MANILA, Philippines — Her forte is drama, while his is comedy. Although they are poles apart, acting genre-wise, Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez can work well and cook up a good piece of entertainment together. They can touch the heart, tickle one’s funny bone, or even both from one scene to another.
This year, Alessandra and Empoy, also known as AlEmpoy, reunite in the Net 25 sitcom titled May For Ever, which connotes two meanings: A woman named May is meant for a man called Ever, or there is forever for those who are truly in love.
May For Ever will premiere on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. and air thereafter every Saturday.
“We may consider this our first as AlEmpoy,” said Alessandra in a recent virtual presscon that was also graced by Empoy about May For Ever as the TV project that featured their tandem in the lead roles. Previously, Alessandra and Empoy were part of the TV series Since I Found You, whose main narrative revolved around the characters of Piolo Pascual and Arci Muñoz.
“It was really (made) for us,” added she, who also guested in Empoy’s Net 25 comedy show, Anong Meron Kay Abok. “From there, maybe they thought of giving us a show.”
Now, Alessandra and Empoy, whose onscreen partnership started in the 2017 hit film Kita Kita, with the follow-up Walang KaParis on Prime Video, headline May For Ever as Lola May and Lolo Ever. Yes, you’ve read it right. They play grandparents in the show, with a twist.
From the interview with Pat-P Daza for Ano Sa Palagay N’yo? (A.S.P.N.) and a piece of information given to this paper, one can gather that Alessandra and Empoy’s characters are in their ‘70s and the story is set in 2064. The couple lives in a high-tech nursing home or an assisted living facility. They also meet their friends there and reminisce about the past. That’s why they go back to 2024, the year when they met, fell in love, and tied the knot.
In the world of Lola May and Lolo Ever, the now (2024) is the past, and the future (2064) is the present.
With that, one gets to see AlEmpoy as Lola May and Lolo Ever, and as May and Ever.
So, Alessandra and Empoy are posed to again delight fans who will see their favorite actors in a different light. Yes, there are no traces of earlier films and TV series in terms of genre and roles.
“I’m happy that they thought of a concept like this one, made for us, and I said yes (when it was offered to me),” shared Alessandra. “Parang natuwa ako na hindi siya basta sitcom lang na nasa bahay o nasa tindahan. The characters’ appearance as well as posture change.” May For Ever has given them the venue to flex their acting muscles and have fun at the same time.
According to Alessandra, she had been wanting to work with Empoy in another project and her wish was granted.
She said, “‘Pag magkasama kami sa films, medyo maraming ni-re-require sa kanya na klase ng acting. Gusto niya comedy talaga Sasamahan na lang kita kung saan mo gusto. (Every time we work on a film together, it seems, he’s required to do a lot of things, acting-wise. He really wants to do comedy. I will be joining you in whatever acting project you get into).”
For Empoy, Alessandra is a natural with comedy. “Si Alex ay nakakatawa sa totoong buhay, pang-sitcom talaga ikaw (She’s really funny in real life and you can also do sitcom).”
Aside from the established and promising talents being showcased in May For Ever, viewers can also look forward to its relatable story about “love, friendship, and forgiveness,” and the life older people may take.
“I think the story is something new that people will like and enjoy,” said Empoy, “Ang sarap sariwain kung sino talaga yung mula nung bata ka hanggang tumanda ka, na kung sino yung tumingin sa’yo at totoong nagmahal sa’yo. Masarap yun. (It’s nice to walk down memory lane, from childhood to adulthood, remembering those who took care of you and loved you. It’s such a good feeling.)”
Alessandra, on her part, shared, “Siyempre lahat tayo ay tatanda rin, hindi natin maiiwasan (yan) sa buhay natin (Of course, all of us will grow old, and it’s an inevitable part of life).
“So, the story is very relatable for all, for the young and the young at heart. From it, a lot of lessons can be learned and shared, as well as realizations you can carry with you for the rest of your life.”
Also in the ensemble cast are Archie Alemania, Vangie Labalan, Michelle Vito, Drei Arias, TJ Valderrama, Mitoy Yonting, Anthony Ocampo, and Zach Francisco.
Where do they attribute their chemistry, and rapport if one may add? AlEmpoy said, during the same TV interview, that Alessandra’s ability to keep up with him and pick up his jokes, and being true to herself as a creative are part of it, plus their friendship makes their responses very organic every time they collaborate onscreen.
Watch Lola May, the former viewtube sensation, and Lolo Ever, the ex-hangcash driver, come Jan. 20 in the romantic sitcom series on Net 25.