The cast of the popular Kapuso sitcom Pepito Manaloto admitted that they felt jealous and saddened not to be part of its prequel Unang Kwento.
Present in the virtual media press conference of its new season, Tuloy Ang Kwento, were Ronnie Henares, Jon Feir, Chariz Solomon, Janna Dominguez, Jen Rosendahl, Mosang, Art Solinap, Manilyn Reyes, and Jake Vargas.
It can be recalled that in 2021, GMA Network decided to share the beginnings of Pepito Manaloto. Sef Cadayona played as the young Pepito while Mikee Quintos was the younger version of Elsa dela Cruz-Manaloto.
Henares said he was jealous that he could not play his character Tomas “Tommy” Diones in season two.
“Unang-una, ‘yung pinapanuod ko ang Unang Kwento, ang unang feeling ko ay feeling nang inggit. Parang inggit na inggit ako na, ‘Dapat ako nasa set eh!’ ‘Dapat kami pa iyan eh!'”
He also felt insecure knowing the possibility that the younger versions of the characters were more appealing to the audience.
However, the seasoned actor admitted that it was nice that the show’s producers and writers were able to cook up something like Unang Kwento.
“Actually, quite frankly, they did a very very good job. I thought they were great. Good casting,” lauded Henares.
Feir, who plays Patricio “Patrick” Generoso, on the other hand, loved seeing Kokoy de Santos as the young Patrick. He was also impressed that viewers could witness the characters’ background stories.
“Malaki din pong kinatutuwa ko dito, ‘yung gumanap po na Patrick eh napaka-gwapo. Kaya tuwang-tuwa ako talaga.
“At siyempre, natutuwa rin po ako sa tinakbo ng istorya. Maganda rin po ang pagkakatahi, ‘yung papunta dito sa Tuloy ang Kwento. Kaya well deserved po ang Unang Kwento.”
Solomon pointed out that season two gave Cadeyona and the other cast a big break they needed.
“Natuwa ako sobra para kina Sef. Kasi it’s a big break for Sef having to portray the character of Pepito Manaloto. Siyempre para kay Mikee because they’re good friends of mine.
“Si Kokoy din, sobrang nag-pave ng way sa kanya for more opportunities ‘yung Pepito Manoloto, iyong pagganap niya bilang Patrick.”
She was also impressed with the creative team to see how well-constructed the Unang Kwento and the third season, Tuloy Ang Kuwento.
Mosang, the housemaid named Bettina “Baby” Reyes, was glad that GMA Network made a prequel to let viewers, new and old, catch up to the story of Pepito Manaloto. It also made the transition to the new season “seamless.”
“So noong ginawa nila ang past life nina Elsa at Pepito, ngayon, mas malinaw na rin sa mga manunuod. Malinaw na rin sa akin. Kasi akala ko iba’t-ibang kwento noon. Kaya nagtatanong rin ako noon. Malaking bagay ‘yon.
“Naging mas magaan at mas madali ang transition ng pagbabalik ng Tuloy Ang Kwento.”
Some of them even cried.
Dominguez and Rosendahl, who plays Maria Bagtikan-Cruz and Roberta “Berta” Santos, were devastated after receiving the news that Pepito Manaloto would be replaced. However, they understood that viewers deserve more context from the show’s characters.
“‘Yon, sabi namin na mas magandang bigyan nga ng foundation ang mga viewers kasi deserve nila iyon,” explained Dominguez.
“It’s something for the fans to still look forward to,” added Rosendahl.
Solinap also had to go through stages before accepting that the first season had ended. He admitted to crying but was able to realize that there was a reason why Unang Kwento was launched.
“Tapos nakita ko nga na there’s always a reason. Mawawala kami pero at least hindi siya pinilit. Kasi actually, ‘yung fillup na iyon, napaganda lalo ang Pepito. Binuhay nila, nag-start sila sa umpisa. So parang hindi talaga kami nawala. So very happy ako sa outcome.”
Vargas, who plays Luisito “Chito” dela Cruz Manaloto, also cried after Pepito Manaloto took a break, admitting he missed his co-actors and the set. During his spare time, the actor watched all the episodes of the sitcom’s first season.
He also congratulated the cast of season two, saying, “Congrats po sa gumanap ng Pepito Unang K’wento.”
In the meantime, Reyes, who was still included in season two along with Michael V., also agreed that the show needed to have a prequel.
“Dahil mas nalaman at nakilala ng mga tao, ng ating televiewers ‘yung characters,” she explained. “So ngayon, kung dalhin man natin sila sa Tuloy ang Kwento, hindi po sila maliligaw. Kasi may background na po sila ng bawat isa eh.”
The new season of Pepito Manaloto will begin airing on June 11, at 6:15 p.m., only on GMA Network.
