How does Jerome Ponce find his new leading lady?
VIVA TV is in full swing with producing new love teams to watch for via “The University Series,” an umbrella series based on the books by Gwy Saludes.
In “The Rain In Espana,” which aired earlier this year, VIVA introduced the tandem of Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo. The love team, called MarVen, was a success as they earned their own fandom, with each episode of “TRIE” trending every week.
For the second book of The University Series, which is titled “Safe Skies Archer,” VIVA is introducing a new love team with Krissha Viaje and Jerome Ponce.
Their love team was formally introduced through a recent media conference for the cast reveal of the series.
Krissha and Jerome will respectively play the roles of Yanna and Hiro, who were both well-loved by the readers of “The University Series.”
During the mediacon of the series, FreebieMNL asked Jerome and Krissha how they are preparing for their partnership.
According to Krissha, VIVA continuously gives them workshops that allow them to get to know each other better
She admits, “Hindi pa po kami ganun katagal magkakilala, hindi pa po kami talaga nagka-work.
“Kahit pareho po kami before na nag-ABS-CBN, hindi po talaga kami nagtatagpo ng landas. Ngayon, bini-build po namin yung connection namin and also through workshops, hopefully, magkaroon po kami ng mas magandang chemistry and maisapuso po namin yung character ni Yanna and Hiro.”
Jerome’s new leading lady
Jerome, who has worked with several leading ladies before Krissha, sees the benefit of these workshops to be able to get to know Krissha better.
He says, “Honestly, grinab ko yung opportunity to have the workshops para mas maging close sa kanya, makilala siya, kasi we will run this for like a month or two or three.
“So, siya makakasama ko doon mostly and first of all, para magkaroon ka ng isang magandang character to character relationship, umpisahan mo muna sa off-cam relationship. So, yun yung pinaka-preparation.”
How does he find Krissha so far?
Jerome answers, “She’s so nice. Kinakabahan ako kasi napaka… parang binibigay niya lahat, parang ako na yung tatanggap.
“When it comes to work, kailangan magbigayan kayo. Very vocal naman ako dito and sinabi ko sa lahat na noong screen test pa lang or chemistry test, parang sabi ko lang, ‘Bakit kinabahan ako? Ang laki laki kong tao, kinabahan ako.’
“Kasi pinapagpag niya lahat, kailangan ako na yung pupulot ng pupulot. Dapat strong yung personality ko.
“So, I think this is gonna be a good partnership and how we will work this chemistry out.”
New series, new director
“The Rain In Espana” was first directed by Ted Boborol, who is known for his kilig flicks “Vince, Kath, and James” and “Finally Found Someone.”
For “Safe Skies Archer,” Gino Santos is taking over the directorial duties. His most recent work was the teen-oriented digital series “Teen Clash.”
Direk Gino is excited to work on the project as he has heard a lot of good words about the cast from Direk Ted.
Direk Gino relates, “It’s funny because I was with Direk Ted recently after his reality series, nandun ako sa after-party. I talked to him; ‘Direk, I don’t know if you’ve heard. I am taking over the second book.’
“He was so excited and he was very supportive. Sabi ko nga, because of the success of ‘The Rain In Espana,’ [this is] pressuring for me.
“But sabi nga sa akin ni Direk, ‘You’re gonna have fun with the cast. They are so talented, kalog sila.’
“So, Direk Ted said many good words for this cast, and sabi ko, I’m gonna enjoy and I’m super excited but also nervous. I won’t let Direk Ted down because he’s part of this.”
Direk Gino also spilled that there are big plans for the second installment of “The University Series,” especially since “Safe Skies Archer” will involve a lot of locations.
“Big plans for ‘The University Series,’ I’m just honored and blessed to be doing the second book. That pressure right there makes us wanna do more and take it better so we’re very excited.
“I plan to make it more cinematic kasi for the readers, alam niyo naman na maraming locations ito. So, maraming cinematic scenes na makikita natin with the location. So I’m excited.”
When asked about the locations, Direk Gino only answers, “Let’s konichiwa na lang!”
The series primer for “Safe Skies Archer” is available for streaming on Viva One. Tapings have already commenced but VIVA is yet to announce its airing date.
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