Why Pokwang’s latest role feels very personal

MANILA, Philippines — Among the roles she has played with ease and depth, the one she knows best — like the back of her hand — is that of a mother. Pokwang, a mom of two daughters, takes on that familiar role once again as Mayumi in the GMA Afternoon Prime series “Binibining Marikit,” with Herlene Budol in the titular role.

The last time Pokwang did a TV series was around two years ago. She appeared in “Lolong” Season 1 and “Jose & Maria’s Bonggang Villa” prior to “Binibining Marikit.”

“Madalas kasing nanay ako na mahirap (I usually play a poor mother). Dito, nag-Japan pa kami (But in ‘Binibining Marikit,’ my character and others went to Japan),” the versatile actress said in a recent group interview.

“Exciting yung lagi sa set at natutuwa ako na ang mga kasama ko ay mahilig kumain na kagaya ko. At mahilig naman akong magpakain. (It’s always exciting on set and I’m happy being with people who enjoy eating. And I also love serving food.)

“It’s fun. Eating together is how we bond.”

So, work is fun and easy-breezy.

It’s also the first time for Pokwang to work with Herlene in a TV series, although their rapport has been established since the two became hosts of the Kapuso one-of-a-kind countdown variety show, “TiktoClock.”

“Ang gulo, gulo namin sa dressing room, hanggang dito (We’re so chaotic in the dressing room of ‘TiktoClock’ and also in ‘Binibining Marikit’),” shared Pokwang, adding that they complement each other well and know each other’s strengths.

“Nagkukwentuhan kami. Mahusay naman talaga yan. Lumalabas ang naturalesa niya. (We exchange stories. She’s really good. Her being a natural comedienne comes out.”

Aside from playing Mayumi, the biological mother of Herlene’s character Marikit on-cam, Pokwang is a friend and a mother figure to the lead actress’ off-cam.

“Yes, minsan nga ang dami ng tsinitsika niya sa akin (Sometimes, she shares a lot of stories with me),” she said.

“But it’s about her family. Kasi alam naman natin na ‘pag dating sa pamilya, ano ito, eh, tutok ito (Because we all know that when it comes to family, she’s focused),” said Pokwang.

“Binibigyan ko siya ng advice kung papaano mo (iingatan yung) pinaghihirapan mo (I give her advice on how to value the things she has been working so hard for). I tell her, ‘Anak, hindi kasi tayo lagi sa spotlight, dapat nag-iisip tayo ng fallback (We’re not always in the spotlight. We should think of a fallback).’

“Hindi tayo laging may project so ipon, ipon (It’s not all the time we have projects so save and save).”

In an interview with “Kapuso Insider,” Pokwang also gave Herlene pieces of advice on love and life.

“Mahalin mo muna ang sarili mo, day. Unahin mo muna yung pamilya mo, sarili mo, tsaka na yang love, love, love na yan (Love yourself first, day. Prioritize your family and yourself. That ‘love, love, love’ can wait).

“Bata ka pa… maging mautak ka, lalo na sa mga pinagpapaguran mo (You’re still young… be smart, especially when it comes to the things you’ve worked hard for).”

Pokwang said in the group interview that she is happy to see that today’s young stars know how to give importance to their earnings, and save for the rainy days, as one may put it.

Pokwang was also asked to describe her co-star, who is a beauty queen, comedienne, social media influencer and host, and her answer was, “What you see is what you get.” With that, Herlene is true to herself.

In an interview with “Kapuso Insider,” on the other hand, Pokwang said that she and Herlene are “super excited about the project,” even describing her co-star as Pokwang Jr.

“Nakikita ko yung kakulitan ko sa kanya nung mga 10 years ago (I see my own playful side in her, just like how I was 10 years ago).”

As for what viewers can look forward to the unfolding story of “Binibining Marikit,” Pokwang had this to say: “Ito yung iiyak ka, biglang tatawa ka. Yung may bawi, may ganun (It’s the kind of show that makes you cry and suddenly laugh. You know, there’s always a twist).”

“Super-duper kilig, and a touch of drama na storya po ng mag-ina at mag-ama (There’s really romantic thrill and touch of drama that tells the story about the relationship of a mother and child, and a father and child),” said the Sparkle GMA artist in the media chat.

Follow the story of Pokwang’s Mayumi in “Binibining Marikit” from Mondays to Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.on GMA Prime.