Katrina Halili reunites with Jennylyn Mercado as she joins cast of ‘Sanggang Dikit FR’

Katrina Halili is set to join “Sanggang Dikit FR,” marking a significant reunion with her “StarStruck” batchmate, Jennylyn Mercado.

According to Aubrey Carampel’s report in “24 Oras” Friday, Katrina will be taking on action-packed scenes in the series, a challenge she has not faced since portraying Romana in “Black Rider.”

“Parang first time ko makatrabaho ulit si Jen kasi last na work namin is 2004. Sabi ko nga sa kanya kanina eh. So ayun, na-excite naman ako kasi super close ko ‘yun eh,” Katrina said. 

The sentiment is mutual for Jennylyn, who has not shared a scene with Halili in over two decades. 

“Lagi lang kaming nagchikahan sa phone pero hindi kami nagkikita, ni hindi kami nakakalabas. Hindi kami nakakapag-bonding dalawa kasama ‘yung mga bata. Kasi inaanak ko rin si Katie eh, ta’s inaanak niya naman si Jazz,” Jennylyn said.

Their on-set meeting marked the first time they had seen each other in a while, making both actresses very happy.

In the series, Katrina will play a rival to Jennylyn’s character. 

“Abangan niyo kung ano ‘yung magiging role ni Katrina Halili, kung paano niya ishe-shake ang buong presinto namin,” Jennylyn said.

“Kung gaano kami ka-close sa personal, dito naman, hindi talaga. Parang matindi talaga ‘yung galit ko sa kanya. Masama loob ko,” Katrina said.

The actresses admitted that they found it challenging to maintain a serious demeanor during their first scene together due to their long-standing comedic rapport.

“Nakatitig ako sa kaniya. Natatawa ako kasi ‘pag nag-uusap kami no’n, comedy talaga,” Katrina said.

Dennis Trillo also expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of new characters like Katrina.

“Mas nagiging exciting ‘yung kwento sa pagpasok ng mga bagong characters. Siyempre ‘yung mga bagong characters, magagaling na artista rin. Bukod kay Katrina, nandiyan si Buboy, si Mikee, si Ji Soo,” he said.

Fans can also look forward to international adventures for the characters as they are set to have out-of-the-country scenes filmed in Dubai, Milan, and Switzerland.

“Sanggang Dikit FR” is a buddy-cop series that channels the style of '80s action films.

It airs weeknights on GMA Prime at 8:50 p.m. after "Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre." You can also watch it on YouTube via the Kapuso Stream.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News