Michelle Vito tries hand at comedy

MANILA, Philippines — After her stint in the GMA 7 nonconventional, triple-plot drama “Lovers/Liars,” Michelle Vito crosses over to comedy via the Net 25 sitcom “May For Ever,” with Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez in the leading roles.

It’s a break from the intense scenes of her previous GMA Telebabad series, but just the same, “May For Ever” remains a platform for the young actress to experience and try her hand at another acting genre.

“Actually, it’s tough to do comedy and make people laugh, especially if in real life, you’re not funny or comedic,” said Michelle in a virtual press conference, also attended by Net 25 Starkada talents Drei Arias and Zach Francisco.

“Mahirap kasi kung iisipin mo na mapapatawa mo ba yung mga tao, matutuwa ba sila sa mga lines at sa gagawin mo (doing comedy is tough, especially when you wonder if you can tickle their funny bone with your lines and actions),” added she, reflecting on the usual concerns of a comedy performer. “I think it’s really challenging. Maybe others think that it’s easy to make viewers laugh, but it is actually not.”

In the show, which airs Saturday nights at 7, Michelle, Drei, and Zach also put in extra effort since they’re sharing the screen with veteran actors Alessandra and Empoy, who can switch from drama to comedy and vice versa.

“With Ate Alessandra and Kuya Empoy, work doesn’t seem like work at all,” said Drei.“Sila mismo ay nag-e-enjoy sa set (They both enjoy their work on set). Sometimes I didn’t know that it was already (a good) take because I thought it was just a rehearsal take, and then, OK na pala. Sobrang parang hindi ako nag-wo-work. We have a nice working environment.”

However, first-time jitters were a given.

“Of course, I got nervous during the taping,” shared Zach, adding that Alessandra and Empoy are so good at what they do, and he looks up to them.

“They are nice and kalog (jolly). I’m thankful that they would encourage me, and we have fun on the set. They’re fun to be with, and you will enjoy working (with them),” added he.

Drei, who had fear when he accepted the project, said, “(that feeling) disappeared on the first day. The veteran actors are very humble. It’s fun to be with them.”

Michelle simply agreed with them by saying, “Sobrang gaang nilang ka-trabaho (working with them is light and breezy). Actually, I’ve worked with Kuya Empoy before, and we’ve gone on an out-of-the-country (show). Ate Alessandra is super bait talaga. At first, I got nervous and a bit intimidated by her. She’s kind and won’t make you feel like you’re a newbie. She would greet everyone and joke a lot.”

For Michelle, it also matters for actors to be close and have established rapport with everyone.

“Para maging magaan yung loob (so that all will be at ease), especially when it comes to doing light comedy or sitcoms. Talagang kailangan na magaan ang lahat kahit sa likod ng camera. Kailangan very close kayong lahat (that relaxed feeling should also be extended to behind the cameras. The cast and crew should have that feeling of closeness),” added she.

Aside from this, Michelle could also attest that coming prepared on the set, which includes knowing the lines and director’s instructions, is essential.

“I’ve also noticed that aside from (understanding and memorizing) the lines, they (the actors) also make some impromptu lines. It’s a big thing that you’re ready,” said she.

“May For Ever” is about a couple named Lola May and Lolo Ever who find a home away from home in a super high-tech nursing home facility. They are being attended to and assisted by nurses Vicky and Chris, played by Michelle and Drei, as well as the robot nurse T45 (Zach). Lola May and Lolo Ever and the rest of the characters live in the future, 2064, but through recollections, they go back to the past, which is 2024.

Also in the cast are Archie Alemania, Vangie Labalan, Anthony Ocampo, TJ Valderrama, and Mitoy Yonting.

Asked if she can keep up with Alessandra and Empoy in comedy, Michelle replied, “Sana (I hope).”