'Pepito Manaloto' stars Michael V. and Manilyn Reynes share their thoughts about the show's season break
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What is the reason behind the season break of the beloved Kapuso sitcom after 11 years on air?
For 11 years, Pepito Manaloto has made our weekend night viewing a lot more colorful and fun with its hilarious episodes that are not only entertaining but informative as well.
But the award-winning flagship sitcom of GMA Network will take a break for the meantime. During a media conference yesterday, May 25, lead stars Michael V. and Manilyn Reynes confirmed with the entertainment press that the show will have a season break and will air its final episode on Saturday, May 29.
Direk Bitoy, who is also the creative director of the show, told entertainment editor and writer Nickie Wang why they took this direction.
He explained, “It addresses several issues din, hindi kasi hindi naging madali itong pandemic and it's never been the same.
“Parang for me personally, parang nabawasan 'yung the way we do the show, hindi siya designed to be shot this way.
“Hindi kagaya nitong [Pepito Manaloto] Kuwento Kuwento, so I think it's a good time para to reassess the position of the show as far as the shooting is concerned and to figure things out.
“Para 'pag 'yung naka-ready na kami, mas maganda na 'yung mai-o-offer namin for the next book or the next chapter ng 'Pepito Manaloto.'”
In the show, Bitoy plays the protagonist Pepito, who became an instant millionaire after winning the lottery, while versatile Kapuso actress-singer Manilyn Reynes portrays his wife, Elsa.
Advantages of having a season break
When asked by GMANetwork.com how this season break will help them as actors, Michael and Mane both agreed that it will be very advantageous for both of them.
Direk Bitoy noted, “As an actor physically malaki ang maitutulong nitong break na 'to, kasi noong run ng 'Kuwento Kuwento,' hanggang last episode nitong 'Pepito Manaloto,' talagang nakakapagod [laughs], physically taxing talaga siya.
“So, malaki ang maitutulong niya bilang pahinga. 'Pag ako normally, nagpapahinga doon lumalabas 'yung mga ideas, so this will be a great time to come up with new ideas, not just for the show. Siguro for other things I can do as an actor.”
Miss Manilyn said, “Makaka-rest ka, although ang haba-haba ng rest mo di ba, kasi naka-isang taon na tayo [in this pandemic].”
She then added, “Pero we are thankful na tayo ay healthy, we are thankful na mayroon tayong tapings din every now and then.
“Makakapag-prepare rin tayo sa kung ano pa man 'yung darating, hindi pa natin alam 'di ba sa susunod na chapter naman.”
With the season break right around the corner, don't miss the special announcement of Michael V. and Manilyn Reynes on Saturday, May 29, on Pepito Manaloto Kuwento Kuwento about a big surprise for their loyal viewers.
Don't miss it!
Here's a quick look on the biggest milestones of the multi-awarded sitcom in the past decade in this gallery:
