Jeric and Anjo are a dynamic duo in superhero series

Jeric Gonzales and Anjo Damiles are perfect fit to play superhero characters like Captain Barbell. However, in their latest starrer, Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko presents Captain Barbie, they don’t literally get to wear the superhero cape. It’s Barbie Forteza who has the privilege to do so, as Captain Barbie, for a good cause. But there’s a twist to it.

Like Captain Barbie, Jeric and Anjo’s characters Bruce and Andrew, respectively, can also thwart crimes and arrest criminals by relying on their physical and mental strengths. The police officers have the potential to become a dynamic duo or a force to reckon with.

As actors, Jeric and Anjo are always ready to get on board in a series for children that contributes to the development of the latter’s sense of valor and heroism.

“I was very excited, and the fact that it was a fantaserye,” said Jeric, who was recently seen in the drama series Magkaagaw and rom-com Heartful Cafe, of starring in the month-long Captain Barbie episode in a virtual media call. “Ang sarap sa feeling na ma-inspire mo yung mga bata (It feels good that you get to inspire kids to do good deeds).”

Aside from that, doing Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko allowed Jeric and Anjo to revisit their childhood memories and the innocence that came with it.

“While I was doing it, I felt excited and happy,” said Anjo, who was part of the primetime series First Yaya. “Ang saya, parang nabubuhay yung bata sa loob ko (It brought out the child in me).” What also thrills Anjo is to be considered a superhero or hero by young viewers, as his character will become part of their childhood heroic image, he said.

“Kapag nakita ka nila, tatawagin ka nila na hero nila (When they see you on TV or meet you face-to-face, children will call you by your character’s name),” added Jeric.

Anjo couldn’t help but agree with his co-actor that recognition from children is a music to any actor’s ears and makes the former’s heart full, “nakakataba ng puso.”

Beyond the action and the element of surprise that the series offers to children, Anjo said that Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko presents Captain Barbie inculcates good values in them. “I want (children) to help others, like their superheroes, when they grow up,” said he.

Just a quick description of their characters. According to Jeric, his Bruce is kind, helpful and hard working. “Pero may kahinaan siya, mahina ang loob niya (He lacks the confidence to perform his job). That’s where the story begins. He will meet someone, and it will change his life as a policeman.”

Anjo added that Andrew and Bruce are partners at work, “Magkasama (sila), lalo na kapag may krimen at may taong kailangang hulihin (They are a tandem in dealing with crimes and arresting law breakers),” said he. “They are always together. Andrew boosts Bruce’s morale. As a best friend and partner of Bruce, kailangan mong i-angat ang kaibigan mo (he needs to be there to support him).”

The Captain Barbie episode is Jeric’s fourth appearance in Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, while it’s Anjo’s second. Jeric also played a frog prince and a vampire before. Anjo, on the other hand, was part of an episode that starred Miguel Tanfelix. Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko was among Anjo’s early assignments when he became a Kapuso talent in 2019.

Although GMA Artist Center knows what’s in the pipeline for these heartthrobs, Jeric and Anjo shared what projects they hoped to do after Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko.

“My dream project is an action-drama,” said Jeric. “Sana magkaroon ako nang ganung project. But I trust GMA on what (assignments) it will give me. (The management) knows what suits me and what’s best for me.” He also added that having a “solo piece” is also on his wish list and wanted to do a biography work. “It’s an honor to play a famous personality, who has made (a significant) contribution to the world,” shared Jeric.

Since Anjo enjoyed acting in Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko presents Captain Barbie, he wished for a book two. “I have lots of ideas about how my character will be and what will happen to him,” said he. “But it’s up to our writers (to where Andrew’s story will head to), who are our superheroes now. Sana maisulat na nila yung book two.”

Asked about their love life in the time of the pandemic, Jeric said, “Ako hahanapin pa. I’m very happy, I’m single and happy. I still have many goals in life (to fulfill). For now, I will focus on them and my family. Kung meron mang darating, ba’t naman hindi.”

“I’m contented with what I have right now,” shared Anjo, for his part, “What is (being) offered in front of me and what has been given to me, I humbly accept it, love it and cherish it even more.”

For now, let’s watch Jeric and Anjo play Bruce and Andrew as they “heed the call” to be children’s lovable dynamic duo.

(Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko presents Captain Barbie airs Sundays after 24 Oras Weekend.)