Init sa Magdamag stars, directors look back on iconic scenes

The cast members and directors of ABS-CBN’s Init sa Magdamag looked back on their unforgettable scenes and the challenges they encountered while filming the intense drama-romance series as it comes to a conclusion this week.

Yam Concepcion, who plays Rita, wife of Peterson (portrayed by JM de Guzman), shared in a virtual media call that she has a lot of memorable moments to pick from doing the series. “Bawat eksena kasi pinapahalagahan ko. So talagang may certain memory siya na naiiwan sa akin.”

One was the opening scene of the pilot episode. “Yung nag-aayos ako ng DVDs, simple lang yun. Pero sabi ko, ‘Oh my gosh, ito na…’ We were doing the opening shot. That was special for me,” she recalled.

Yam also cited her character’s confrontations with abusive husband Peterson, which trended on TikTok, and the iconic waterfall scene with Tupe (played by Gerald Anderson) as among her unforgettable scenes. 

When asked about the life lessons she has learned from her character, it is to “fight for the marriage until you can, be a good wife and enjoy the ride,” was her answer.

After Init sa Magdamag, the actress plans to take a break and learn a new hobby or skill.

As for JM, on how the series has changed his life, he said, “Siguro lumalayo na ako sa stress ngayon. Mas vi-na-value ko ngayon yung peace of mind ko kasi yung proseso nung paggawa ng teleserye medyo sobra akong na-stress and nahirapan akong maka-recover.”

His most unforgettable part while shooting was when he got injured due to an accident. “I had four stitches in the head because of one intense scene. I will never forget it because everytime I look in the mirror, the scar is still there.”

Gerald, on his part, was “grateful” for the team because they were able to put up a good show despite all the challenges that they went through. “Sobrang fulfilling siya. Dahil alam ko yung sitwasyon kung saan kami nag-taping at ano ang sistema ng taping namin. Kumbaga dugo’t pawis ang binuhos namin sa show. We’re just happy over the outcome.”

The actor also noted how he was able to relate to his character as Tupe, a barrio doctor and Peterson’s rival. “You have to stay positive despite the challenges. So, maybe, that’s why I can very well relate to my character,” he shared.

Likewise, the series made him realize to not forget who you are and your values. “’Wag mong kalimutan yung core mo, kung sino ka. Kung ano yung pagkatao mo.”

For Gerald, one of the most difficult parts of being Tupe is to be a sperm donor to his ex, Rita. “Although it worked (in the teleserye), sa totoong buhay malaking conflict yun eh… As a man, as a person, it’s hard to do that,” he said.

Gerald also mentioned the waterfall scene with Yam as a particularly tough scene to shoot, adding, “Kasi ang lamig ng tubig. Sa totoo lang, mahirap ding sitwasyon namin dahil sa pandemic. Every day was challenging really.”

Asked for his opinion if he is willing to be a sperm donor in real life, he answered, “It depends on the situation of the person asking for help. But of course not. Kasi yung unang anak ko gusto ko sa taong mahal ko. At gusto kong makasama yung bata at akin yung bata.”

Moreover, the controversial scene, where Peterson beat up Rita, had the most impact on director Raymund Ocampo.

“Doing that scene was difficult but I was excited to execute it. Because nangyari rin sa akin in real life,” he told The STAR. “Hindi ako yung nabugbog. I wasn’t the battered wife. Pero yung mom ko. Sobrang andami kong hugot duon sa eksena na yun.”

 It was part of his advocacy against violence as well. “Kasi nakikita ng mga tao na ito (referring to the battered wife scene) ang mangyayari kapag ganito ang sitwasyon or ginagawa ng asawa. Maraming nag-flashback sa’kin while doing that.”

Director Ian Lorendos likewise told The STAR how the series became one of the important chapters of his life. Despite the challenges of shooting the teleserye every day and the “exhaustion,” they formed a genuine friendship behind the scenes, he shared.

“It’s not just a job,” direk Ian expressed. “I’m not really vocal to everyone. Hindi rin ako masyadong nakasama sa lahat pero na-appreciate ko yung honesty ng bawat isa. Not just a co-worker but also as a person and being connected with them.”

What he realized while doing the series was, “Lahat tayo may kanya-kanyang quirks. Lahat kami tao, hindi sila superstar. May kanya-kanyang pamilya din. May kanya-kanyang nagpapa-saya at nagpapa-lungkot sa kanila.” And that’s the memory he wants to treasure after the project.

Meanwhile, Yam was asked about her honeymoon and some advice when it comes to settling down. The actress tied the knot last July with longtime boyfriend Miguel Cuunjieng in an intimate ceremony in the United States. The newlyweds have not spent their honeymoon yet.

“It’s hard to have a honeymoon,” disclosed Yam. “With what’s happening in the world right now, parang na-gui-guilty naman ako na magsaya masyado. We will come to that. But we’re also having a honeymoon here at our apartment (laughs).”

On tips to her co-actors about marriage, she had this to say, “You know, it really depends on the person. It’s a case to case basis. Only you can tell if you’ve reached that stage in your life where you feel you’re ready. Hindi ako, hindi kahit sino, sarili mo. I guess just do what makes you happy. And then eventually, it will all just come.”

Catch the finale of Init sa Magdamag nightly at 9:20 on TV5, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV and Kapamilya Online Live via the YouTube channel and Facebook page of ABS-CBN Entertainment.

Outside the country, it is available on The Filipino Channel, while advance episodes can be accessed on iWantTFC and WeTV iflix.