ABS-CBN’s “May Bukas Pa”, aside from becoming the Philippines ’ latest tv show craze has also become an avenue for bonding among top caliber artists who had been working weekly since 18 January 2009 . I am of course referring to the artists who are playing the roles of the 12 monastery priests. Working together for long hours on the set provides the chance to know each other better and gives the opportunity to become closer as friends. Personally, I am so lucky to become part of this new group of artists because of the priceless chance to build new friendships.
Even before “May Bukas Pa”, the artist whom I had the chance to work the longest and the most number of projects is MR. LITO PIMENTEL. Lito and I first worked together in the long-running tv show which top-billed Robin Padilla and Judy Ann Santos “Basta’t Kasama Kita”. I played the role of the Medico-legal while Lito played the role of a ranking agent of the elite force named the EAGLES. In Basta’t Kasama Kita, we also had a group of artists working regularly as agents of the Eagles.
We worked again briefly in the tv series “Gulong ng Palad” where I played the Chief of Police while Lito played the leader of an illegal syndicate dealing in gun smuggling.
“May Bukas Pa ” is our third project to be working together. This time however, we are working for more longer hours and more frequently. In between takes, the 12 artists playing the roles of priests share light moments together inside our airconditioned tent. Lito is always the initiator of jokes. He is one person who has funny elements that is so infectious. He loves to play jokes.
One time, I was not among those who were scheduled to have taping. He texted me asking where I was. When I told him that I was at the office, we asked if I was not coming to the set. I told him I was not coming because I did not have a call slip. He texted back that I should follow to the set because I have long lines in the script! You see, since we started the taping for this show, I had very limited dialogue and Lito always make fun of me that I do not have long lines in this latest project. Lately however, I told him that me having few lines had worked to my advantage because more viewers took cognizance of me as the priest who does not talk!
Lito is a very sincere friend. One time, we had a long waiting period and the air conditioned tent was taken to the location outside of the church compound. It would be very difficult to get a good rest in the church because of the mosquitoes and it humid. He led us the guest room of the parish which he had earlier discovered. We slept in the parish guest room while waiting for the unit to be back for our scenes!
He confided to us that he is now very active in sports – biking. He is also attending regular church service in Christian congregation. Indeed, the Lito Pimentel today is the reinvented Lito Pimentel – wholesome and friendly. He is Father Ringgo in May Bukas Pa.
