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In the premiere telecast of 'Dear Friend', the topic of teenage pregnancy was broached. How did the cast, and the shows' hosts feel about the topic?
In the premiere telecast of 'Dear Friend', the topic of teenage pregnancy was broached. But how did the cast, and the shows' hosts feel about the topic? Text by Jason John S. Lim. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. Mart Escudero admits that he didn't know what the story of their episode was about until after he has read the script. And he also admits that he was unsure of how he would attack the role. "Wala pa akong na-experience na dalagang ina," the young actor confesses, adding that he didn't really know how to deal with the subject. So, he adds, he had to rely completely on what was written. “Hindi naman po ako nahirapan, [in the end].” If Mart's problem with the topic was the fact that he had no experience whatsoever with teenaged pregnancy, Jennica Garcia on the other hand, was too close to the subject. "Magsasabi na ako ng totoo," Jennica starts, sharing that initially she thought she could pull it off—when she only knew about the teenage marriage part. "Nung nalaman ko na mabubuntis ako at manganganak ako, nagkaroon ako ng doubt sa sarili ko kung kaya ko ba siya talaga." Jennica is a product of teenage pregnancy, as most people know. Her mother, actress Jean Garcia, had her when Jean was only 19. And Jennica says that shooting the episode made her appreciate her mother all the more. "Marami po akong natutunan. "Kung ako 'yung nasa position niya, hindi ko kakayanin. Hindi ko alam kung mapapalaki ko ba 'yung future baby ko kung paano niya ako napalaki." Jennica assures everyone though that she doesn't plan on getting pregnant or married anytime soon. In a previous article, hosts Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal said that it is important for them to base their advice, their opinions, on their own experiences—or those who are close to them. Jolina adds, "Mahirap kasi na pag nagbibigay ka ng advice, parang nagmamarunong ka magsalita eh. Maganda kung ano talaga ‘yung nararamdaman mo, para mas maka-relate ka sa kanila." And the topic is perfect for Marvin, who reminds us that he had gone through the same problem. "Hindi na ako teen noon, pero alam ko 'yung hirap na sabihin sa magulang, idi-disown ka ng magulang mo. "Actually," Marvin reveals, "'yung sinabi sa [character ni Jennica] ng nanay niya, sinabi sa akin ng nanay ko—kaya nagulat ako." "'Akala ko alam mo 'yung ginagawa mo; akala ko alam mo lahat.'" Marvin explains that he was an independent, even when he was still living with his family. And for his mother, she considered it a failure that he had kids before he was even married. "Medyo traditional eh." And this is why, Marvin continues to explain, that he and Jolina make the perfect choice for giving advice. "Kasi hindi kami ganoon kabata mag-isip, pero hindi kami ganoon katanda na traditional 'yung pagbibigay namin o 'yung na-experience namin sa buhay. "Like with what happened in my life: medyo at first, na-consider mo na pagkakamali; pero after a while, you just learn to embrace the situation and make the best out of it." After dealing with teen pregnancy and marriage, Dear Friend puts focus on sexuality next. Join Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal again, this Sunday after Pinoy Idol Extra. What can you say about the first episode of Dear Friend? Talk about the show at the iGMA Forums! If you’re not yet registered, register now ! Want to hear more from Marvin, Jolina, Mart and Jennica? Feel the fun through Fanatxt by texting MARVIN, JOLINA, MART or JENNICA to 4627! Each Fanatxt message costs PhP2.50 for GLOBE, SMART, and TALK 'N TEXT, and PhP2.00 for Sun subscribers. (This service is exclusive to the Philippine residents only.)