Avid viewers of "Coco Martin's Sigabo" were surely surprised and stoked to see versatile actress Jennica Garcia in the August 6 episode, as she takes on the role of young Betchay, originally portrayed by Irma Adlawan.
She appeared in the flashback sequences as the father and son Gabo (Coco Martin) and Rudy (Joey Marquez) revisited the time they moved to Ginintuang Lupa to rebuild their lives following the harrowing tragedy that befell their family.
This came after the heartbreaking death of Rudy's beloved wife, Belinda (Cristine Reyes), who was ruthlessly killed by Ricardo (Rafael Rosell) when he and his friend Mariano (Joem Bascon) raided their mansion to claim what they believed was their share of the gold fortune they had been searching for during their treasure-hunting venture.
WATCH: Gabo, nangako na ipaghihiganti ang pagkamatay ng kanyang ina | Sigabo
It was revealed that Rudy originated from Ginintuang Lupa, where his sister, Mameng (Nikki Valdez) and her friend and longtime admirer Betchay still lived at the time. Even though Betchay knew all too well that Rudy had yet to move on from the death of his wife—and that he had already made it clear that he only saw her as a friend—she continued to love and care for him and Gabo unconditionally.
WATCH: Gabo at Rudy, inalala ang lahat ng sakripisyong ginawa ni Betchay | Sigabo
Aside from taking care of young Gabo (Gian Luca Geroue), Betchay also supported him in pursuing his dream of having his own auto repair shop. She didn't just simply encourage him but also invested in it and even helped find the perfect location for his future business.
As we look forward to finding out if we're going to see Jennica again in the upcoming episodes of "Coco Martin's Sigabo," she shared her experience of being part of the action, as well as her reaction upon receiving the offer, in this exclusive behind-the-scenes interview with CCM Film Productions.
"Wala akong ibang ginawa kundi isipin kung paano ako mamahalin ni Rudy. Hinihintay ko siya, 'yong timing niya, kung kailan niya ako mapapansin at kung kailan niya ako makikita," the actress related when asked to introduce her character, young Betchay.
With regard to her expectations for the series, Jennica said that she simply expects it to be great, especially knowing that Coco has already delivered numerous successful projects and is now teaming up with his reel-and-real-life partner, Julia Montes.
"Syempre natuwa tayo, lalo na no'ng malaman natin na young Irma," she began when asked how she felt upon being offered the role. "Parang ano siya, mixed feelings. 'Yong masaya ka na nasama ka sa isang Coco Martin na teleserye. Pero, at the same time, hindi ko alam kung anong mararamdaman ko kasi alam kong flashback. Pero, syempre grateful tayo, masaya."
Jennica also encouraged viewers to look forward to learning more about the story of Gabo at a very young age, particularly how the painful experiences he endured as a child would eventually shape him into the man that he is today.
She had nothing but praise for the one and only "Hari ng Aksyon Sa Ating Henerasyon," particularly for the immense love and support he continues to receive from Filipino viewers.
"'Yong pagmamahal sa kanya ng masa, pakiramdam ko si Sir Coco lang po talaga 'yong nakakakuha ng gano'n kabigat na suporta at pagmamahal. Kasi napanood ko kay Sir Coco, sa mga works niya, hindi lang siya partikular sa acting ng mga artista niya, pero pati doon sa environment na gusto niyang ipalabas. Tapos nagagawa niya every single time. Ibig sabihin po, suportado ito ng mararaming-maraming Pilipino," she stated.
Are we going to see Jennica again in "Coco Martin's Sigabo"? Let's find out by not missing an episode, weeknights at 8:00 PM on ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, Kapamilya Channel, TV5, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), or stream anytime on iWant!
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