron akong nagamit from personal experience. Nabalik yung kirot sa puso nung binitawan ko yung linya. Pero iba na yung naramdaman ko, if that makes sense,” she said.

When talk came to motherhood, Elisse said she and McCoy have been happy campers so far.

“It’s not a job for us. We enjoy everything that we do for her. Makita nga lang yung small milestones, natutuwa na kami, worth it na lahat. May mga sablay pa din kami, but it’s a continuous learning process,” said Elisse.

“The hard times and challenges are expected, what’s important is the journey and our child’s progress which is such such a pleasure to witness,” McCoy noted. “Wala kami halos hirap. Pero gusto namin mahirapan para matuto kami.”