Why Kapuso stars enjoy entertaining kids

Sanya Lopez, Derrick Monasterio and Gil Cuerva come together to share a lesson or two to kids and kids-at-heart in the GMA 7’s Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko episode, Oh My Oppa. The Kapuso stars find delight to play a human or fantastic character in the Sunday magical anthology. Also joining them are Jon Lucas and Ashley Ortega.

“I find it important that we do a show (or content) for kids,” said Sanya in a recent virtual media group chat. “Sa panahon ngayon, kailangan nating magpakita sa kanila ng magandang storya na alam mo na matututo sila (These days, we need to offer them a lessons-filled story), in which, they can pick up something good and (use it) when they grow up.”

That’s why Sanya, Derrick and Gil are always on the lookout for such opportunity to star in a fantasy show that appeals to kids’ attention and imagination. It’s their way to get in touch with younger audiences.

“It also exposes us to a different demographic,” said Gil. “It also exposes us to another kind of audience, yung mas mga bata, at least, we’re more visible to them. Maybe the young kids, when they’re watching, they see us and the characters we portray, aside from picking up lessons (from the story), they can also look up to us in a certain aspect and maybe draw something from us.” Part of an actor’s life is to inspire everyone to do good and become a role model to the young ones, through the roles they play.

“I feel lucky (that I have done) a superhero show before, na maging idol ka ng mga bata, especially that one where I played a hero,” shared Derrick. “Iba rin yung audience, iba yung way of fanboying and fangirling nila sa’yo. They are very natural and very genuine yung mga smiles nila. Masarap sa feeling. I was once a kid who had my own (childhood super) heroes. So, ang sarap ng feeling.” Five years ago, Derrick portrayed a jeepney driver named Nonoy, who possessed an object that could turn him into a blue-and-yellow clad superhero in Tsuperhero.

Speaking of fantastic roles that save the day, Derrick wished to be Thor or the latter’s Pinoy version on the small or big screen. “He’s a demigod. I want to play one,” said he.

As for Gil, who played an alien in the GMA adaptation of Korean series, My Love from the Stars, wanted to be Doctor Strange, another Avenger. Given the character’s mental and mystic powers, Gil found him “astig (tough) and cool,” said he.

Sanya, on the other hand, chose Wonder Woman (of the Justice League), whom she dreamed of playing since she was a kid. She adored the superheroine’s strength and stamina shown in the latter’s fighting scenes.

But for Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko, Sanya is Grace, a Korean drama fan-hotel manager, who purchases a Korean Oppa robot named Gong Yoon Bin, played by Gil, to show former boyfriend Alex that she has moved on. Her friend and co-worker Toti (Derrick) is loving her from a distance.

Since Oh My Oppa tackles love and romance, the stars were also asked to share their thoughts on a person’s search for the one, described with endearing qualities and considered a complete package.

“It’s important that he is kind and can accept (how demanding) my work (is),” said Sanya, who also acknowledged the truth that “wala naman kasi talagang perfect na tao. So, depende na lang yun sa inyo o kung sino man yung magiging partner mo, kung paano mo siya tatanggapin, di ba? Sometimes, love really changes all. Malalaman mo yan kapag mahal mo talaga ang isang tao, you feel that he is perfect (to you). If you accept kung anuman siya, mamahalin at mamahalin mo siya kung anuman siya, both of you will be happy.”

“For each person, I’m sure, there’s like a list of things you find in a person that you check,” shared Gil, “and see if these are applicable to the person.” He added that such task is challenging and finding the right one depends on the standards the searcher sets and the latter’s willingness to accept the person.

For Derrick, however, everything boils down to love. With it, he said, “You’re willing to accept the person’s flaws, you’re willing to be mature to handle the relationship.” The partners, who commit themselves in a relationship, and the latter are a work in progress.

“What we did learn while doing it was pagiging totoo ka lang talaga (being true to yourself),” reflected Sanya of the weekend show’s theme. “Kahit anuman ang mangyari, anuman ang sabihin nila, ang importante ay maging totoo ka (Whatever happens and what other people say, what matters is you stay true), lalo na alam mo na di masamang magpakatotoo at wala kang ibang (tao na) maaagrabyado sa pagsasabi ng totoo.”

(Watch Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko every Sunday night at 7 and stay updated about Kapuso shows and artists by logging on to GMANetwork.com.)