The unsinkable Karla

MANILA, Philippines - Her fluffy eyes clearly tell that Karla Estrada has had a power nap before The STAR and other select members of the press arrive at the set of Funny Ka, Pare Ko! inside one of the ABS-CBN studios. Karla admits her schedule is hectic and the short naps in-between takes help her wade through with neck-deep work.

“All I need is sleep, even if it’s just a catnap, for me to handle all my work,” begins Karla. “Because you know, I also have four children to take care of. Ngayon, medyo pinagsisisihan ko na yung pinirmahan ko na kontrata, hahaha, joke lang.”

Apart from being the lead star of Funny Ka, Pare Ko that airs Sundays at 5 p.m. on TVplus’ CineMo, Karla is also seen on weekday mornings as host of Magandang Buhay and as one of the judges in the Tawag ng Tanghalan segment of It’s Showtime! Also included in her timetable is her preparation to do the front act for Patty Austin’s concert in February.

Karla initially couldn’t believe when she learned that the American R&B and jazz singer’s camp was asking if she can front act for the show. “’Di talaga ako makapaniwala kasi s’yempre lumaki ako sa musika n’ya. It was great news that greeted my 2017.”

As if that’s not enough, Karla is also busy with her soon-to-be released album and a collaboration project with Tutti Caringal of 6Cyclemind. “Once we’re through with the song, we wish to present it as theme song for La Luna Sangre or for Varna, if and when the movie pushes through.”

Karla continues, “You can see that my work is one on top of the other. Like now, I headed straight here from the house. Come to think of it, I should not be doing this (all work) anymore because I’ve been doing this since I was 16.”

That’s why her son Daniel Padilla keeps on teasing her. “Sabi n’ya, ‘O, ayan pinirmahan mo yan Ma, ha.’ Medyo busy talaga ako kaya s’ya lang ang nakapag-bakasyon, ako wala eh. But this is not forever so it’s okay (laughs).”

Before anyone raises an eyebrow, Karla is not complaining but thankful for all the projects that have landed on her lap. “I know, this is not forever so it’s okay with me. It’s just that sometimes, it cannot be avoided that work drains your energy.”

Thankfully, she is able to catch some sleep during taping breaks bringing her back to her jolly self. Being in the cast of Funny Ka, Pare Ko allows her to laugh out loud while at work. Everyone is funny and ready to pull somebody’s leg. “Dito ‘pag alaskador ka, dapat game ka rin maalaska,” Karla says.

Meanwhile, Karla’s co-star Bayani Agbayani says one of the reasons behind the show’s success is the camaraderie they have on the set. All are professionals when it comes to work. Each shows a different style in making people laugh.

Although, Bayani says, not everybody can stay in the show.

With co-stars (standing, from left) Tommy Esguerra, Jayson Gainza, Joj Agpangan, Ysabel Ortega and Igi Boy Flores; (seated, from left) Alora Sasam, Bayani Agbayani and Red Bustamante during a taping break at the set of the Kapamilya Sunday sitcom

“Normally, there are actors who come and go because the characters depend mainly on the flow of the story,” Karla explains.

Now on its third season, Funny Ka, Pare Ko is set seven years after the second season. Bayani’s character Bigboy and Karla’s Carla are husband and wife who have moved up in life and now spearhead business seminars to help budding entrepreneurs after the success of their eatery.

“The first and second seasons were a combination of a sitcom and stand-up comedy,” says Bayani. “Now, we have an advocacy. We introduce to televiewers some small businesses that we can bring to the community.”

In the press release, ABS-CBN TVplus’ CineMo head Mark Awiten said, “All characters in the show this season are involved in business. In fact, entrepreneurship is a main element in the story because Funny Ka, Pare Ko aims to encourage ordinary Filipinos that they can advance their livelihood by starting their own business.”

Two weeks ago, the sitcom anchored its story on Bigboy and Carla inviting their neighbors to learn about fish deboning and hair-cutting that the televiewers can also learn by watching the show. Every episode will share different topics that are interesting to the viewers.

Karla reveals that the coming episode is about healthy living. “We will do Zumba sessions aside, of course, from providing comic relief.”

(Funny Ka, Pare Ko also stars Igi Boy Flores, Jayson Gainza, Alora Sasam, Joj Agpangan, Ysabel Ortega, Red Bustamante, Tommy Esguerra, Miho Nishida, Nonong Ballinan, No Direction trio Steven, Sadam and Bangkay, and Iskubi Duo’s Jules and Fitz.)