Veteran director Jerry Sineneng sees a spark in Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay’s on-screen chemistry reminiscent of the iconic 90s love team of Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin.
During the grand press conference for their upcoming Kapuso series ‘Prinsesa ng City Jail’ on January 9, Direk Jerry praised the “AlFia” love team, likening Sofia’s charm to Jolina’s signature bubbly personality and Allen’s determination to Marvin’s early days in the industry.
“Tapos, ‘yung chemistry, parang Marvin-Jolina din. Tapos match na match ‘yung kanilang talento and ‘yong support system. If it’s her (Sofia’s) scene, he’ll give it to her; if it’s his (Allen’s) scene, she’ll give it to him,” the director shared.
Direk Jerry, who directed Jolina and Marvin’s blockbuster films such as ‘Labs Kita… Okey Ka Lang?’ (1998), also lauded the pair’s dramatic and romantic performances.
“Magagaling ang dalawang batang ito. Workshop pa lang namin, na-gauge ko na kung ano ang strength ng isa’t isa,” he added.
‘Prinsesa ng City Jail’ follows the story of a girl (played by Sofia) born inside a prison after being separated from her mother. Raised by the prison warden (played by Keempee de Leon), she grows up navigating life under unusual circumstances.
The series boasts a stellar cast that includes Will Ashley, Radson Flores, Pauline Mendoza, Ayen Munji-Laurel, Beauty Gonzalez, Denise Laurel, and Dominic Ochoa.
The press conference took an exciting turn when Allen confessed his real-life admiration for Sofia, saying, “Parang hindi na po kailangang tanungin ‘yon. Siyempre po, 100%, siya lang talaga.” When asked if they are officially in a relationship, Allen responded, “Hindi pa po, pero alam niyang gusto ko siya!”
Sofia, visibly flattered, laughed at the crowd’s cheers, saying, “Pero siyempre po, nakakakilig! Alam niyo po yung ang sarap sa puso na…wow! Ha-hahaha! Easy lang. Ha-hahaha! Putok na putok ang kilig ko ngayon. Pero siyempre, masaya at ang sarap sa pakiramdam sa puso na may taong nandiyan para makinig sa sa iyo, para suportahan ka. Na kapag napapagod ka, nandiyan siya para iabot ang watter ko, pakainin ako. Minsan kasi pasaway ako, na kapag tuloy-tuloy ang work, hindi ako kumakain, at nagagalit siya sa akin. Thankful ako na sobrang genuine ang care niya, pati kay mommy.”
When asked how long she plans to make Allen wait for her “yes,” Sofia replied, “Depende po sa parents ko.”
Allen, however, remains patient. “Ako po, willing talaga (maghintay). Anytime na sabihin sa akin na puwede na, willing po ako,” he said.
Catch Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay in ‘Prinsesa ng City Jail’, airing Monday to Friday at 4:15 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime, starting January 13.