MANILA, Philippines – Besties. BFFs. Friendship. You can call them whatever you want. After all, Melai Cantiveros and Pokwang are friends in real life.
However, like most relationships under the showbiz spotlight, their friendship has also been viewed by people as either fake or genuine. There were some who surmised that there is competition between the two comediennes. But Melai and Pokwang do not let the “fame game” get in the way of their bond.
“Ate Pokie (Pokwang’s nickname), I really treat her as my Ate. Although we’re not the type who would text each other often, we know in our hearts that we are true friends,” said Melai after the grand press con of ABS-CBN’s latest Primetime Bida offering We Will Survive that is set to premiere tonight before TV Patrol. “Ang bait-bait ni Ate Pokie sa akin kaya nahihiya talaga ako sa nag-iisyu sa amin.”
The close bond began six years ago when Melai entered showbiz right after she became the PBB Double Up grand winner in 2010. Melai shared that it was Pokwang who always gave her “raket” during her “newbie” days when projects only came in trickles. “Whenever she’s not free or cannot attend to her commitments, she would suggest me to the bosses to take her place.”
The 27-year-old comedienne also recalled how Pokwang had been so supportive to her in their first TV project together as mainstays of Happy Yipee Yehey. “Kaya turing ko talaga sa kanya Ate. At kahit sa Banana Split dati, she was there to help me with my outfit and make-up.”
Until this day, Melai and Pokwang’s relationship exactly defines the old saying, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” They, too, can easily prove that their friendship is not about fame or money but about trust and having fun.
At the press con, Pokwang revealed that Melai became a regular visitor at her home when she and husband Jason Francisco were ironing some marital kinks.
“Melai is so genuine; a very kind person,” said Pokwang on their rivalry issue. “That’s why I cannot take it seriously. Besides, we are working under the same network; magkakapamilya tayo. We should help one another. Kagaya ng sinasabi ni Mang Dolphy nung nabubuhay pa siya, ‘Magtulungan kayong mga komedyante.’”
Without a doubt, Pokwang and Melai followed the Comedy King. They are supportive of each other’s careers, especially in their first primetime show We Will Survive.
“I feel nervous. I cannot believe that we will be airing on Monday. That’s why I am praying so hard to the Lord because a primetime (slot) is not a joke. But at the same time, I really am very thankful because I am with Ate Pokie. She helps me how to effectively deliver in drama sequences,” Melai said. “And I’m sure the show will put an end to whatever comparison is made between us kasi talagang nag-mamahalan kami ni Ate Pokie.”
According to Pokwang, among the stars of We Will Survive, it is Melai who never seems to run out of energy. The former admitted there were times when she felt too sleepy during their location shoot in Bicol where most of the cast members stayed for three weeks. “Pero pag bumulong na si Melai at narinig mo na nagsasalita siya ng ganun, mawawala talaga ang antok mo. Pero ‘pag love life ang usapan, buhay kaming lahat.”
Pokwang added, “Melai has a hard time turning emotional right after completing the light scenes; galing kasi sa katatawa. But once I hold her hand, expect tears in her eyes.”
“But the drama here is not OA (overacting) because we want to show what normally happens in our everyday life na may dumarating talaga na moment na emosyonal tayo,” Melai said.
Asked what she admires most in Pokwang, Melai replied, “Her being strong in facing life’s challenges. She has survived the painful moments in her life and I cannot think of anything that I hate about her because I love Ate Pokie inside out.”
Apart from Pokwang, Melai has also found true friendship with other celebrities like Alex Gonzaga, Angelica Panganiban, Jolina Magdangal, Nyoy Volante, Edgar Allan Guzman, Maja Salvador, Kim Chiu, Cacai Bautista, Jay-R and Maxene Magalona. “I can’t mention them all. I have lots of friends in showbiz who I didn’t expect to get along with when we first met. But it only took a short while for me to feel comfortable with them. Nung una kasi na-intimidate pa ko; mababait naman pala sila. Although we don’t normally text one another, still we (have a good time) every time we meet.”
Melai is also blessed with a lot of TV projects. “I am enjoying whatever it is that comes my way. As they say, strike while the iron is hot. I’m contented with whatever project is there for me; I’m not choosy with roles.”
On the personal front, Melai makes sure to spend quality time with Jason and their daughter Mela on weekends. They either go to the mall or stay in a hotel for some leisure.
“I divide my time between work and family because I want to save for the future. Alam mo na may baby na kami kaya ipon pa more, hahaha.”