Kapuso siblings Ruru and Rere Madrid will star in the new episode of the drama anthology Maynila where the former will portray the character of an aspiring actor and the latter will play as his sister and support system during the pandemic.
But before their taping has begun, the siblings underwent rapid testing for COVID-19.
The siblings can’t contain their excitement because finally, they’ll be working again after the threat of COVID-19 pandemic in the country suspended the operations, tapings, and shootings in the entertainment industry.
To ensure the safety of the crew and actors while taping, GMA Network is diligent in implementing precautionary measures in the set.
In an exclusive interview with Cata Tibayan for “24 Oras,” the siblings shared their experience of taping under “new normal” protocols.
“Usually sa mga taping sobrang dami namin. Ngayon, isang cameraman, one director, tapos isang PA lang, tapos kami lang dalawa. Ganu’n lang kami ka konti and of course, ‘yung dalawang nagtse-check kung tama ba ‘yung ginagawa namin, kung safe ba, ganyan,” said Rere.
With the reduced workforce in compliance with the new normal guidelines, Ruru admitted that they have to help out the staff as well with moving things around the set and wearing of masks to ensure the safety of everyone on the set.
“Iba rin ‘yung pagod to be honest dahil konti lang ‘yung crew, hindi lang staff. Kailangan din naming tumulong.
“For example, simpleng paglilipat lang ng mga gamit. At the same time, kapag hindi kami nagte-take kailangan naka-mask kami para rin naman sa safety,” Ruru stated.
Furthermore, the 22-year-old male star revealed that they’re adjusting to new practices such as having the camera farther away to shoot and the need to improve lenses for better close-up shots.
“Then ‘yung mga shot kailangan medyo malayo talaga ‘yung camera. Kung close up, kailangan talaga gamitan ng magandang lente para maganda ‘yung close up.
“’Yung mga tipong ganu’ng bagay na medyo nakakapanibago,” he mentioned.
Meanwhile, Ruru said that it was easier for him to work with Rere because they are family, but he knows its another story if they will have to act with other artists.
“Kami ang kagandahan, dahil magkapatid kami, magkasama kami, puwede kaming magkaroon ng physical contact. Pero kapag nagkaroon na ng ibang kaeksena, paano na ‘yon ‘di ba? Medyo mahihirapan na.”
On a side note, ABS-CBN Network also ensures the health and safety of its crew and actors while on set.
Kapamilya celebrities like Amy Perez and Lorna Tolentino shared their experiences on what it is like to resume taping amid the threat of COVID-19 pandemic.
In her vlog, Perez, who is one of the hosts of “Umagang Kay Ganda” and “It’s Showtime” shared that artists or hosts have to stay in their respective dressing rooms if they are not needed in the studio.
Further, she added, “May ipapakita akong ilan sa mga kinunan ko noong kami ay naghandang pumasok at bumalik ulit sa ABS-CBN. Ito na ‘yung sabi nila, ‘yung madalas nating naririnig ngayon ‘new normal.’ Iba na ang itsura ng ABS-CBN ngayon. Pagpasok mo may mga susundan kang mga arrow.”
Tolentino, on the other hand, is part of FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano which is among the Kapamilya series that already resumed taping. In a previous interview, the veteran actress revealed that they will continue the production taping at a resort in Batangas under the lock-in taping setup.
“Para kaming nasa ‘Pinoy Big Brother,’ nakakulong sa bahay ni Cardo Dalisay. So dapat all the way sa mga siguradong negative (of COVID-19), ‘di na pwede lumabas,” she said.
Additionally, the action-packed series must also make sure that no more than 50 workers, including the cast, will be working during the shooting.
“Parang kami ang sampol o halimbawa sa balik-taping. Dapat walang mali sa procedures namin. Ang laki ng sakripisyo at sugal namin dito.”
