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Director JR Reyes is embracing the big responsibility and challenge of directing his first TV show via the new sitcom Open 24/7.

Making this project even more special for Direk JR is the fact that he will be working with three A-list celebrities led by multi-talented comedian Jose Manalo, versatile TV-movie star Maja Salvador, and comedy icon and host Bossing Vic Sotto.

During the grand media conference of Open 24/7 held last Monday (May 8), JR admitted that he thought it was a prank at first when he got a call that he will be directing the new show of Bossing.

He recalled, “Sobrang overwhelming and very thankful ako na si Bossing, nag-approve. Kasi, kinuha ako ni Miss Ruth Racela ng M-Zet Productions, tinawagan niya ako ng mga around January [2023], so akala ko. 'Yung sa sinasabi ng lahat is scam [laughs], akala ko pina-prank niya ako.”

This is not the first time he will collaborate with the Eat Bulaga pioneer, since he was working before with seasoned filmmaker Tony Reyes, a long-time director of Vic Sotto, too.

“So nung tinext ko si Bossing [Vic Sotto], kasi nakipag-work ako kay Bossing for the longest time. Nag-start ako PA ni Direk Tony Reyes, yung the longest director niya rin. Tapos hanggang umangat ako, continuity hanggang naging AD [Assistant Director] hanggang sa naging AD ko ng siguro mga ilang projects.

“'Tapos, medyo na-in love ako sa post production naglipat ako. Ayun, bumalik ako sa pagdi-direk, nung time na magdi-direk na ako nag-pandemic naman. Tapos eto na! Sobrang blessing siya for me.”

Direk JR also extended his gratitude to GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Groups Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes and First Vice President of Program Management Department Joey Abacan for giving them a wonderful cast to work with for Open 24/7.

He said, “Kaya very thankful ako na binigyan nila ako ng break sa TV, ang laki nung adjustment pala ng TV and movie, sobrang magkaiba siya. 'Tapos, thankful din ako sa GMA sa Kapuso Network kay Miss Annette [Gozon-Valdes] and kay Sir Joey [Abacan] na ang ganda nung cast na ibinigay sa amin.”

“Kumbaga kasi nung una, hindi ko alam kung sino 'yung Gen Z crew. So, ang alam ko lang si Kuya Jose [Manalo], si Bossing siyempre, tsaka si Maja [Salvador]. I didn't know na si Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay ay ibibigay sa akin, so, sobrang tuwang-tuwa ako.

“Na-overwhelm ako kasi sina Sofia at Allen alam naman natin up and coming silang love team. So, parang sabi ko talaga kay Miss Ruth sabi ko, 'Ang lakas nila'.

“Bossing, Maja, and Jose, 'tapos silang dalawa- Sofia and Allen, sobrang lakas niyan sabi ko. So lalo ako na-excite and lalo ako na-pressure.”

Aside from the stellar main lead of Open 24/7, the show will feature some of the brightest talents being managed by Sparkle GMA Artist Center. Singer Riel Lomadilla will portray Bekbek, while actor-host Anjay Anson bagged the role of Andoy.

Meanwhile, Kimson Tan was cast as Kokoy, while hunks Abed Green and Bruce Roeland will play Fred and Doe, respectively.

Direk JR shared with GMANetwork.com some of the main considerations for the actors who will be part of the Gen Z crew of the Open 24/7 convenience store.

“Gusto talaga namin iba-ibang identity. Kaya napansin mo 'di ba iba-ibang 'yung texture nung kulay, 'di ba iba-iba 'yung tone. ''Tsaka, matatangkad 'di ba, sobrang matatangkad. Ang challenge lang sa amin, nahirapan kami to downscale them, kasi ang po-pogi sobra [laughs].

“Yun 'yung pinaka ano namin criteria na dapat matangkad, pogi, siyempre parang kasing height din ni Bossing. Para pag nagsama-sama sila same height.”

Open 24/7 airs beginning May 27 on Sabado Star Power sa gabi and viewers abroad can catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.

BEHIND-THE-SCENE MOMENTS DURING THE OPEN 24/7 MEDIA CONFERENCE: