Sex education, cancel culture tackled head on in ‘Viral Scandal’

CEBU, Philippines — When yet another viral scandal hits the online sphere, netizens are nimble to swipe, comment, share, lynch and cancel. The news cycle then churns out another tale of disgrace and the mob moves on to its next fixation.

But for the subjects of such unsavory photos or videos, the nightmare is far from over.

This premise and more real world issues are what ABS-CBN Entertainment’s newest series “Viral Scandal” aim to shed light on, hoping that in the process, viewers realize that there are real feelings, real people with suffering families behind the unfortunate subjects of these scandals. That what is entertainment for some is a major crisis for others, which more often than not result to a lifetime of trauma, or worse, the taking of a life.

“People who get involved in viral scandals don’t have it easy so the least we can do is be nice to them and not to be too quick with our opinions,” said “Viral Scandal” lead star Charlie Dizon, speaking thru Zoom during a conference with regional media.

“I hope that’s one of the things viewers take away from the show. Be more cautious in using social media and other online platforms, as well as in spreading viral photos, videos and news.”

Charlie, who won Best Actress for “Fan Girl” in last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, takes on the role of Rica, an aspiring architect caught in a viral video. How Rica and her mom Kakay, played by Dimples Romana, will deal with the scandal is the subject of the series.

Kakay is an OFW in Dubai while her husband Dan (Miko Raval) works as a furniture maker. By working abroad, she hopes to provide a better future for her family. She thinks her sacrifices have been paying off now that her eldest Rica is on the verge of finishing her apprenticeship in an architectural firm and is about to take the board.

Their nightmare begins when Rica gets involved in a video that goes viral. As soon as Kakay learns about the scandal, she sacrifices her job promotion and comes home to face the judgment and censure of those around them.

Aside from her family, Rica will also get support from her trusted friend and protector, Kyle, played by Joshua Garcia. Even after the viral video, she tries to continue her life by applying in Balai Arkitektura, where Kyle is the acting CEO. Here, she will try to regain the confidence she lost from the viral video.

Joshua, in just his second turn playing a rich English-speaking guy, emerged from the lockdown more introverted than ever and so had to adjust anew on set. He didn’t get the chance to fully study the first time he played a well-off guy, but this time he made sure to embody the part well by researching about architects, among other processes.

“I watched a lot of [videos] them and I noticed they speak very passionately,” said Joshua, who is among the stars not active on social media, explaining that he is aware how wild that space can be.

Charlie – who describes her role as liberal-minded, outspoken, and the epitome of a modern woman – is also not the type to vocalize her every waking thought online. If faced – heaven forbid – with a viral scandal in real life, the 25-year-old actress said that depending on the severity of the situation, she will choose to address the issue immediately especially if truth is on her side.

After last week’s pilot drawing positive reviews from viewers for educating and raising their awareness of relevant and sensitive issues like women empowerment, cancel culture, the sacrifices of OFWs, and sex education, Charlie could only breathe a sigh of relief.

“I’m glad that viewers are more open-minded and they found it brave how we immediately tackled sex education,” said Charlie, whose dinner table scene where she nonchalantly tosses a condom to her younger brother was a point of conversation among audiences.

Miko Raval, in his most emotion-driven role thus far, shared how he his feed was swarmed with glowing comments about how his character was written, especially how his father role realistically interacts with his family.

For Dimples, more than a viral scandal, it is more interesting and quite timely to talk about the after-effects not only to the person in the middle of it all, but to the people around her as well.

“Sinong apektado, sinong nasisiyahan, who benefits, who is hurt, and how long really are the effects felt?” she asked aloud. “Because normally for us we just swipe up, we share, we comment, and then after that, it’s over for us who are not involved. In ‘Viral Scandal’ we actually dig deep and show how it is like to be in a family that is tackling this issue. We show both sides: sa mga taong nagbibigay ng opinion at sa mga tao ng sumasalo ng panghuhusga.”

Jake Cuenca, playing here a mayor and the real father of Rica, shared how actors often desire to be cast in provocative projects but offered in a mainstream platform. Usually the topics in “Viral Scandal” are found in indie films or those shown on iWant, so Jake expressed gratitude to be part of a series offering non-mainstream content but can be viewed by the general public.

While he lauded everyone in the ensemble cast, he made special mention of the daughter of Janice de Belen and John Estrada. “You also need to watch out for Kaila Estrada. This is her first project but sobrang husay. Napabilib niya talaga ako sa mga eksena,” said Jake.

The actor, who’s had his share of viral incidents, said he’s not one to be hasty with his judgment when others are thrown in the middle of lurid news.

“We need to hear two sides of the story, so I personally am not quick to cancel people. I’m always waiting for the other side. Like what is portrayed on the show, we don’t know what the other person on the other side of the screen is going through. Our comments might not cause physical damage to them, but emotionally they are getting hurt,” Jake said.

With cancel culture a prevailing plot point in “Viral Scandal”, the cast was asked why they think it is not yet as strong in the Philippines, unlike say, Korea, where misbehavior is quickly punished by pulling out a star from projects and their lucrative endorsements.

Charlie offered, “Filipinos are more forgiving and compassionate that’s why cancel culture is not as strong. At some point magagalit tayo but iintindihin pa rin natin ang nangyayari.”

As for Dimples, she believes Filipinos still operate on the golden rule of not doing unto others what you don’t like done unto you.

“Because we also tend to make mistakes, we extend the same courtesy to other people,” she said. “Oftentimes we are quick to judge people we don’t know. So if we only take the time to be more interested in a good way in other people’s lives I think we will be more compassionate.”

For “Viral Scandal” creative manager Ara Jell Badayos, she hopes viewers will take these away from their show: “To think before they click, to not so easily judge people and the issues they read online, and to retain their humanity and kindness even if it’s easier not to be because of the anonymity that social media offers.”

Director Froy Allan Leonardo, who helms the series along with director Dado Lumibao, added that the series will likewise show the origins of viral scandals, long before the existence of social media.

“Chismis, bulong-bulungan, mga sabi-sabi. Doon nag-ugat yan eh. Naging hi-tech lang,” Direk Froy pointed out.

“Viral Scandal” airs weeknights at 9:20 pm on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, Jeepney TV iWantTFC, WeTV iflix.

Also in the cast are Jameson Blake, Markus Patterson, Ria Atayde, Maxene Magalona, Aljon Mendoza, Karina Bautista, Louise Abuel, Kaila Estrada, Vance Larena, Gian Magdangal, Arielle Roces, and Aya Fernandez.