The plus side to Gen Z stars in showbiz
Andrea Brillantes, Kyle Echarri, Juan Karlos and Elijah Canlas lead the cast of the latest series from ABS-CBN’s Dreamscape Entertainment, Senior High. Their show is taking over the 9:30 p.m. weekday spot on TV5 and aims to accomplish something new with its narrative. Senior High deals with the different issues of today’s generation such as mental health, substance abuse, problematic family dynamics and bullying.
Described as the most misunderstood generation, the country’s next-gen stars Andrea Brillantes, Kyle Echarri, Juan Karlos and Elijah Canlas, are set to break that stereotype as they embark on the latest series from ABS-CBN’s Dreamscape Entertainment, Senior High.
The show is taking over the 9:30 p.m. weekday spot on TV5 after the finale of the groundbreaking series Dirty Linen. Senior High aims to accomplish something new with its narrative.
The plot is more than just a mystery-thriller about a twin dying from falling off a terrace and the other one finding justice for her even if the rest believe that it was suicide.
With an ensemble cast being joined by Zaijian Jaranilla, Xyriel Manabat, Daniela Stranner, Miggy Jimenez, Tommy Alejandrino and Gela Atayde, Senior High will deal with the different issues of today’s generation such as mental health, substance abuse, problematic family dynamics and bullying.
We had the chance to sit down with the cast members, including Andrea who shared their goals for the show.
“We hope so na hindi ito ma-twist sa gusto namin sabihin,” she said. “Madaming show na nag-try mag-advocate sa mga ganito pero hindi nakatulong, mas tumaas pa iyong rates ng suicide, drug abuse. Here, we’re not romanticizing it and instead ipapakita namin kung gaano ka ma-aapektuhan bilang tao and sa family mo.”
For Elijah, he felt that the whole production team drew them all in building their characters.
“Kami mismo i-nin-terview about our personal experiences about our inputs and that felt collaborative and respectful. And yung nababasa sa script, iyon mismo personal experiences and makatotohanan siya.”
Kyle shared his inputs about being a Gen Z, while pointing out why the project is their gift to their generation.
“We’re the generation that has so much knowledge about the Internet and accessibility,” he said. “We know so much. I get why people misunderstand us. There is a beauty behind it; we want to make everyone more aware that everyone has a good and a bad side.”
Picking up from Kyle, Andrea related why people misunderstand her in real life and for her, that is okay.
“Iyong ugali ko kaya ako misunderstood, masyado akong honest and iyon lang iyon!” she shared. “The truth will set you free.”
Also in the cast are veteran actors such as Angel Aquino, Baron Geisler, Mon Confiado and Sylvia Sanchez, who have high praise for the Gen Z stars.
“Kitang kita mo sa kanila ang pagiging independent-minded. I guess you have to play it right with them, huwag kang enabler. Dapat balanse lang ng pagmamahal and guidance. They’re not difficult!” Angel shared.
Baron, who had a colorful past both in his professional and personal life, had a reflection after he started working with the Senior High Gen Z cast.
“Natutuwa ako sa kids. They know what they want. I was talking to my wife the other day and I said, ‘Sana, hon, hindi ako nag-alcohol. Sana dinidiretso ko kasi nakikita ko kung paano sila magtrabaho sa set!’ They’re prepared, wow nakaka-inspire itong mga bata if only I could turn back time, ganyan ginawa ko,” he said.
In Senior High, Baron was entrusted with a role that he never had the chance to portray yet.
“Very strict, stern and disciplinarian dad role ko rito. Noong una nahirapan ako kasi kung hindi addict, baliw baliw role ko dati, but this time, educated. He knows what he wants, he is very driven and strategic,” he said.
Senior High is from Dreamscape Entertainment, the same creators of Dirty Linen and The Broken Marriage Vow. It also stars Desiree del Valle, Kean Cipriano, Ana Abad Santos, Gerald Madrid, Inka Magnaye, Ryan Eigenmann, Kakki Teodoro, Rans Rifol, Rap Robes, Floyd Tena and Angeli Bayani. It premieres on Monday night at 9:30 on TV5.
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