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Kapuso singer and actor Christian Bautista is all set for his first TV project with GMA titled With A Smile. In an interview with GMANetwork.com during the show's story conference last May 14, Christian revealed that he felt an instant connection with his co-stars Mikael Daez and Andrea Torres during the audition, something that he admits doesn't usually happen to actors who will be working together for the first time. Text by Michelle Caligan, GMANetwork.com
 
"Instantly nagkaroon kami ng connection. Audition pa lang nagkaroon na kami ng connection. And hindi ganun usually ang nangyayari, may hiya ng kaunti. Ambait nitong dalawang 'to," shares Christian.
 
Christian's leading lady Andrea further noted, "Totoo nga na audition pa lang [nandoon na ang connection]…Nagulat din ako na parang 'okay ah'. Mayroon akong sinasabi na hindi ko pinaalam sa kanya pero sasabihin ko or idadagdag ko, at mayroon din siyang ibabalik na swak talaga. Ang saya kasi alam mo na kapag nag-taping kayo, ganoon ang magiging atmosphere." Mikael and Andrea previously top-billed an afternoon drama, Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga.
 
The singer-actor also talked about his character, Aston, a role that is a far cry from the real Christian. "Ako dito si Aston Martinez. Mahilig ako sa kotse. Mahilig ako sa aking independent state right now kasi pinapatunayan ko na kaya kong mabuhay nang mag-isa. Medyo na-basted ako ng aking ex-girlfriend, at ngayon medyo hirap akong maniwala muli sa pag-ibig. Pero noong nakita ko si Isay (played by Andrea), unti-unting lumalambot ang aking matigas na puso."
 
He pointed out that he feels the pressure of being the "third party" in the Mikael-Andrea love team that was established in the Afternoon Prime series Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga. "Pressured ako, honestly. Kasi itong dalawa, nagkasama na sila last time. Pero ngayon, noong nakita ko sila sa audition pa lang, napaka-warm ng pag-welcome nila sa akin."
 
As for his expectations from his very first drama series here in GMA, this is what Christian had to say. "Katulad nga nung sinabi ni Direk [Louie Ignacio, director of With A Smile], ang kailangan lang namin para maging successful ang show na ito ay makisama sa isa't isa, magtulungan, at mag-enjoy lang. Kasi kapag kami nag-e-enjoy, walang pabigat, walang diva, divo, kung ano man 'yun. Makikita ng tao 'yun."
 
Catch With A Smile this June, only here on GMA.