A modern-day Juan Tamad in new comedy series

CEBU, Philippines - It’s Juan Tamad like no one has seen before, brought to life by GMA News and Public Affairs in its newest pre-primetime Sunday offering featuring the comically talented Sef Cadayona in his first lead role.

Beginning tomorrow, viewers get to enjoy a good laugh about Juan and his daily (mis)adventures brought about by his natural unwillingness to accomplish the simplest of tasks. Juan is still waiting from under the guava tree for its fruits to fall but the series is taking a fresh perspective in re-introducing the lazy boy—from Juan’s antics in order to get away from household duties, homework, and later on, his work responsibilities, shedding light on the reason as to why Juan is a slacker—or is he really?

To give the audience an idea, Sef describes his role Juan. “Term lang talaga ‘yung tamad eh, pero meron siyang malaking puso. ‘Yun ‘yung gusto niyang ipakita—family values, comedy, love interest, at saka helping the community.”

Yes, Juan does have a love interest who happens to be his exact opposite. She is Marie Guiguinto aka Mariang Masipag played by Max Collins—a bright, diligent, and gorgeous lass who is Juan’s neighbor and ultimate crush. The extent Juan is willing to go through to win the heart of Marie is surely an interesting watch.

Here, Juan goes beyond everyone’s expectations where he unexpectedly finds himself in the middle of big, breaking news stories like emerging as a Youtube sensation, popularizing a gaming app, exposing a pyramiding scam, becoming a key witness in a Senate investigation and even meeting the Pope!

On top of the series’ romantic comedy angle is an amusing conflict courtesy of Juan and Marie’s quarrelling families. The ensemble of “Juan Tamad” also stars veteran actor Roi Vinzon and Marissa Sanchez as Juan’s parents and Melanie Marquez and Gene Padilla as Marie’s. They constantly fight over a guava tree that stands between their properties.

More than the laugh trip it offers, “Juan Tamad” aims to impart an important message to viewers especially to the younger generation.

“I think our main goal is to inform people of what’s happening and to just take it lightly. Ang lalaki naman talaga ng problema dito sa Pilipinas, pero ang kailangan natin is hindi maging negative. Kasi si Juan Tamad, tamad nga pero lagi siyang on a positive note. So ‘yun ‘yung I guess  kailangang lagi naming ipakita—na there’s always brighter things ahead,” says Sef.

“Gusto rin naming ipakita sa mga bata ngayon na tamad man si Juan Tamad, hindi niya nakakalimutan na importante sa kanya ang education,” he stresses.

“Juan Tamad” is headwritten by Carlos Palanca Hall of Famer Rody Vera and Rak of Aegis playwright Liza Magtoto. It is directed by veteran comedian Soxie Topacio. Get ready to meet the much-loved Pinoy character as the Juan Tamad of today cracks his way to viewers’ hearts this Sunday, August 23, at 4:45 p.m. (PR)