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Our “lalabs” Karina and Aljon react to their unforgettable TV moments

Article (news)

Liezel dela Cruz 

Just as they serve up hextraordinary magic in their comeback series “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/review-karjon-exudes-hex-traordinary-chemistry-anew-in-online-series-hex-boyfriend-20895">Hex Boyfriend</a>,” Karina Bautista and Aljon Mendoza brought the spark in this episode of Kapamilya React. The loveteam travels down memory lane as the re-watch their past teleserye scenes and TV appearances and share fun facts about them.Besides being able to connect to their audience, one element that keeps KarJon’s chemistry alive is their solid friendship that was built inside the <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/pbbs10">Pinoy Big Brother</a> house where they stayed as housemates in 2019. The two developed genuine closeness that they thought they were similar in so many ways, for instance, they were both student-journalists and they enjoy dancing, although they also discovered their differences after exiting the house.It also can’t be denied that Kuya’s tasks were instrumental in forging KarJon’s bond, such as that time when Karina dressed up as a house helper and fed Aljon, as shown in the first clip. Even washing the dishes together (the only chore they’re good at since they didn’t how to cook) pulled them closer.Aljon remembers another challenge in which he won and made Karina call him best friend, “Ako, parang, ‘Ah, best friend niya ako?’ Ah, okay, sinabi na niya best friend na kami.” She reacted, “Nu’ng time na ‘yun, siyempre, kung sino ‘yung mas close sa’yo, siya ‘yung mas gusto mong mag-stay sa bahay. Kaya, siyempre, ni-root ko ikaw at saka si Lie [Reposposa].”Karina and Aljon didn’t know that fans were shipping them until Aljon uploaded a photo of them together, which attracted tons of likes.KarJon’s natural chemistry ushered them to more popularity and opportunities. Not long after their PBB stint ended, they were assigned with several teleserye projects including the primetime drama “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/viralscandal">Viral Scandal</a>” where they played childhood friends and schoolmates. After watching a scene where Bea (Karina) hugged Pogs (Aljon) for helping her family, KarJon disclosed that they auditioned individually for the series. “Hindi kami pakete ni Karina dito,” he shared, to which she added, “Sakto lang talaga na kami ‘yung na-pair nila na nakitaan nila ng potential for the characters.”Thanks to this series, they got closer as a tandem, “Mas marami kaming napagdaanan as a team nu’ng ‘Viral Scandal.’ So, ito ‘yung mas nag-build ‘yung foundation.”They showcased an even more intense dramatic prowess in a <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/maalaalamokaya">Maalaala Mo Kaya</a> episode titled “Lalabas Ko ‘To,” where they breathed life to a relationship that defies social classes. After watching their proposal scene, KarJon revealed the challenges in portraying a love story that they haven’t yet experienced.As Karina puts it, “Nahirapan ako sa scene na ‘to kasi parang sobrang bata pa namin tapos dito ikakasal na kami agad, na engagement, proposal. So, parang ‘yung feeling na ‘yun, hindi mo siya agad makukuha when you’re younger.” But the challenge is exactly what makes it one for the books, akin to a litmus test for their potential. She continued, “’Yung proseso ng pag-arte parang sa MMK ko naranasan talaga ‘yun. Sabi ko, ‘Ganito pala ang artista talaga.’ Akala mo madali pero ‘yung pag-switch talaga, parang hindi ko na alam.”They recall that their director played Moira dela Torre’s hugot songs to tap into their emotions. Aljon also learned the importance of building a character’s backstory, “Halimbawa, dito sa line na ‘to ka mati-trigger. Dapat alamin mo bakit ka na-trigger. So, dapat alam mo ‘yung feeling ng character.”Proving their versatility, they dabbled in comedy via iWantTFC’s “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/hoyloveyou">Hoy, Love You!</a>” where they learned that comedy is not as easy as it seems. Aljon mused, “Dito din ako na-challenge sa project na ‘to kasi kailangan kong gumitna sa comedy at huwag ko dapat i-sobrang comedy. So, ‘yun ang challenge sa akin. Kasi minsan feeling ko nasosobra ko to the point na feeling ko hindi na siya natural at naki-cringe rin ako sa sarili ko.”Keeping a loveteam strong is quite hard these days, but this pair shows us that it’s possible, with solid friendship at its core. “Nasubok ng panahon, nasubok ng mga sitwsayon. Kailangan ng self-growth hindi lang as a team, kailangan talaga matuto separately,” Aljon imparted of how they maintain their relationship as on-screen partners.As their careers progressed, they’ve also seen how their partnership and each other evolved. Karina admitted that their one-year break where they had the chance to explore their artistry and work with different partners was beneficial to the both of them. “Ngayon, mas excited tayong maka-work ang isa’t isa,” she said, to which he agreed.Support KarJon by streaming their comeback project “<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/review-karjon-exudes-hex-traordinary-chemistry-anew-in-online-series-hex-boyfriend-20895">Hex Boyfriend</a>,”which is perfect for those looking for ‘kilig’ this Halloween season!“<a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/review-karjon-exudes-hex-traordinary-chemistry-anew-in-online-series-hex-boyfriend-20895">Hex Boyfriend</a>,” is available on <a href="https://youtube.com/c/abscbnentertainment">ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel</a>.

KarJon (,” Karina Bautista and Aljon Mendoza) reacts to their past TV appearances.