Better the third time around

MANILA, Philippines - Regine Velasquez, hands down, is local tinseltown’s Meg Ryan given the singer’s string of feel-good, box-office flicks (Dahil May Isang Ikaw, Ikaw Lamang, Hanggang Ngayon, Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw, Pangako Ikaw Lang). The movie genre’s comic and romantic side is what Regine brings to the fore when GMA 7’s Totoy Bato hits the small screen starting Feb. 23 on GMA Telebabad. It is Regine and Robin Padilla’s third team-up after Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw and Till I Met You.

Regine is the much-needed break from Robin’s desperate blow-by-blow response to life’s punches in the story.

“I think I’m funny,” says Regine of the comedienne in her. “I am funny when I’m not trying to be. He (Ogie Alcasid) has been an influence (when it comes to making people laugh). Now, I know how to handle it and to tap that funny side of me.”

“My character Anna will give the comic relief and kilig moments to the dramatic, action-filled Totoy Bato although she has dramatic scenes, too.”

Anna is a far cry from Regine’s last TV foray Ako Si Kim Sam Soon but the character is close to home. Anna is a childhood friend of Totoy Bato and dreams of pursuing a career in singing and recording. In spite of her big-shot stature, Anna still has a soft spot for Totoy.

Totoy Bato is Regine and Robin’s first TV project together after their top-raters Ako Si Kim Sam Soon and Joaquin Bordado, respectively. Their onscreen chemistry was first seen on the light romance Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw.

“It’s a gift,” describes Regine of her and Robin’s teamup. “Be it a mature or lovey-dovey scene, we click and deliver. We don’t need to talk about it. We just subject ourselves to the scene. I’m comfortable working with him. He is a gentleman and I know he will never take advantage of me.”

Regine says Totoy Bato has its own challenges even if she has been in the business for years. She will have a four-day-a-week shooting schedule on top of her weekly hosting job on S.O.P. Regine will do advance tapings whenever she has live performances here and abroad. For the duration of Totoy Bato, it will all work and no play for Regine.

“The real challenge for us is how to hook the televiewers,” says Regine. “And to sustain that interest. That’s why we work hard each day.”

The hard work of Team Totoy Bato was captured in the images shot by lensman Jun de Leon for the drama-action series’ photo exhibit. They showed how Robin internalized his third-class boxer role by undergoing high-altitude training, Muay Thai sessions and climbing Mt. Pulag in Benguet. 

Regine shed some weight and took a boxing class in preparation for her future hard-hitting sequences with Robin.

It was like Chinese New Year when GMA 7 unveiled the Totoy Bato billboard replete with fireworks display. Komiks King and Totoy Bato creator Carlo J. Caparas along with his family graced the event. Network executives Wilma Galvante and Annette Gozon-Abrogar were also present to show support.

The launch wouldn’t be complete without the traditional cast presentation. Sports analyst and announcer Ed Pecson playing Michael Buffer introduced the members of the cast. Robin’s daughter Queenie treated everyone to a song-and-dance number with the Power Dance. Capping the affair was Regine singing the theme Ako’y Sayo with Robin in the makeshift boxing ring.