“Unbreak My Heart” cast describes Jodi, Joshua, Gabbi, Richard and their directors

“Unbreak My Heart” has unveiled a new behind-the-scenes vlog episode that encapsulates the cast and directors’ previous shoot and bonding moments in Europe.

Here’s Episode 6 of “Unbreak My Heart: Europe Experience.” In the video, the cast introduced themselves and the roles they play in the series. Jodi Sta. Maria and Joshua Garcia led the ensemble, together with Richard Yap and Gabbi Garcia.

In addition to those four stars, the teleserye is littered with other great Kapamilya and Kapuso actors including Eula Valdes, Sunshine Cruz, Laurice Guillen, Nikki Valdez, Dionne Monsanto, PJ Endrinal, Mark Rivera, Bianca de Vera, Will Ashley, and Jeremiah Lisbo.

Eula knew from the start that she’d become one of the most hated characters in the teleserye, especially of Jodi’s followers, “Sigurado ako na may mga aalma na fans ni Jodi dahil may mga linya akong sasabihin na hindi nila ikagugusto.” She clarified, though, “Ito ay bugso lang ng puso ng pagiging ina.” In the story, Eula's Vangie has disapproved her son Renz (Joshua)'s relationship with Rose (Jodi).

Prior to this project, we were used to seeing Sunshine play the victim, but tables have turned this time around. She’s on the same ‘kontrabida’ team as Laurice Guillen, who described her character as controlling.

While Nikki Valdez owns her title as “Pambansang Best Friend,” she’s still able to tweak the tried-and-tested character trope by showing a best friend’s more mature and deeper facet.

Dionne Monsanto, who is now based in Switzerland where a big chunk of the series has been filmed, uses the project as her comeback vehicle. Meanwhile, young stars Bianca and Will, as well as Jeremiah, PJ, and Mark expressed their gratitude to their veteran co-stars, from whom they learn a lot about acting techniques.

Swiss actor Elijah Knight, who plays Klaus, said he appreciates working with his Filipino co-actors.

One cinematic element that keeps us hooked is the star-studded cast and the fact that the series catches its actors at various points in their careers. Jodi, for instance, grew before the eyes of Eula. “Nakita ko rin ‘yung transition niya from a teenybopper to a very good actress,” she said of Jodi, whom she worked with in Pangako Sa’Yo in 2000 where she played the iconic character of Amor Powers, later on reprised by Jodi.

This also marks Jodi’s reunion with Richard, who shared that they did a lot of catching up. For Sunshine, working with Jodi is a dream, while Gabbi described her as a gifted and supportive actress, one who never intimidating despite her superstar status.

On Joshua, Eula noticed that he remains a sweet guy, but only grater in terms of talent. In her words: “The same pa rin ang ugali pero patindi nang patindi ang galing sa acting.”

Even his leading ladies only have good words about him. Gabbi called him “maalaga” while Jodi lauded his being collaborative, saying he would initiate discussions before the actual take.

Meanwhile, this project means a lot to Gabbi, as it has entailed a big leap out of her comfort zone. “Parang, ako ‘yung pumapasok, ‘di ba? It’s not my home court. May takot, may kaba, pero everybody is so welcoming. Ang dali lang maging parte ng pamilya nila,” smiled the morena actress described by Jodi as the sweet girl of the group and is very adaptable. Joshua added that he’s grown closer to Gabbi and discovered her shopping addiction.

A family man in real life, Richard is likewise an expert team player to his castmates. Gabbi, who plays Richard’s daughter, jokingly tags herself as the Yap family’s adopted child. Richard’s family arrived at their shooting location and would join them during their rest day. In turn, Richard praised the show’s younger stars for being smart and attuned to their scenes.

Casting an ensemble of this caliber is like mounting a great team for a major sports tournament, and we can all agree that Dreamscape Entertainment has picked the players well, with directors Emmanuel “Manny” Palo and Dolly Dulu as the visionary coaches.

Direk Manny and Direk Dolly have different fortes and techniques, according to Dionne, but they’re both a joy to work with. Direk Manny has keen attention to detail. “Nagagawa niya ang gusto niyang mangyari sa scene,” as Mark puts it. Gabbi, though admittedly intimidated at first, saw Direk Manny’s respect for his actors, “Tutulungan ka niya talaga at ipu-push ka niya to your limit, which I really appreciate.”

Meanwhile, Eula compared Direk Dolly to “sunshine.” For Gabbi, she is honest, “Alam mong aalagaan ka niya. Hindi ka niya hayaaan na magmukhang ewan lang sa isang eksena. You feel the concern, and at the same time, when she knows you can still do better, she will tell you.” Joshua added that it’s a joy to get to know and work with Direk Dolly.

While some cast members are still rookies, it’s impossible to turn a blind eye to their performances, thanks in part to their elite co-actors and directors. Bianca is thankful for the chance to explore her range as an actress, but most of all, to build a relationship with the biggest names in the industry.

Everyone feels blessed for the camaraderie that they have built and will remain strong wherever the scenes take them – whether in Europe or the Philippines.

“Araw-araw kaming magkakasama siyempre napamahal na silang lahat sa akin,” mused Joshua. “Sobrang grateful lang ako and very honored na makatrabaho si Jodi and all the cast. Ang dami kong natututunan sa kanila bilang actor na alam kong pwede ko pang magamit sa mga susunod ko pang proyekto.”

Jodi remarked, “It’s really the relationships na na-forge habang nagtatrabahao and the camaraderie ng mga tao na nandoon. Makikita mo talaga na nagtutulungan ‘yung mga tao para mapagtagumpayan ‘yung buong programa.”

Play the video and watch never-before-seen footage from the Europe shoot of ‘Unbreak My Heart,” the most talked about teleserye collaboration of 2023!