Luv U: Lessons in young love

MANILA, Philippines - Just like other boys and girls their age, the Luv U barkada of Miles Ocampo, Kiray Celis, Igi Boy Flores, CJ Navato, Rhap Salazar and Alfred Labatos giggle and guffaw with abandon as they exchange comedic punches and belly-aching anecdotes. Each has a story to tell and no one feels bored or sleepy while waiting for their turn to go on stage during the Pamaskong Pasasalamat ng Bida Kapamilya two Saturdays ago at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

Even off-cam, Kiray’s seemingly endless repartee with her onscreen “partner and enemy” Igi Boy never fails to elicit laughter, and without the latter getting pissed off.

“There’s no dull moment when we’re together. Kulitan, tawanan lang,” says Miles. “And it’s nice to work even for long hours knowing you get along well with your co-stars. Our closeness counts a lot.”

ABS-CBN tapped Miles, together with the rest of the young cast, to star in Luv U, a show that caters to tween televiewers. Most of them are graduates of the kiddie gag show Goin’ Bulilit. Thus, it is interesting to see them bloom in roles that need not require much preparation as they themselves are now teenagers who enjoy the high school life — school work, friends, gimik and, uh, young love.

But this is not to say that Luv U is just a mere display of what teen years are all about. It also aims to show in each episode lessons in good values in and outside the home. It also illustrates how teenagers can enjoy young life and love without breaking the rules.

“Every episode, we leave a lesson or two that young viewers can apply in everyday life like when you fall in love, you should not keep it a secret to your family para kung anuman ang mangyari, alam nila at makakapag-advise  rin sila.”

In fact, the show appeals to televiewers as it consistently enjoys the high ratings. According to Miles, their followers often post their tweets after each episode. “Madalas sinasabi nila na nakaka-relate daw sila kaya nakakatuwa naman.” Luv U also recently bagged the Best Youth-Oriented Show in the recently-held PMPC Star Awards for TV.

“We are now in our fourth season (of airing),” exclaims Miles. “And we are happy to announce that Season 5 is also in the offing.”

“The new season is something to watch out for as some changes will soon happen,” Kiray reveals. “Will our cat-dog fight finally end? Uhm, you just have to wait for the succeeding episodes for what’s gonna happen next.”

“For sure, we will be going to the next level because right now (in the show), we are all third year high schoolers so it will certainly be different in the new season,” Igi Boy says.

What will remain intact, CJ adds, is their friendship. They, too, will never allow competition among themselves. “We work as a team here so definitely walang sapawan na pwedeng mangyari.”

“Each of our character is essential to the show, like my role,” Rhap shares. “I am a bully here and the role adds spice to the story but it doesn’t mean that the televiewers will see nothing good in Max (his role). I, myself, also get to learn from my character at meron na di dapat tularan.”

And Alfred reminds that Luv U will continue to give something worthy and of interest to the viewers. “If it’s possible, I want the show to touch on issues that need to be addressed like bullying so the young ones out there could see its harmful effects.”

Do the soon-to-be-changes have something to do with the new teen show in the rival network? Miles replies that they focus mostly on how the show will serve as an inspiration to the young audience.

“Ay walang ganun,” tells Kiray, who happens to be the bestfriend of Gianna Revilla, one of the lead stars in the rival show. “We’re both excited pa nga at nagkatapat pa ‘yung show namin but it won’t definitely affect our friendship. We even wish each other good luck.”

The thanksgiving event was also graced by Kapamilya stars, among them were Bugoy Cariño, Jodi Sta. Maria, Richard Yap, Kim Chiu, Kean Cipriano, Pokwang, Piolo Pascual and The X-Factor Philippines finalists.