Director John “Sweet” Lapus revealed on Thursday, May 5, that the tandem of Jamir Zabarte and Zonia Mejia was the obvious choice to be part of the upcoming Kapuso sitcom Jose & Maria’s Bonggang Villa.
Apparently, GMA Network recommended four love teams, but after seeing Zabarte and Mejia, Lapus and his team all agreed that they would be giving them the part.
“Magaling itong dalawang bata. We were given four loveteams to choose from, from GMA Artist Center. Tapos sila talaga yung pina-first reading.
“Tapos after namin mag-reading, sinabi namin lahat, ‘Okay na kami. Sila na.’ Hindi na namin pinag-read yung ibang naka-line up. Ganoon kahusay itong dalawang batang ito,” shared Lapus on the press conference of the show.
He added, “Eh yung reading, kahit via Zoom lang, mararamdaman mo eh.”
The young love team was very grateful to be given the opportunity to work alongside Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera.
“Ibang level ‘di ba? And ayun, super grateful lang po talaga ako personally na nandito po ako sa show na ito. Dahil nga nagsisimula pa lang din akong ipakilala ang sarili ko.
“Gusto ko pong gawin ang best ko sa lahat ng mga shows, na mga projects na binibigay sa’kin. Very thankful ako na kasama po ako dito,” expressed Mejia.
Zabarte could not even express how happy he was to be working not only with his on-screen partner but also with his idols.
“Unang-una, masaya talaga ako na si Zonia ang nakakasama ko sa journey. Kasi parehas kami sa stance sa family, parehas kami ng pinaglalaban sa buhay, parehas kami ng mga plano, parehas po kami kung saan kami nanggaling.
“Masaya po kasi parehas kaming naggu-grow sa kung ano yung mga bagay na gusto naming gawin. Masaya din ako na makakasama ko ang mga idol ko, idol ko po sila talaga eh.”
The young actor also thanked Lapus for the wonderful opportunity.
Jose & Maria’s Bonggang Villa will premiere on Saturday, May 14, at 7:15 p.m.
