CEBU, Philippines — The few occasions Kaye Abad feels like a celebrity in Cebu are during events like the recent block screening of “Crosspoint” at Ayala Central Bloc, where she came to support her sister, Sarah Jane Abad, who appeared in the film starred in by Carlo Aquino and Takehiro Hira.
Even with Sarah Jane’s brief screen time as Aquino’s pregnant wife, the elder Abad was beaming with pride watching her on the big screen.
“It’s refreshing to see her there. The last time I saw her act was on TV years ago. It’s a good film to watch,” said the actress, who has been based in Cebu for seven years now since marrying former PBB housemate Paul Jake Castillo.
Abad is open to working with her sister on an acting project, and Sarah Jane hopes that will become a reality soon.
Sarah Jane told The FREEMAN, “It’s one of the things that I want to do. In the time that I have been in the industry, I haven’t worked with my sister yet. We are working on it, and I hope this project pushes through.”
Earlier this year, “Tabing Ilog” fans were excited to see Abad reunited with Patrick Garcia and Paolo Contis in the Netflix drama film “A Journey.” They won’t have to wait long for another film featuring the trio, as they will star in the comedy-drama “Con Mom”, along with Empoy Marquez and Kit Thompson.
Set in the southern municipality of Boljoon, Cebu, the film is about a mother who goes to extreme lengths to be with the daughter who was taken away from her. They shot for 10 days in Cebu, plus an additional day in Manila.
“It’s just fun working with the cast, especially with Patrick and Paolo. I always tell them that I miss them, and I always look forward to being with them. The whole set was all fun,” she said.
On what makes them click on and off screen, she said, “I think it’s the bonding that we formed while we were doing ‘Tabing Ilog.’ There’s just this special connection among the three. Even though it’s been 25 years, nothing in our dynamic has changed.”
The musical stage adaptation of “Tabing Ilog” will have its second run for the whole month of November at PETA Theater in Quezon City. BINI leader Jhoanna, Vivoree, and Cebuana singer-actress Sheena Belarmino will take turns playing Abad’s character, Eds.
Abad, who has seen the first run last year and enjoyed the fresh interpretation, advised the cast: “Just enjoy it so you can provide the nostalgia for the ‘90s kids.”