Kim, Xian recall challenges in El Nido

MANILA -- "The Story of Us" stars Kim Chiu and Xian Lim are all set for their return to primetime TV on Monday, February 29.

Lim, who plays the character of a young dreamer named Macoy, said he prepared himself for a more mature role.

“Maraming adjustments kaya I’m so proud of this show dahil marami kaming first [time]. At the same time, ‘yun ngang tiwala na binibigay sa amin ng direktor namin at ng buong staff at ‘yung pagkakasulat ng buong materyal, talagang kakaiba. So bigyan niyo po kami ng chance para tumagos sa inyong mga puso ang story ni Tin (Chiu) at Macoy,” he said.

Chiu even praised Lim for his improved acting as compared to the last time they worked together in "Ina, Kapatid, Anak".

“Si Xian, sobrang nag-grow as an actor. Sobra akong na-proud sa kanya dito sa 'The Story of Us'. Ito ‘yong Xian na gusto niyang ipakita dati pa,” she said.

“Dito talaga pinakita niya talaga na, 'Oo, deserve ko ang ganitong role.' Inaaral niya talaga. Hindi mo siya maiistorbo ng umaga kasi nagbabasa na siya ng buong script tapos ‘pag nag-acting na kaming dalawa, parang ang dami niyang luha… Umurong ‘yung luha ko, nagulat ako. [Sabi ko] ‘Wow Xi, ang galing mo na, Xi.’”

It will be recalled that Lim received negative comments for his role in the movie “Everything About Her”.

READ: Xian Lim miscast? Director Joyce Bernal responds

Meanwhile, the two shared the challenges they went through while taping in El Nido. According to Lim, they even had to do free diving.

“Walang gear na kasama, we are open sa lahat ng mga hayop doon. Ako nga po, na-sea urchin na ako, si Kim, kinagat ng jellyfish. Ang daming elemento na kailangan mong iwasan sa ilalim,” he said.

Chiu, on the other hand, said that there was one instance when Lim accidentally stepped on a sea urchin.

“’Yung sa eksena na naglalakad siya ng naka-topless siya? Tiniis niya ‘yun. Tapos ‘nun nag-cut, ‘dun lang siya sumigaw.”

Lim said that his initial reaction was fear, especially because the nearest hospital is located in Puerto Princesa.

“Siyempre, nakakatakot kasi dun lang din nagsink in sa’min na mayroon din pong mga fatal na [cases], mga poisonous at hindi talaga biro ang pagsisid na wala kang gear lalo na sa El Nido. Hours away ang Puerto Princesa kung nasaan ‘yung ospital.”

"The Story of Us" will premiere on Monday after "Dolce Amore."