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Paolo Contis, Andrea Torres, Benjamin Alves, Yasmien Kurdi, and Maey Bautista attest that their new normal taping for 'I Can See You: The Promise' was “better and smoother” than usual.

Kapuso A-list stars have joined forces to produce a one-of-kind drama anthology I Can See You, which is composed of four mini-series: “Love On The Balcony,” “The Promise,” “High Rise Lovers,” and “Truly. Madly. Deadly.”

The second installment, “The Promise” features Paolo Contis, Andrea Torres, and Benjamin Alves.

Also joining them is actress-comedienne Maey Bautista, with the special participation of Kapuso leading lady Yasmien Kurdi.

During the show's virtual media conference on Thursday, October 1, the cast members shared what it's like to work under the "new normal."

“Naging sobrang efficient 'yung taping. Siyempre may takot pero katulad nu'ng sinabi ko before, thankful ako na kami 'yung napili.

“We were very concerned na maging successful 'yung taping kasi alam namin na marami kaming co-actors na takot pa. Because of this, naniniwala ako na mai-inspire namin sila,” Paolo said.

He also added that GMA Network went through an arduous process---from planning to execution---before it finally allowed its employees to work.

“Oo, ang GMA ay medyo natagalan talaga kaming bumalik sa ganitong trabaho but they made sure, at nakita naman kung bakit. Safe lahat, maayos lahat,” he said.

Andrea, who plays a vital role in the series shared that they had meticulous preparations even before the taping started.

“Parang hindi nangyari 'yung seven months na wala kang work, ang bilis mag-slide. Siguro kasi ang ganda rin nu'ng preparation.

“Bago kasi nag-taping, nag-script reading kami. Hinimay-himay na namin 'yung characters ng bawat isa and since present kami lahat, alam na rin namin 'yung journey nu'ng character ng bawat isa. Ang daling kumonek,” she shared.

The actress also stressed that the quality of their work was top notch, since they had plenty of time to rest, which is inline with the health protocols mandated by authorities and the network.

“Naapektuhan 'yung quality ng trabaho. Kasi well-rested kami, palaging 'yung best mo 'yung ibibigay mo. Na-enjoy ko talaga and mas naging confident ako tumanggap ng iba pang trabaho,” she added.

On the other hand, Benjamin said that their work as artists had gotten better and easier. The taping was also smoother than usual.

“It's better. I think the only thing that we miss sa taping is nasanay kami na maraming tao sa set.

“That was the only thing that was missing but the energy, the safety is even better, the taping is even better, to think na we're coming from six months absence.

“Talagang pinaghadaan 'yung production. It was better, it was smoother,” he noted.

Although COVID-19 is still prevalent in the country, Yasmien's anxiety over going out and meeting other people diminished as the production staff assured of everyone's safety.

“Siyempre nakakapanibago talaga kasi usually before pupunta ka lang naman ng set. Ngayon, swab test muna kami and then mayroon kaming health declaration form every day na kailangan namin i-fill up before going to the taping.

“Kahit nandu'n na kami sa location, we really have to fill up the form atleast 12 hours before your duty. Mayroon kaming safety officers sa loob ng set namin na nagpapaalala sa amin ng do's and don't's,” she said.

On a lighter note, Maey quipped that working under the new normal was a bit similar to her Survivor Philippines experience.

Survival Philippines is a reality survival show which aired on GMA in 2012.

“This time, parang sumabak ulit ako sa Survivor Philippines, 'yun bang nasa isla ka lang. Pero ito of course, mas masaya.

“Ang challenge lang dito na gagawin namin, kung papaano namin poprotektahan 'yung sarili namin. Talagang pinaghandaan ng production pero nasa iyo pa rin kung paano mo talaga ipo-protect 'yung sarili mo.

“At ang maganda rito, ang difference niya sa 'Survivor Philippines,' nakakakain kami ng masarap. Six times a day,” she joked.

Directed by award-winning director Zig Dulay, I Can See You: The Promise premieres Monday, October 5, on GMA Telebabad after Encantadia.