In the Philippines, a fervent fan culture envelops love teams, with fans passionately endorsing the on-screen and off-screen pairings of their cherished actors.
However, while love teams enjoy tremendous fan support and marketability, they also pose a challenge for actors looking to venture into individual projects and seeking personal and professional growth.
ABS-CBN actor Daniel Padilla expresses his contentment as he and his reel-turned-real partner, Kathryn Bernardo, overcome this challenge, entering a phase where they can now pursue their individual projects.
"We have to, siyempre, we have to grow, di ba?" he said in an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Electric Garden in Bonifacio Global City.
The interview was held at the launch of his perfume collection in collaboration with leading lifestyle brand BENCH/.
He continued, "Kasi we've been together for 11 years... working together for 11 years.
"And now, ito nakakagawa na kami ng [sariling projects].
"Maganda rin yung individuality... na growth, di ba? Para sa atin, as actors, at sa trabaho din namin. Actually, sa ating lahat, e, di ba, may ganun."
Daniel is particularly proud of Kathryn's recent achievement—her film A Very Good Girl, co-starring Dolly de Leon, has surpassed the PHP100 million mark at the box office, solidifying its status as the top-grossing Filipino movie of 2023.
Daniel said, "Ganun yung ginawa ni Kathryn ngayon di ba, siya lang ngayon mag-isa [without a love team] and now, look... And sarap din [ng feeling na yun] for yourself...
"At saka lalo na, ilang taon na ako, I'm 28 years old, siya she's 27, she's turning 28.
"Pagdating ng 30, mag-iiba na ulit yung timpla e. So gawin na natin lahat yung puwede natin gawin bago pa tayo mag-move sa next level."
Read: 'A Very Good Girl' lumampas na sa PHP100M; 'Five Breakups And A Romance' kumita rin kaya?
DANIEL PADILLA: UPCOMING MOVIE
But does Daniel miss working on teleseryes?
"Ah... no, hindi, joke lang!" he playfully responded.
On a serious note, Daniel mentioned that he feels more excited and motivated when he's already working on such projects.
In his words, "Hindi naman, hindi naman kasi mami-miss...
"Kasi minsan, hindi mo mami-miss, pero pag ginawa niyo na at ang ganda pala nung istorya, dun mo nami-miss, dun ka lalo na-e-excite, [or] paano ka ginaganahan."
For now, he is excited to work on upcoming movie projects.
He explained, "Ngayon lang, mas na-miss ko gumawa ng pelikula kasi kakatapos ko lang ng 2 Good. So, pelikula muna at yun ang nami-miss ko talaga."
Read: Daniel Padilla credits success of 2 Good 2 Be True to "beautiful cast, directors na walang pahinga"
Daniel is currently occupied with his movie comeback project, Nang Mapagod si Kamatayan, where he takes the lead alongside Zanjoe Marudo.
This film is a Star Cinema production directed by Dan Villegas and written by National Artist Ricky Lee.
Daniel said, "Now, reading the script for the upcoming movie namin na Nang Mapagod si Kamatayan.
"So, magsu-shoot na kami maybe after two weeks. Maglu-look test na rin kami. So very excited."
When asked about the movie's specifics, including his character, Daniel remained tight-lipped to avoid giving any spoilers.
However, he did mention that the film is an epic exploration of life.
He said, "The story itself, kasi, it's about life. It's an epic film about life.
"Parang, kailan ka huling nakapanood ng pelikulang tungkol sa buhay lang natin na hindi tungkol sa pag-ibig masyado?
"It's generally about life, the meaning of life, the meaning of death, di ba?
"Ano ba yung rason ng mga bagay na ito sa pelikula, medyo complex."
READ MORE:
- Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Melai Cantiveros to attend Asia Artist Awards 2023
- Daniel Padilla co-stars with John Arcilla, Zanjoe Marudo, Kathryn Bernardo in upcoming films
- Kathryn Bernardo-Daniel Padilla breakup rumors, fake news
- Daniel Padilla on maintaining "magic" of his love team with Kathryn Bernardo: "Iba na yung ibig sabihin ng kilig."