Tessie Tomas, Ara Davao reminisce about fondest memories while doing “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”

It has already been weeks since their characters Señora Bettina and Katherine bade farewell in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” along with Jaime Fabregas’ Don Facundo and Nonie Buencamino’s Marcelo, after they were killed by the Montenegros. And recently, actresses Tessie Tomas and Ara Davao got reunited in real life as the former invited the latter to guest in her latest vlog.

Tessie gave us a glimpse of their date, which was held a few days after their departure from the primetime series at her favorite restaurant, where she usually takes her family and friends. Their conversation commenced with them reenacting their final scene, as requested by Tessie, wherein the Montenegros raided the Caballero mansion and massacred their family and other companions.

When asked how she feels after exiting the show, Ara confessed that she actually couldn’t help but be sentimental. She said, “It’s my first show, so parang it’s the first character that I’m saying goodbye to. But, I think, it’s not just the character you say bye to. Parang it’s also heavy kasi you say bye to the bonds we formed with the production [and] the actors, pero super grateful.”

The young actress added how grateful she is for the opportunity bestowed upon her, most especially to everything that she learned and to the people that she got to work with. She also imparted that she had read comments from netizens that they would miss the Caballero family because they were so invested in their characters.

With regard to the scene that she found the most challenging, Ara revealed that it’s definitely the Caballero massacre scene because it was physically and emotionally draining. Tessie seconded it by mentioning how nervous she was several days before filming that scene because she imagined that it would be violent. Thus, she was so relieved that it was shot very quickly.

Nonetheless, Tessie divulged that that particular sequence still left her really exhausted since she had to repeat her intense lines not just once but five times. That’s why she hoped that the viewers appreciated the effort that they had exerted not just in this show but in their other projects, too.

Tessie then recalled that instance when she had to slap Ara in one scene, and the latter ended up almost hitting the wall as the production team asked the former to put more force on her slap.

Ara confirmed that Tessie's slap was painful, especially the second one, yet she assured that it was definitely okay since she finds it better to be slapped for real in order for her to display a genuine reaction. Tessie then jested that their co-star Charo Santos was seemingly able to exact revenge for Ara during the last fight scene of their characters Bettina and Tindeng, in which the latter hit her so hard.

The veteran actress then veered their conversation to the controversial wedding of Katherine with David (McCoy de Leon), a.k.a. “Fake Hesus Nazareno,” which was another memorable and big scene for her and Ara. Tessie recounted how concerned she was of Ara when she noticed that she was a little pale after a few hours of filming due to staying inside the car for too long and having to carry her heavy bouquet, gown, and hair extensions.

“Direk Malu [Sevilla] said nga na kapag kasal daw, it’s one of the hardest to star in and one of the hardest to direct kasi raw ang daming details and everything. And siyempre, the preparation for the whole team – from the costumes, our looks, all the props – and the emotions also. I think, it was physically and emotionally draining because it was a really hot day, with my long hair extensions and the gown,” Ara recounted, adding that there might be a moment that she felt light-headed but everyone took care of her.

Quizzed by Tessie what she would do if ever she was put in that same situation as Katherine in real life, Ara implied that it would be impossible since she’s very strong-willed. However, once that happens, it’s probably for a huge reason, and she just hopes that she will learn to love that person eventually.

Tessie then cited some netizens’ comments about Katherine being saved by Tanggol (Coco Martin) and taking her into their group. Since it would surely require her to wear denims and handle guns, Ara said that she’ll definitely be willing to undergo training. She’s going to be scared, but she would certainly be able to pull it off with proper mentoring and training.

The two actresses then switched roles in the latter part of the interview, with Ara taking her turn as the interviewer. She asked Tessie regarding her opinion on the portrayal of Charo and Jaime of their respective characters, Tindeng and Facundo.

Tessie started with Jaime, who has been her good friend for decades now, yet it was only their third time working together in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.” Aside from his piercing greenish-blue eyes, she also admires his versatile, unexaggerated, deep, and compelling acting.

On the other hand, what she loves about Charo is her flexibility in taking on a variety of roles when she came back to acting after working as a CEO of ABS-CBN. At the same time, Tessie finds Charo's ability to pull off the duality of Tindeng as a humble maid and a fierce woman really admirable.

Before parting ways, she also told Ara, “[I] hope to work with you again. Be brilliant. Good luck in all your endeavors, and may your star rise higher and higher into the horizon.”