At a media conference on October 20 with GMA Regional TV, Return to Paradise male lead star Derrick Monasterio expressed how their show will deliver something unique and new to their regional audience.
Monasterio said their show offers a fresh take from the usual setting and loveteam. He added that he enjoys the company of his co-star Elle Villanueva who adds to the dynamics of the story.
“Unique story, ‘yung setting namin sa beach – medyo iba na ‘yun. New Loveteam… New story at – ‘yung samahan namin ng mga artists, ‘yun ‘yung magpapagaan ng mga expressions d’on sa show namin,” Monasterio shared.
He added that the cast have gone a long way since its pilot episode. He felt glad about the success of being able to influence people’s emotion through the show.
“Maganda naman ‘yung start ng show namin in fairness, pero ngayon … angganda na, angganda na ng takbo kasi hooked na ‘yung mga tao.”
Monasterio shared that fans have been messaging him about being emotionally affected by their episodes.
He said that the fans’ reception alone is what he considers the ‘success’ of the show.
The said series, Monasterio and Villanueva have steamy scenes.
Monasterio said in a virtual conference on July 28 that a romantic relationship between him and Villanueva can be advantageous for their performance.
The actor admitted, “Actually, maganda ang relationship namin ngayon, maganda kung asan kami ngayon. I like it. Nakakatulong siya at nakaka-benefit siya sa aming dalawa as actors. Kasi kaya naming ma-channel ang mga nararamdaman namin towards each other sa scene.”
Though with that statement, Monasterio stressed that he and Villanueva are only good friends.
In an October 18 interview, Villanueva said that her relationship with Monasterio was continually evolving and that she was open to the possibilities.
“Go with the flow lang. But then, we’re not closing doors.”
Return to Paradise airs Mondays through Fridays on GMA’s afternoon prime.