Filmmaker Roman Perez Jr. is taking a different creative direction with the launch of ‘Itanong Natin Kay Doc Larry’, a new online health advocacy series that combines entertainment and medical education to make reliable health information more accessible to Filipino audiences.
The program was formally introduced during a pocket press conference held at Max’s Restaurant in Quezon City, attended by family medicine specialist Larry Sembrano, cast members Divine Villareal, Tabs Sumulong, and Enki Gray, along with Perez.
Produced by Pelikula Indiopendent, the series departs from the conventional health-show format by using sitcom-style storytelling and relatable community-based narratives to discuss common medical concerns affecting Filipinos.
Perez said the concept was born from a desire to make health education more engaging for the public.
“There was a time I met Direk Roman over coffee,” recalled Dr. Sembrano. “Nasabi niya na wala na ‘yong ‘Salamat Dok,’ na dati talagang tumatak sa medical community. Sabi ko, ‘Paano kaya kung gumawa tayo ng something like that?’”
Roman elaborated on the idea, saying, “Gusto sana niya magkaroon ng programa sa YouTube at social media. I suggested, bakit hindi narrative—situational comedy or situational drama—na may health advocacy? Para makuha natin ang masa. Hindi lang siya ‘yong usual na payo-payo online. Ang dami nang gumagawa noon.”
According to Perez, the show’s narrative format helps hold viewers’ attention better than traditional medical discussions.
“Gusto kasi namin ma-reach ang masa. Kapag ganung format kasi, people tend to swipe up on their phones or just gloss over the presentation,” he explained.
The director added that releasing the program through digital platforms allows viewers, including overseas Filipino workers, to watch episodes at their convenience.
“Aside sa mahal, ang binibigay kasi sa aming time slot kung mag-mainstream kami ay masyadong maaga. Gusto namin ma-target maging mga OFWs na puwede nilang mababalikan ang mga episodes sa oras na convenient sa kanila,” Perez said.
At the center of the series is Dr. Sembrano, who serves as both host and medical authority. He shared that the topics featured in the program are based on actual community health concerns and the most common cases encountered in hospitals and barangays.
“So, ngayon tag-ulan, madami ang nagkaka-leptospirosis so yun ang i-tackle sa isang episode,” he said.
“Yung mga kabataan ngayon, mahilig mag-alaga ng aso o pusa, so rabies naman ang i-tackle sa isang episode.”
The show’s first season tackles a range of health issues, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, animal bites, dengue, and leptospirosis.
“Base ito sa data at hospital records, kung ano ang pinaka-common sa community, lalo na sa barangays. Kung ano ang madalas itanong ng tao, iyon ang tina-tackle namin. Sigurado kaming relevant ito sa audience,” Perez explained.
The pilot episode, titled ‘Bagong Pag-asa’, focuses on a dengue outbreak in Barangay Ina ng Biyaya. The story follows Doc Larry as he works with residents to address the health crisis while earning the community’s trust and fostering unity among its members.
Villareal portrays Nurse Gracia, while Sumulong plays the captain of Barangay Ina ng Biyaya.
Perez described the project as a hybrid between a short film and a public service program.
“Para kang nanonood ng short film,” he said, noting that the series incorporates cinematic visuals, music, and storytelling techniques more commonly seen in feature films.
The first season premiered on digital platforms on June 13, with new episodes streaming via Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Episode 2 is scheduled to stream on June 21 at 9 a.m.
Looking ahead, the production team is also planning an accompanying podcast that will feature medical professionals discussing the health topics presented in each episode.
“Depende sa magiging takbo, sana makakuha kami ng sponsors para magtuloy-tuloy. We’re also planning a podcast to support the narrative, featuring our medical staff,” Dr. Sembrano said.
