From `Goin’ Bulilit’ to `Luv U’

Former “Goin’ Bulilit” stars Miles Ocampo, Kiray Celis, CJ Navato, Igi Boy Flores and Alfred Labatos are no longer kids but tween stars. So it’s but apt that they play teenage students in ABS-CBN’s new comedy show “Luv U.”

Miles, Kiray, CJ, Igi Boy and Alfred – “Goin’ Bulilit” alumni all – are excited to do the youth-oriented show  since they’re also acting their age.

“Proud ako na pag sinasabi nila na 'Pag galing sa ‘Goin’ Bulilit,' magaling yan.’ Forever kong pagmamalaki yan na galing ako ng “Goin’ Bulilit.' So, masaya po ako na marunong na talaga akong umarte ngayon,” Kiray said at the press conference of “Luv U” at the  ABS-CBN compound on Friday, February 10.

Igi Boy, who is paired with Kiray on “Luv U,”  echoed Kira’s statement and shared that their training in “Goin’ Bulilit” honed their acting skills and shaped their values.

“Na-realize ko rin na pag galing ka sa “Goin’ Bulilit,” mas nahasa ka pa sa komedya kasi marami kayong ginagawa. Tini-train pa kami lagi,” Igi Boy said.

Fond memories

“Goin’ Buliit” clips shown at the press conference made Igi Boy and Kiray joke about their appearances in the said show. 

“Na-bad trip ako sa itsura ko. Mukha talaga akong daga noon. Hindi ko talaga alam kung maipaliawanag kung paano ako nakasali sa “Goin’ Bulilit” sa ganoong itsura,” Kiray said in jest.

Alfred said his roles in Goin’ Bulilit” and “Luv U” are the same—that of a bully.

“Ever since, ang roles ko, bully or tatay. So, dito, bully ako ulit. Medyo tumanda na ako, pero ang roles ko ganun pa rin. Okay naman po yun, basta may character, nakakatuwa,” Alfred relates.

Miles, on the other hand, said that she will always cherish her co-stars and  the staff of “Goin’ Bulilit.”

“Pag graduation (when the stars reach a certain age), naiiyak po kami hindi dahil sa mawawalan po kami ng show, pero dahil po sa bonding na nabuo sa show na iyon. Masaya po kami talaga kasi buo ulit kami,” Miles reveals.
Inspiration

Most of the girls admire Bea Alonzo, while they boys idolize John Lloyd Cruz, Jericho Rosales, Piolo Pascual and Coco Martin.

“Si Coco Martin po kasi kahit anong genre ng shows nya, action or drama, ang galing nya,” CJ explained.

Kiray would  love to work with Maricel Soriano someday. “Pangarap ko po na masampal ni Ms. Maricel Soriano. Napapanuod ko movies nya dati. Parang ganoon rin po mga roles ko, maingay, makulit. Medyo pa-comedy rin po sya, pero pagdating sa pag-arte, magaling talaga,” she says.

Newbies

“Luv U” introduces Marco Gumabao, Vanjo Cuenca and former “Home Along da Airport” child actress Angeli Gonzales.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Direk Bobot (Mortiz) na kahit hindi ako galing sa “Goin’ Bulilit,” napasama ako sa show na ito. Iba po mag-train ang ABS-CB sa comedy,” Angeli said.

Marco is an Ateneo high school student and the son of actor Dennis Roldan.

“Ang hinahangaan ko pong actor is Sam Milby. Natural po ang acting nya and mabait sya,” Marco revealed.

“Luv U” is Vanjo’s first showbiz project. The newbie actor said he asks pieces of advice from his young co-actors.

“Sa simula, kinakabahan ako. But as we go on, naging comfortable ako and I gained confidence. At first I didn’t know how to keep up with them, pero naging close rin kami ng casts and I ask for advice,” Vanjo said about working with the “Goin’ Bulilit” alumni.

“Luv U” tells the fun story of the high school students from Lamberto Uy Villarama University. It also stars Smokey Manaloto, Joy Viado, Bangs Garcia, Bentong and Kai Cortez. “Goin’ Bulilit” director Bobot Mortiz helms the show.

“Luv U”premieres on February 19 (Sunday), after “ASAP Rocks” on ABS-CBN.