Today marks the finale of the sexy dramedy series D’ Originals. As Josie, Marge, and Sofia try to save their relationship with their respective spouses, the actors behind the hit GMA Afternoon Prime program share some of the unforgettable moments and lessons learned while doing the show.
Cannes Best Actress (2016) Jaclyn Jose thinks the show was instrumental for her and her co-actors to create a strong bond. “Kasi kami, family na ‘yung treatment with everyone. Sa actors, mayroong nabuong relationship,” she shares, adding that this is what makes this project “memorable”. Jaclyn plays the character of Josie, the domestic diva who seems to have a perfect family with loyal husband Lando (Jestoni Alarcon).
For LJ Reyes, being part of a project that involved director Adolf Alix, Jr. and Jose is a great honor. “Plus, I got to work with a new set of hardworking people that never failed to inspire me,” says Reyes, who plays Marge in the series—the madiskarte housewife who becomes the family’s breadwinner when Caloy (Mark Herras) chooses to sit it out at home while waiting for his dream job.
Kim Domingo says she will treasure every taping day with the cast and crew of D’Originals. “Marami akong mga memorable experience. Una na rito ang makatrabaho ko ‘yung mga batikang artista tulad nina Sir Jestoni (Alarcon) and Ms. Jaclyn. Bilang baguhang artista, napakalaking bagay nito. Bawat taping, marami akong natutunan sa kanila,” she says. Kim is the sexy Zumba instructor Sofia, who thought she is already immune to husband Art’s (Archie Alemania) extra-marital affairs.
In the beginning of the series, viewers saw the three wives who seemed content with their family life: Josie, Marge, and Sofia. Yet, the three found themselves facing the same nightmare every wife dreads of having: being at the receiving end of their husbands’ extra marital affairs.
The ‘original wives’ admit that doing the series for three months has further opened their eyes to the realities of life—relationships are never perfect and one way or another, a person is bound to make mistakes. But at the end of the day, he is given the chance to make the right choices.
Take for example Josie’s case. In the series, Josie’s husband, Lando (Jestoni) used to be the most loyal partner but eventually he had an affair at mid-life. Jaclyn relates, “As Josie, you have to be more giving sa iyong husband. Magpasensya pa para ‘yung family maging intact. [Gawin] kung ano ang pwedeng gawing paraan to get the family closer.”
Doing this, she says, is never easy. “Minsan naiintindihan ko rin naman ‘yung mga housewife na ginagawa na rin nila lahat pero circumstances yung pumapasok pero siguro kung mahal natin ‘yung pamilya [gagawin natin lahat para] mabuo [ito],” she says. She further advises, “Tapusin agad yung problema as soon as possible. Talk to the husband. Confront the husband. Kung ayaw niya, mamili siya. Basta matapos agad yung problema.”
For Reyes’ character Marge, it was not her intention to drive her husband Caloy away from her when she took it upon herself to be the provider of the family. She wanted to help Caloy make both ends meet but somehow her absence made Caloy wanting attention and love and finding it in her sister, Cristina, (Lovely Abella), instead.
“We all have flaws. We are not perfect,” admits LJ. “But I still think it is not enough reason to break a relationship. Two people involved [with each other] should be committed enough to keep it and make it work in spite of those shortcomings,” she says.
Loving and putting yourself first is important, too, says Domingo. “Okay lang na magkamali pero dapat alam din natin na hanggang kelan lang pwedeng magpatawad. Matuto tayong mahalin ang sarili natin [at] huwag tayong magpaloko,” she adds.
But did they find a soft spot for mistresses because of D’ Originals?
Domingo says “Hindi naman ako against sa mistress kasi kanya-kanya tayo ng buhay. Siguro nagkataon lang na ganun ang kinahantungan nila.” But she says being aware of our actions and its consequences can help us avoid having bigger problems in the future. “Lahat naman tayo nagkakamali. Sana lang ma-realize natin sa huli yung pagkakamali natin para wala na rin tayong masaktang ibang tao,” she adds.
As the show comes to an end, viewers are sure to be on the edge of their seats as they witness explosive scenes and exciting confrontations between the original wives and the mistresses.
“Panuorin ninyo ‘yung finale,” says Jose. “Ito ‘yung ‘di natapos ni Manny Pacquiao. Tatapusin ni Josie,” she adds.
The finale of D’ Originals airs 4:15 p.m. today after Legally Blind on GMA Afternoon Prime.