In every generation, the Philippine entertainment industry launches series that feature young adult celebrities as they try to navigate life through a series of challenges. One example of a youth-oriented series is Gimik, which had several variations throughout the years, from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.
Seeing as there’s a new generation taking over society, ABS-CBN developed the latest youth-oriented series Tara, G!, to reflect the personality and mindset of today’s youth.
Kapamilya stars Anthony Jennings, Daniela Stranner, Kaori Oinuma, JC Alcantara, Vivoree Esclito, CJ Salonga, and Zach Castañeda complete the newest teen barkada series.
They are members of Team WISE (Walang Iwanan Sa Ere), dedicated to bringing back the pride and glory of the simple town of La Guerta by cultivating coffee, which they sell as beans and wine. With such a lofty goal, their characters will face challenges that will test their friendship.
Yet, for viewers to understand what their barkada means, it’s relevant for them to know what true friendship means for the actors who play the characters.
For instance, Anthony, who plays Rocky, the leader of Team WISE, shared he can only offer so much to his friends. “Hindi natin pwedeng ubusin ang sarili natin sa ibang tao din. I think mas maganda na steady pa din tayo,” he said during the media conference for Tara, G! last September 23, Friday.
He explains that this keeps people from abusing his kindness. However, Anthony believes anyone can tell who a true friend is and not just someone who’s faking a friendship to benefit from someone else.
On the other hand, CJ and Kaori liken the meaning of true friendship to the bond Team WISE has—they’ll be there for each other during the ups and downs of their lives. But when it comes to supporting a friend, Kaori will help them as long as they need her, but she won’t tolerate them if they’re doing something wrong. Instead, she’ll talk to her friends properly to let them know what she thinks is wrong.
“Naaayos yung friendship, for me, sa mabuting usapan. Naaayos ng mabuting usapan ang pagkakaroon ng problema,” Kaori said.
CJ plays Smith, the barkada’s resident genius. Meanwhile, Kaori plays Legs, the Princess of La Guerta, and Team WISE’s voice of reason.
Vivoree shares a similar take on true friendship—the only difference is that she believes friends don’t need to do something consistently to remain friends. True friends, for her, stay even during the boring parts of their lives. She plays Jengjeng, the group’s baby girl, a sweet kikay with big dreams.
Lastly, Zach deeply relates to his character, Will, Team WISE’s funny, go-to guy.
“Will is an outspoken person, and he would [literally] take the bullet for his friends. To be a good or true friend is to protect them with everything you have,” he said.
Although there were some differences in their responses, the cast behind Team WISE knows what a true friend is, and they’re ready to give them their all.
Tara, G! premieres tomorrow, October 7, exclusively on iWantTFC.