Ang Diary ng Dakilang Fan: A Promise Fulfilled

Hinding-hindi ko malilimutan ang “Pangako Sa ‘Yo” among sa mga projects na nagawa ko sa ABS-CBN. That was my first as a promo person. Dito ko natutukan ng husto ang KathNiel. And it changed me as a person.

When I got this job, I promised myself I will do good. "Pangako Sa 'Yo" ito. Everyday, I was tasked to do the online promo of the serye. From the daily hashtags, to the artcards, to the uploading of video plugs, the experience of doing PSY really challenged me as a person. The thought lang na part ka ng remake of one of the most iconic series in history, and was touted as the biggest TV series of 2015… Nakalulunod. In fact, at some points, I really had to check myself kung kaya ko talaga.

In fairness, na-deliver ko naman ang mga kailangan sa trabaho. I didn’t go to sleep without a hashtag finalized and posted. I wake up early to send the artcards and post the plugs on social media accounts. I was at my most hardworking. But, it did get to me emotionally. Ang naging downside was, ako yung taga-tanggap ng rants ng ilang tao sa social media. Even if hindi ako part ng creative team, others still thought na isa pa rin ako sa nagsusulat ng serye, thus lahat ng frustrations, at kahit mga bad words, nakukuha ko na. Umiiyak na lang sometimes, mag-isa. Minsan, sumasagot. Patola. Dumating na sa point na, na-manhid na ako. I didn’t know where they were coming. Gusto kong intindihin bilang fan din naman ako. I was really trying. At alam kong naramdaman ng KathNiels ‘yun.

But I was more than happy sa outcome. Sa 9 months na nasa ere ang PSY, consistent na nasa 30s at 40s ang ratings. Laging no. 1 trending, good or bad man ang sinasabi sa mga posts. At yung mga ginawa naming on ground events for the show, sobrang dinumog at sinuportahan talaga. Pinaka-hindi ko malilimutan were yung finale mall shows. 4 na malls yung jampacked talaga, hindi mahulugang karayom literal. Level na may isang hindi namin muntik ituloy dahil nahihimatay na ang mga tao at baka may masira pang structure ng mall. The serye was a hit – a major one. KathNiel’s magic remained steady and solid, kahit na mangilan-ngilang loveteam din ang nag-hit along the way. Ito yung pinanghawakan ko, namin.

Taken after Daniel surprised Kathryn
on the set of PSY's new chapter

Being part of PSY promo team allowed me to work more closely with Kathryn and Daniel. Mas dumalas ang pagdalaw ko sa set. Pati sa mga events nila outside the show, nag-cover ako. Dito ko nakita yung pagma-mature nila not only as actors, but as people. Comparing on how they were nung “Princess and I” and “Got To Believe”, mas intense at seryoso na sila on cam – nakitaan na namin sila na ready na sila mag-move on sa mas dramatic at complex roles. Naalala niyo yung eksena nila sa beach, when Angelo confronted Yna? Napapa-“OMG” at “shet” na lang ako while watching. At yung kilos at the way na mag-isip at magsalita sila, ibang-iba na e. Nahihinog na sila then as individuals, transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. Si Kath, dalagang-dalaga na kumilos. Si Daniel naman, mas naging kalmado, patient at relaxed.

Of course, bilang respeto, I can’t speak much of what I see on KathNiel off cam. Pero sweet talaga sila. Yung hindi pretentious o pilit. Na kung pwede lang sa screen makita, tiyak tumbling ang fans. Iisipin mo, sila na talaga. PSY, I believe, ang nagpatibay ng kanilang on-cam and off-cam relationship, na sabi nga sa GGV kagabi, aaminin nila in time.

Until now, thankful ako sa experience of being part of PSY. It was a roller coaster ride, yes. Pero ‘di ba sa end ng ride, you’d feel really happy and fulfilled kahit nakahihilo at feeling mo mamamatay ka na, kasi nagawa mo at nalampasan mo. Hindi lang KathNiel ang nag-mature at natuto sa show… Ako rin. I know in my heart I fulfilled that promise to myself - Bitbit ko lahat ng mga natutunan ko at mga alaala hanggang ngayon as I type this, and wherever God leads me next.