A slice of seafarers’ life

MANILA, Philippines — A slice of life is what small-screen narratives present viewers. One of the Baes, GMA 7’s latest Telebabad romantic-comedy, tells the challenges maritime students have to hurdle in becoming seafarers. Along the way, the Rita Daniela-and-Ken Chan starrer gives one a sneak peek into the Philippine maritime industry. In charge of the mise-en-scéne are Michael Christian Cardoz and King Marc Baco.

“One of them is to put across the message that this profession is not simple (or that easy),” answered King when asked about important issues (that concern maritime students and seafarers) the show will tackle in an interview, “and we should acknowledge the sacrifices they make (and take pride in what they do). (The public) should appreciate this kind of profession. (Both maritime students and seafarers) undergo strict, rigid trainings.”

Pinoy seafarers deserve this tribute for they are part of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) that will help the local economy stay afloat and resilient despite the social cost of temporarily living abroad.

One of the Baes, similar to other GMA News and Public Affairs dramas, carries an advocacy that some need to be reminded of.

“First of all, the main character named Grant, a vlogger-environmentalist, advocates (for the protection of) the sea,” shared Michael. “There’s also the (theme on) women empowerment. Those elements are very crucial, they serve as the backbone of the story aside from the fact that it is told in the comedy genre.”

As for King, One of the Baes also directs the attention of viewers to the Philippine maritime industry “for it is declining. Hindi na gaano ka-popular sa ngayon ang pagiging seaman (Becoming a seafarer is no longer that popular among the young these days). That’s why MAAP has tied up with GMA.” MAAP stands for Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific and it knows the power of One of the Baes to promote the industry that has given many Pinoys a better standing in life.

Ken is Grant, while Rita is Jowalyn. Again, both are maritime students. In a previous group interview, Ken said that his character chooses love over a dream career, while Jowalyn prioritizes the latter.

One of the Baes directors King Marc Baco (left) and Michael Christian Cardoz.

What are the challenges of helming a rom-com?
“I did the first three weeks,” replied King, “especially the pilot (week). It was difficult but fun at the same time. We would laugh on the set, pero ‘pag drama, drama (talaga), 80 percent of the time tumatawa kami. What challenged me (in doing this project) was the (execution of) big scene(s), particularly for the pilot, the scenes should be maganda (well-executed), kung paano mo i-vi-visualize ang mga bagay, kung paano (ang mga eksena ay) magiging convincing, given the limitations that we (had).”

“This is my first rom-com series,” said Michael, “Before, we (did) episodes in Wagas and Karelasyon with rom-com feels. Mas mahaba lang talaga yung format nito. Sa mga artista naman, malaking bagay na karamihan ay veteran na lalo pagdating sa comedy. Malaking bagay kasi napapagaan yung trabaho. (Working with the actors is easy because most of them are veteran in comedy.)”

Given the romance in the comedy series, the perennial screen partners Rita and Ken are perfect for the roles.

“Surprisingly, kapag may mga eksena na kailangan magpakilig, hindi mo na sila kailangang turuan kasi alam na alam nilang gawin yun (In romantic scenes, there’s no need to guide them. They know how to deliver),” said Michael of directing RitKen. “Minsan ang mga salita sa script kapag nahihirapan akong i-imagine, pinaniniwalaan ko ang chemistry ng dalawa kasi once they deliver the lines and kapag nandoon na sila sa screen, talagang grabe ang chemistry nilang dalawa (When I couldn’t visualize the words from the script, I just relied on their chemistry. Then, it worked). Nagiging effective lahat ng nakasulat sa script. Hindi mo kailangang turuan magpakilig kasi sobrang comfortable nila sa isa’t-isa, nagiging fluid at saka parang natural na natural ang emosyon.”

Rita and Ken’s onscreen chemistry undeniably works and creates wonderful moments.

“Nakakagulat kasi nagka-heart-to-heart talk ako sa dalawa,” said King. “Sobrang close nila, alam nila ang pinagdadaanan ng isa’t-isa (I had a heart-to-heart talk with them and I found that they’re very close, they know what each goes through). That explains their (chemistry). Makikita mo na hindi (ito) pilit. There was no hint na pilit ang pag-arte kasi sobrang close nila. Nakakakilig sila even in raw videos, without (background) music.”

Joining RitKen in One of the Baes are Roderick Paulate, Amy Austria, Tonton Gutierrez, Jestoni Alarcon, Melanie Marquez, Edgar Allan Guzman, Maureen Larrazabal, Rodjun Cruz, Archie Alemania, Joyce Ching, Buboy Villar, Kenneth Medrano and James Teng.

(One of the Baes premieres tonight and airs thereafter weeknights.)