Jean returns to being ‘bad’ as she partners with Christopher
CHRISTOPHER De Leon and Jean Garcia are partners in crime in GMA Public Affairs’ exciting action-adventure series, “Lolong”. Christopher plays Gov. Armando Banzon and Jean is his wife Donna. They are both corrupt and hungry for power, so they become the foremost adversaries of Ruru Madrid as Lolong, along with their villainous son Paul Salas.
“Mahirap ‘yung pinagdaanan namin kasi 40 days kaming on lock in taping sa Quezon Province,” says Boyet. “There are times, maiinip ka but I get my inspiration from all of the cast members and our directors who are all so hard working. Walang pa-star dito, walang pasaway. We’re like a family na nagtutulungan during our lock in taping. Na-enjoy ko rin na magkasama kami rito sa bubble taping ng aking eldest son, si Ian. Nakapag-bonding kami while working.”
How is it working with Ruru as the lead actor? “Si Ruru, masarap katrabaho. He is so committed, always in character, very disciplined siya at makikita ‘yun sa work niya. You can see na mahal niya ang ginagawa niya. Lahat ng kasama namin dito, committed sa work nila and I get my energy from them. Lahat nagtutulungan kapag may nahihirapan sa eksena.”
As for Jean Garcia, she loves being reunited with Boyet de Leon in “Lolong”.
“Ilang beses na kaming nagkasama on TV sa ‘Kambal Karibal’, ‘Ilumina’, ‘Once Again’ and even sa movies like ‘Mano Po 3’ and ‘The Escort’,” she says. “And always, it’s nice to work with one of the best actors in the industry. Dito sa ‘Lolong’, mag-asawa kami and it’s really nice doing scenes with him. Bale 40 days kaming magkasama sa lock in and we all enjoyed the company ng lahat ng mga nakasama namin.”
Jean adds that it’s not only their co-stars but also all GMA staff and crew in the show who did well in their lock in taping.
“Very professional and responsible silang lahat. I’m truly so proud of this group. 100 percent ang commitment nila sa project kahit inabot kami ng maraming aberya. I’m very proud na kasama ako rito sa show na ito. We became one community sa lock in taping namin at naging very special ito for everyone. There were times na gusto mong maiyak sa lungkot but we all try to be there for each other. Kaya nagkaiyakan kami nung maghihiwalay na kami nang tapos na ang taping, kasi we became really close with each other.”
Jean returns to a villain role in “Lolong” after playing the good mom of Alden Richards in “The Gift” two years ago. “Yes, ‘yung mga nakaka-miss sa pagiging maldita ko, I’m back here full blast.
Through the years, talagang mas nagmamarka sa viewers ang pagiging kontrabida ko since I did Madame Claudia in ‘Pangako Sa’Yo”. My role here in ‘Lolong’ as Donna Banzon is kabubuwisitan talaga ng tao kasi guguluhin talaga niya ang buhay ng ibang characters. Masyado siyang pasosyal, maingay, over the top, super pakialamera, so abangan nyo siya when ‘Lolong’ starts airing on July 4.”
