WATCH: Liza Soberano, ‘Bagani’ cast defend Sofia Andres

MANILA, Philippines — In defense of actress Sofia Andres, who recently drew flak on social media for her alleged “bad behavior,” the cast of ABS-CBN’s new fantasy series, where Sofia also stars, attested to the actress' "professionalism."

During the press conference for “Bagani” in ABS-CBN on Thursday afternoon, the cast, most especially Liza Soberano, narrated their experience working with Sofia.

“Ever since naman, nagkawork na kami ni Sofia sa ‘Forevermore,’ so parang anak lang na tinuturuan mo ng tamang ugali. ‘Yun lang. And cooperative naman si Sofia,” one of the show’s directors said.

“‘Pag tiningnan mo s’ya, mahinihin. Pero 'pag nasa taping na, nasa shoot, she does everything. So far, we didn’t use any double for her. And kahit na 'gano kahirap, kahit 'gano kapagod, she never says ‘no’. Very, very professional,” another director enthused.

“Bagani” is directed by Lester Pimentel and Richard Arellano.

'Bagani' directors on Sofia Andres

When Sofia was asked about her working relationship with the cast, she said: “Napakabait po nila. Napakagaan ng dating nilang lahat. Hindi po ako nahirapan sa kanila. Kung baga, para na po kaming pamilya lahat dito. Hindi na po kami nagkaka-ilangan lahat…Yun naman ang importante kapag gumagawa ng isang project.”

Sofia Andres explains her working relationship with 'Bagani' cast

“I think the misconception with Sofia is kasi she’s very shy,” Liza Soberano, one of the stars, said.

“Like even on the set, we all play together, pero s’ya, nahihiya s’ya. Sa corner lang s’ya. At kami, we really want her to play with us kasi I think siguro her upbringing siguro in her house. ‘Di ba you’re the middle child? So usually pag middle child, mas nagbibigay ng attention sa younger or sa older (sibling).”

When Liza’s partner in the soap, Enrique Gil, tried to butt in, Liza immediately quipped: “We have emotions, Quen! You guys, we have emotions! We’re emotional creatures! I just want to say that us females, especially on that time of the month you know…”

It can be recalled that Sofia was recently criticized by bloggers and netizens for appearing uninterested during a press conference for her now defunct soap opera, “Pusong Ligaw.”

The star reportedly kept on fiddling on her phone during the press con and showed boredom while being interviewed, angering some bloggers who since then, have posted about their experience to call the actress’ attention.

Sofia has since apologized for the incident and explained that she only did it because she is dealing with insecurities.

During the “Bagani” press con, Sofia also greeted some of the bloggers who wrote about her and apologized personally. She was then welcomed by the bloggers and they even took pictures with her. All’s well that ends well, so they say. — Videos by Kat Leandicho