How a teleserye made Chari Bagatsing laugh again

There is a teleserye that has attracted a new, unexpected breed of watchers. They’re the type of ladies who normally watch CNN news, talk shows and features on food, fashion, art and home design. Down to earth they are, but they are so engrossed in their careers or minding their homes that it would be difficult to make them stay glued to the TV set around lunchtime when they should be running off to a ladies’ lunch or attending to family business.

When Please Be Careful With My Heart began airing two years ago, it became the most important TV show for these ladies.

I met with such ladies over brunch (the show airs 11:45 a.m. and they wouldn't want to miss it). The show touched their hearts and opened their minds to things they probably took for granted. But let me not get ahead of my story. It is actually a story on healing.

My story began two years ago when I saw a dear friend, Chari Bagatsing, one of Manila’s lovely women, at a place we both love to visit — the boutique of Criselda Lontok at Rustan's Makati. Having known her to be a smiling and energetic lady, always busy with her advocacies as wife to Manila Congressman Amado Bagatsing, I was surprised to see her looking frail,weak and despondent. She had  been diagnosed with colon cancer and was undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. She was not the Chari that I knew since the ‘80s. I felt like crying when I saw her but I did not want to show her my sadness.

Then one day I got a text from Chari: “Would you like to meet me in church and hear Friday Mass with me?" Of course I would. Chari was a pious friend who was my link to heaven.Whenever I was down, she would send me prayer booklets. She was a pillar of strength, a beacon of compassion. Lunches with her and other mutual friends — among them Criselda Lontok, and our former STAR Lifestyle columnists Mary Prieto and Josie Lichauco — were always filled with lively conversations on life, love, family, politics and society goings-on. Chari and I have been friends for more than 25 years.

When I saw her in church, she was still looking frail, weak and despondent. We would meet in church more often and sometimes I would come in late, and I would just stay at a back pew and watch her from afar. I would invite her for lunch, but she said she could never eat a proper lunch due to her ailment.

One Friday, I got scared. Chari had texted me a day before, but she was not there. I braced myself for bad news. Then she called. "Would you like to have brunch with me and some friends?"  Of course I would.

What I saw shocked me: There she was, the smiling, lovely Chari, looking so radiant with lipstick and a pink glow on her cheeks, smartly dressed in a Criselda Lontok outfit. After two years, I was looking at the old, lovely Chari that I knew!

What happened, I asked her? “A cousin of mine told me to watch the TV show, Please Be Careful With My Heart  because it was entertaining,” Chari explained.

Before she knew it, Chari was charmed by the show. Her cousin provided her with DVDs of PBCWMH and Chari watched the whole series. The show made her happy. But happiest of all was her husband Amado, who said: “You’re back!”

Chari soon discovered that she was not alone. Her friends and even her own daughter had become fans of PBCWMH.

“I have never watched any Tagalog teleserye before,” Chari said.“The series has made me look at things in a more positive manner. It has changed me in the sense that I now laugh more easily and heartily. My husband and children have not seen me laugh for such a long time. I have found reason to laugh again.”

Chari likes the character of Ser Chief (played by Richard Yap).“I like the fact that he is not a womanizer. He has much respect for women and he is a no-nonsense person. He is a conservative, kind, generous and loving person. He is a good husband, father, son and employer. Richard must have studied in a good primary school in real life as his foundation. His diction is very good, this role suits him. His manners are impeccable. I do not know Richard personally, but judging from TV interviews, he is a kind man. Protective of his family’s privacy as much as he can be, Richard seems like a caring husband and father. And I must say that behind every good man is a better woman -- his wife Melody in real life.

“Another character I like in the series is Maya (so ably portrayed by Jodi Santamaria) and we learn many lessons through her role." Chari said she also likes Abby (Mutya Orquia),the little girl who had selective mutism when her mother died. “Mutya played the role so well, she should win an award.”

What are her favorite dialogues in the series?

“When Maya says ‘Bawal ang nega, nakaka block ng blessings.’ I also like it when Ser Chief says ‘silly’ or ‘nonsense’ and ‘straight to the point' and 'time management.’

“When Ser Chief and Maya are about to get married, Ser Chief tells Maya: 'I will make you a very happy woman.’ When they come from the marriage seminar and Maya airs her fears that her fiancé may someday stray, Ser Chief assures her: ‘Kahit bumitaw ka and you leave me, I will hunt you down till I find you and I will make you fall in love with me again.’”

When Ser Chief tells his 18-year-old son, Luke, whose girlfriend broke off with him, "Take your time, son, other people will come into your life at magpapasaya sa iyo ulit and make you fall in love again.”

Chari laughed: “I am actually a sucker for romance.” And a lover of romantic music. “I like the songs on Richard’s CD especially Say Nothing at All, Salamat and the Chinese version of Oh Babe. His style of singing and his voice are like that of Michael Buble. I also like his duet with Jodi Santamaria for the excellent theme song Be Careful With My Heart composed by Joe Mari Chan.”

Chari explained, “I can relate to episodes in the series since I was a flight stewardess during my younger years. During our time, we were screened by a junior panel and a senior panel composed of vice presidents of the airline. It was like passing through the eye of a needle, believe me, and applicants had ice-cold hands during the final interview. Training to be a flight attendant was like going to a finishing school. We were taught to walk, talk, anticipate people’s needs, practice good hygiene, dress appropriately for the occasion, wear proper makeup, be punctual,master first aid, swimming and proper table manners and settings. I also noticed how Maya transforms into a lady in the series.When she gets in the car, she does so in the very graceful manner that flight stewardesses were taught and trained. Many years ago, Chona Kasten and Conchitina Bernardo were the instructors on manners and etiquette as well as public relations.”

Chari said she cannot think of any other actress who could do the role of Maya better than Jodi Santamaria. “I like the character of Maya. She confronts her fears and makes a commitment to do everything to achieve her dream of finishing her studies, work as a flight stewardess and help her family.When faced with criticism and negativism, she wins over people who throw tomatoes at her with love, kindness and forgiveness. Her role stresses the need to apologize when one makes mistakes.”

Chari said she also likes the Kapit Bisig motto of this series.“It promotes the idea of helping and being supportive of each other,whether family or friends. I find this teleserye very wholesome and I would like to congratulate the scriptwriters and directors of the show. This teleserye promotes tourism, shows the beauty of Baguio and Mindoro. It also values the Filipino custom of mano po and the harana . It also shows us the tradition of celebrating the Christmas season with simbang gabi, bibingka and puto bumbong.”

The acting of kasambahay Doris (Rita Carlos) and vivacious Sabel (Vivieka Rabanes) and driver Joma (Micah Munoz) with their banter and comic wisecracks, adds spice to the teleserye. Gloria Sevilla as the mayordoma Fe is a gem.

Rafi (Maricar Reyes), best friend to Ser Chief, portrays her role very well.

Pinky Amador does a laudable role as cabin attendant instructor. “She is actually a very talented actress; I have seen Pinky onstage in different roles in Repertory Philippines. I have heard Pinky sing French songs as a guest singer in Resorts World Hotel run by its very able and amiable president Kingson Sian. My husband Amado’s very good friend Jun Urbano acts as one of the sponsors in the fairy tale wedding of Ser Chief and Maya. As the teleserye progresses, the story becomes better and better.”

If you could meet Richard Yap what would you tell him? “I would tell Richard that since there are so many men and women who look up to him, he carries a lot of responsibility in terms of having good relationships with his wife and children. I hope and pray that in real life, he continues to be that kind of person  —  caring, kind, positive, cheerful and hardworking.”

And if you could meet the scriptwriters what would you tell them?

“I would congratulate the scriptwriters for many beautiful dialogues, witty remarks and for inserting songs in between episodes like Dandansoy, Kaba, Pusong Bato sung on Valentine’s day by Jeff (Tom Rodriguez), Sorry Puede Ba by him and Ser Chief. The music directors also did a wonderful job! Interestingly, I learned a few Chinese words and sentences, like xie xie ( thank you) and  ni hao ma (how are you) pu yon xie (you’re welcome).

“The wedding and honeymoon are very beautiful episodes as well. I must say bravo to ABS- CBN for this very wholesome teleserye. Kapit bisig!”

* * *

Chari’s daughter Cristal Bagatsing, 31, an aspiring chef and partner of Sunshine Kitchen at The Fort, a former youth leader and one of Manila’s Five Loveliest (2004), said she loves PBCWMH because “It made my mom happier. Therefore, it has made my life easier. Happy mom, happy dad, happy life!”

Cristal says she watched less of foreign shows like Two Broke Girls, How I Met Your Mother and Downton Abbey after she started watching PBCWMH.

“PBCWMH is a Filipino romantic-comedy telenovela that is wholesome, funny and light. What I like about it is that it promotes Filipino pride. It shows our culture in a favorable light, and it encourages positivity among our people who are feeling discouraged because of all the negativity painted about our country amid politics and calamities.  It’s a show that cultivates our Filipino traditions that have somehow been forgotten in these modern times. I learn so many things from it by understanding the situations presented in the show.

“The show reminds me to stay positive in life. I also see myself in the show because I can relate to the character of Nikki (Janelle Salvador) because we come from the same wishbone. Even to her maarte character. Her lines like ‘Oh My Gee,’ ‘Whatever with a capital W’ and ‘G-R-R-R!!!’ are really funny.”

* * *

Criselda Lontok,renowned fashion designer of Rustan’s , laughed when I asked her what she’d tell Richard Yap in person. “What will I tell him? That he’s my type? Haha, just kidding! Seriously, he is the type of many women. So I would also advise him to stay strong and remain faithful to his beautiful  wife. But I believe, in real life, he is a model husband.”

Criselda said that she used to follow Fashion TV and Friends, but PBCWMH easily replaced these.  “When I work in the morning, the series is the intermission that allows me to relax and gives me pleasure. I like it because it’s about everyday life. This most heartwarming teleserye has captured viewers from all walks of life. Biggest credit goes to the unimaginable love team of aviation magnate Ser Chief and the kindhearted and beautiful nanny Maya. Ser Chief is an inspiring model of an ideal husband, so loving and thoughtful and patient. If I were to marry again — which is impossible at this time — I would look for someone like him: clean-cut, neat and so refined in his ways. For sure, a husband like him will put me on a pedestal.

 â€œMaya, on the other hand , shows her provincial values by controlling her feelings for Ser Chief most of the time. But finally she won his heart by being so loving and sincere to both his children and parents who at first objected to the possible affair between and employer and his children’s nanny.  Yes , I like Maya for her provincial values and innocence but I thought the honeymoon scene was too provincial and unrealistic.”

Her favorite scene? “When Ser Chief says ’I love you’ and he was embracing his daughter Abby — but he was looking at Maya.

“I love this teleserye because it clearly shows that love begets love — not only among family members but with the domestic staff as well. To the directors and scriptwriters of this phenomenal teleserye, I say congratulations and thank you. You make us all happy.”

* * *

Virginia “Bebot” Laurel, perhaps better known as the mother of designer Rajo Laurel and the pillar of The House of Laurel, said that the best thing about PBCWMH is that it shows through the character of Maya that “even if you come from humble beginnings, you can still achieve a better life through hard work and a positive outlook in life.”

Maya, she added, had all the chances of meeting a man without any baggage like kids from a previous marriage. But then she met a man like Ser Chief who is so loving and generous with his affection, and this led to a life of bliss.

“Ser Chief’s character is so charming, gentle and very appealing.Of course, I also like watching Maya because she is pretty and Jodi portrayed her so well with her natural acting. Nikki and Abby were also portrayed by very good actresses,” said Bebot.

“The part that touched me most is when Maya discovered she was pregnant, since this is the fruit of their love for each other. If I had the chance to meet Ser Chief, I would ask him: Are you for real? If I met the directors and scriptwriters, I would congratulate them for a job well done.There is nothing I would like to change about the series. PBCWMH is really a very wholesome story. I would recommend it to everyone.”

* * *

Carmila O’Manece, a civic worker, is the cousin responsible for introducing PBCWMH to Chari Bagatsing.

“The series is Gone With the Wind meets The Sound of Music,” she declared.

 â€œThe first time I got hold of the PBCWMH DVDs, I didn't sleep for two nights finishing these. I have watched the whole series two times and I never tired of watching again.”

Carmi says “the teleserye has taught me to be more positive, to give joy to others and to have faith in the people you love. I would recommend it to those who seldom laugh — or who have forgotten to laugh.”

Her favorite scenes? “When Ser Chief saw Maya in her little black dress at the prom and he was so stunned and stared at her because he was so awed by her beauty.”

Her favorite line? “When Rafi told Ser Chief: ‘You were in love with Maya but you just didn’t realize it.’”

If Carmi sees Ser Chief, she would ask him: “Are you really that perfect in real life?"

Aside from Ser Chief and Maya, Carmi likes Kute (Aiza Seguerra) “because she is funny.” And she likes the mother of Ser Chief (Marissa Delgado) for her fashion sense. “She dresses according to age. She  wears a lot of Criselda dresses.”

Carmi finds Ser Chief’s personality quite appealing. But Carmi’s husband is not bothered at all. “In fact, when my husband sees articles on Ser Chief in newspapers and magazines, he gives these to me.”

* * *

Celia Peralta-Consing, widow of banker-economist Arturo Consing and the mother of five accomplished children, is so impressed by PBCWMH, the first teleserye she has ever seen. “It has no contrabida and yet it is a good story.”

Celia admires Ser Chief because “he is the epitome of a good and decent man. He is always so tender and I get kilig when he tells Maya that he loves her.”

But Celia goes beyond the kilig factor by relating events in PBCWMH  to the essence of life — her own life.

On Maya’s quest to finish her education and become a stewardess: “No one can take away what you know and knowing how to learn can give you the whole universe. Educating our children gave my late husband and me a course to stay along the challenging, sometimes precarious road of childrearing. I believe our chidren grew up to be successful human beings with a healthy sense of self and their place in the world. Education is a heritage value we inherit from our parents and our children are passing it onto theirs.”

On Maya’s close relationship with her family, and Ser Chief's devotion and love for his children: “A priest once said that poverty is the absence of relationships.You are never really hungry, lonely, or in any way bereft if you are bonded with the people who matter to you most. Like all things, with family, we reap what we sow. We get what we give.”

On Maya's deep-rooted values of simplicity, authenticity, childlike innocence and spontaneity: "I love city life and cannot see myself being rustic anywhere, but memories of my childhood in the province when life was simple and the people authentic always gives me perspective. It is so easy to get lost in the social whirl, to pretend, to accumulate. But after you've bought that Gucci bag, you look at it and remember how chatting with your neighbor across the window grills on a lazy afternoon when you were a girl brought you intensely more joy.”

* * *

After listening to these ladies, I could not help but surrender to the lure of watching some 40 DVDs of PBCWMH lent to me by Chari — with no commercials — for some three weeks of sleepless nights. I wanted to understand  why women are fascinated by Ser Chief  and absolutely do not want this love story to end (I feel that whoever stops this series will be stoned to death). I was recently down with the flu and my hubby — who usually abhors men whom women adore — said I was merely paying the price for getting glued to the TV screen until 6 a.m. daily  just to watch this series and not being careful with my health.

Well, Ser Chief, now I understand why women adore you. They want to recapture those romantic thrills that sometimes become gone with the wind.They want to hear the innocent sound of music filling their hearts once more.In this imperfect world, you are perfection. So, Ser Chief,when you see ladies stopping you for a handshake or a selfie pose with you, please be careful with their hearts. Our hearts.