GMA Network's hit Pinoy adaptation of Korean drama, 'Descendants of the Sun,' resumed taping last September, after its production was suspended for more than five months due to the growing concerns on COVID-19.
As the world transitions to the so-called "new normal," the cast, crew, and staff have taken strict precautionary measures to ensure their health and safety.
The management implemented a closed-group shoot procedure for 10 straight days to limit their contact activities as a preventive method against the virus.
'Descendants of the Sun PH's "Big Boss," Dingdong Dantes, saw this as a big challenge since the program features an action-packed love story between a soldier and a doctor, wherein group gatherings and close contact scenes are involved.
But having said that, the Kapuso Primetime King promised that they will be consistent in delivering their characters to tell the beautiful story of 'Descendants of the Sun' amid such caution. "Gano'n pa rin 'yung makikita mo hanggang dulo," he assured. True enough, 'Descendants of the Sun (The Philippine Adaptation)' constantly shows what they had committed since the beginning--displaying Pinoy context in the story.
From a big production of more or less 50 people, the manpower was presumably cut by half to reduce the risk of COVID-19 during the lock-in taping.
While they do not know when or who the virus can infect, they had no choice but to follow protocols so they can go home to their families safe and sound after shooting all the required scenes. This is a conscious effort they took to somehow help our frontliners in curbing the spread of the highly-infectious virus.
Since 'Descendants of the Sun (The Philippine Adaptation)' is now on its final week, let's look back at the series' lock-in shoot in this gallery.
Here, the 'Descendant of the Sun PH's medical team, consisting of (from left) Jenzel Angeles, Renz Fernandez, Jennyln Mercado, and Andre Paras, wears protective equipment as part of their roles as doctors and nurses.
After more than five months, the series' alpha team, consisting of (from left) Rocco Nacino, Paul Salas, Dingdong Dantes, Lucho Ayala, Jon Lucas, and (seated) Prince Clemente are reunited.
The alpha team's barracks and the medical team's 'medicubes' are being mounted in the woods.
The cast has been blessed with a beautiful view of the lush greens in the mountainous Rizal as if they are on a vacation.
In this shot, face mask-clad Jasmine Curtis-Smith, who plays Captain Moira Defensor, gets mesmerized by the sunset.
Jennylyn Mercado, who plays Dr. Maxine a.k.a. Beauty, and her glam team are seen observing social distancing while enjoying the unobstructed view from a kubo.
Doc beauty can't get enough of the view!
Imagine, waking up to this view for 12 days. Priceless.
Here, 'Descendants of the Sun PH's lead stars, Jennylyn and Dingdong, are having a meeting with the production staff while wearing a face mask.
Navy reservist and registered nurse in real life, Rocco Nacino, who portrays TSg Diego Ramos or Wolf, is seen wearing an eye shield and a face mask.
COVID-19 survivor Jon Lucas, who plays SSg Benjo Tamaya a.k.a. Harry Potter, sported his fresh haircut suited for the military.
To further eliminate the risk of COVID-19, 'Descendants of the Sun PH's' Marty, Paul Salas, invested in a personal air filtration system to help him breathe easily in a mask by providing fresh, filtered air.
Kapuso hunk actor Prince Clemente, who plays SSg Randy Katipunan a.k.a. Piccolo, showed off his well-toned body, a product of his daily workout routine during his five-month home quarantine.
Working away from home for almost two weeks, Dingdong makes sure to communicate with his family while overseeing his delivery app business and attending to his other obligations during his rest day.
The same goes with Lucho Ayala, who is SSg Alen Eugenio a.k.a. Snoopy in the Kapuso series. He made sure to check on his fiancee, Emma Rueda, from time to time.
Here is a shot of Jennylyn and Dingdong's last script reading as Doc Beauty and Big Boss with director Dominiz Zapata, which has been posted on Dingdong's Instagram account. In the caption, the actor can't help but praise his leading lady for her "excellent and effective performance" in 'DOTS PH.'
As 'Descendants of the Sun PH' finished taping, Rocco went emotional as he bade goodbye to his character, Wolf. He said, "Mangiyak-iyak ako habang hinuhubad ko ang outfit na ito, realizing that, yes, tapos na kami sa show na ito. Thank you, Wolf, talagang minahal ko ang pagganap sa character mo, dahil sa 'yo kaya ako naging isang Navy Reservist."
Here, Jon and Jennylyn pose for a selfie during their last taping day. Both actors are managed by talent manager, Becky Aguila.
Big Boss is ready for action!
After its production resumed last September, the series resumed its run on October 26 starting with an eight-day recap.
It's evident that the lock-in taping has strengthened the cast's bond even more.
Alpha team members Rocco Nacino, Prince Clemente, and Jon Lucas took a short break under the shade of a tree after their heavy scene where the alpha team ran after the PRG.
Jasmine Curtis-Smith is feeling herself while sitting comfortably on the grass and being surrounded by trees.
Here is the alpha team wearing their full military combat gear for the iconic earthquake scene.
The cast, staff, and crew took a group photo while wearing a face mask as they finished their lock-in taping.