Cast members of NET25’s ‘Good Will’ share importance of comedy in real life

With fun set, lovely actors, exciting episodes — that’s how the cast of ‘Good Will’ describe their weekly sitcom which will premiere this Sunday on NET25.

During the press conference of ‘Good Will’ in Illo’s Home Buffet this January 19, David Chua, Raymond Bagatsing, Devon Seron, Kat Galang, and Smokey Manaloto had their own stake in doing this project.

Tatak Pelikula asked how important comedy is for them and how they manage to keep themselves happy despite the restrictions of the pandemic.

David Chua, one of the show’s creative producers, who also takes on the lead role as Lloyd Patawad, had this as his answer:

He paraphrased Charlie Chaplin: “Ang buhay ay parang tragedy yan, but after a while, magiging comedy…”

The original quote was “Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot.”

David noted that it’s best to laugh off your problems instead of dwelling on its misery.

“Yun yung sinasabi nila na pagtawanan mo na lang ang problema, kasi maiksi lang naman ang buhay natin. Ba’t mo pa didibdibin yung problema? The more na mas masaya, the more na mas hahaba ang buhay, the more na mas masaya tayong lahat.”

Raymond Bagatsing, known for his dramatic and oftentimes villainous roles, digs in for this first foray into a sitcom.

“I think, in real life at saka sa pelikula, it’s important to have comedy. It’s important to have humor,” he remarked. “I may be known as a serious actor, but I’m not that serious talaga behind the scenes. And I’m very happy to be part of this comedy [program]. We’re a family. Ang gagaling po nila at nadadala nila ako…”

Devon Seron, who’s making her TV comeback, shared how she makes herself happy during these trying times.

“For me, lalo na [ngayong] pandemic, I think naghahanap talaga ako ng ways to make myself happy, kasi di ba madami nang nangyayari? Lugmok na tayo… we have depression, anxiety, and talagang siguro yung way ko na para mapasaya ko ang sarili ko, I watch shows na talagang mapapatawa ka like FRIENDS. Sobrang nag-lift sa akin yon. 

She added, “You need to learn how to make yourself happy, like genuinely happy. Di ba dapat magsisimula talaga yon sa sarili mo? No matter what, alam naman natin na kahit ano pang bigat yung nararamdaman natin, darating din at darating yung panahon na gagaan at matatapos din yon.”

According to veteran comedian Smokey Manaloto, a grasp on trends is key.

“Kailangan lagi mong pinag-aaralan ang trend sa pagpapatawa bukod sa na-establish mo nang image as an actor or as an comedian. Kasi ang daming mga lumalabas na bagong komedyante or mga bagong artist. 

“…Ngayon, magbukas ka na lang ng internet, yon na rin ang trend e: Nagpapatawa yung mga tao sa internet, kaya nagkakaroon din sila ng maraming views. So kailangan panoorin mo rin, review-hin mo sila para kahit papaano hindi sa para kopyahin mo sila, kundi para matuto ka rin na ‘A, pwede pala gan’tong atake minsan.’ 

Smokey also believes that one has to evolve as an actor or as a comedian “para hindi ka lang nakapako na yon lang ang kaya mong gawin, yon lang ang style mo ng pagpapatawa.”

Otherwise, one would be left out by time itself. “Hindi ka na magkakaroon ng proyekto… ang pinakamasakit do’n, hindi na matatawa sa ‘yo ang tao.”

For Kat Galang: “What’s weird is hindi po talaga ako mahilig manood ng comedy… Hindi ko trip! Kunwari, magba-browse ako sa mga streaming platform, hindi comedy yung hinahanap ko. Mahilig ako sa crime series or films. Pero hindi ko talaga alam kung bakit comedy palagi yung nabibigay sa ‘kin. Siguro personal siyang nagre-reflect… Personality ko na siya talaga. So baka nakikita lang nila na ‘it’s natural for you to say these words…’ This is what I’m doing, this is my job so I love comedy!”

Also in the cast are model-turned-actress Marina Benipayo in a special role, Ryan Rems and James Caraan.

Produced by ALV Productions, Viktory 8 Media and Dark Carnival Productions, ‘Good Will’ is directed by Ian Loreños, with story concept/creative producers David Chua, Joma Labayen and Ian Loreños, headwriter Joma Labayen, and writers Don Santella, Kiko Abrillo, Aica Ganhinhin, and Motec Migallen. Original music by Edil Luyon.

Catch ‘Good Will’ starting this Sunday at 4PM, right before ‘Korina Interviews,’ only on NET25.