Karina, Aljon show maturity in their first team-up in MMK

Not all loveteams in this time of pandemic are as busy as KarJon, the portmanteau of Karina Bautista and Aljon Mendoza.

Since seeing them as housemates in Pinoy Big Brother: Otso edition in 2018, fans have been clamoring to see Karina and Aljon together on screen. They were initially paired in the drama series Sandugo, followed by Kapamilya digital shows The Four Bad Boys and Me, Hoy, Love You, and Viral Scandal.

“From the time na lumabas kami sa PBB, our partnership as a loveteam and as friends didn’t come easy but with all the opportunities we have been getting, both of us just want to give our best,” said Karina about being in a loveteam. “We will never let any chance to pass, so parang i-push na namin ito. Like now, we have Viral Scandal, we have MMK (Maalaala Mo Kaya) at may hinahanda pa sa amin na bago. So, why not make the most out of the blessings we have been receiving. Laban lang!”

Aljon couldn’t agree more by telling how determined they are to work hard in their every acting project.

“Ako, ever since naman nandoon ‘yung choice na ilaban talaga at gusto talaga namin ito (acting). Actually, when our supporters learned that we will be in MMK, they tweeted about it right away, parang they looked back doon sa post nila nung 2019 requesting for us to be in MMK. At ngayon, nagkatotoo,” he ruminated.

“That’s when I realized na may pinupuntahan naman itong ginagawa namin and I’m proud about it. Of course, we appreciate our supporters who are still cheering for us up to now. It all the more excites me to do new projects or magkaroon kami ng bagong achievements, so yeah, fight lang,” Aljon added.

On Feb. 26, Karina and Aljon will be seen in their first team-up in MMK via the episode titled Love Ko ‘To, directed by Raz dela Torre. The weekly drama anthology series will see them as the young couple, Theza and John, who will attest that love wins despite differences in social classes.

During the virtual media conference, Karina said their respective roles required them to veer away from “pa-cute” acting.

“The story centers on John and Theza, so may pagka-mature at may transition ‘yung characters from their puppy love (days) until they become mature individuals. So, makikita rin kung ano ang ibibigay namin ni Aljon in terms of emotions as we portray serious roles,” said Karina.

Karina revealed that she shared a similarity with her character Theza. “We’re both hardworking, the only difference is that Theza works as a breadwinner of her family. Although I am independent right now, ‘yung responsibilidad niya kasi ay sobrang mabigat,” said she.

Love Ko ‘To is Karina’s debut acting in MMK, and she admitted having mixed emotions about it.

“I’m excited and at the same time nervous because there is a desire in me to bring beautiful results to this project. Of course, nandoon naman ‘yung tiwala ko sa aking director and co-actors.”

She, too, keeps in mind what Jane Oineza said while doing a particular scene: Let the magic happen on the set. “I believe in that and the best preparation for me is not to overthink. I just let everything flow.”

Aljon, on the other hand, compared his portrayals as Bogs in Viral Scandal and as John in MMK.

“I’m a bit rough in Viral Scandal while I have to speak in English for my character in MMK (laughs), plus mas maraming emotions kami ni Karina ang maipapakita dito,” shared Aljon.

(Maalaala Mo Kaya airs Saturday nights at 8:30 on A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube, ABS-CBN Entertainment Facebook page, and iWantTFC.)