Good vibes onscreen continue as ‘GoodWill’ enters its fifth season
The sun-drenched beaches and lush scenery of a tropical resort might seem like an idyllic vacation spot, but for the cast and crew of the Filipino sitcom “GoodWill,” it’s also their workplace. Now entering its fifth season, the show, which airs every Sunday on NET25, follows the hilarious antics of a family running a resort, and the actors are clearly relishing the experience.
“We started in season two,” shares Bayani Agbayani, one of the show’s stars, with a broad smile. “And the great thing is, we have such big-name guest stars joining us!”
David Chua, another member of the core cast, chimes in, listing off a string of famous names: “Almost every episode has cameos. Piolo Pascual, Sylvia Sanchez, Sunshine Cruz, Jake Cuenca, JM de Guzman – so many have come on board!”
Paradise Found (and a Few Challenges)
Filming on location at a resort certainly has its perks. “Ms. Korina Sanchez-Roxas, our producer, really goes all out. We’re well taken care of,” Bayani enthuses. “It’s like you’re on vacation and getting paid for it!”
But it’s not all sunshine and cocktails. The location, while beautiful, is far from the comforts of home for many of the cast and crew. And even in paradise, the work can be demanding. Long hours, script changes, and the pressure to deliver laughs week after week are all part of the job. Yet, the camaraderie among the cast is evident. They speak of shared meals, late-night chats, and the bonds formed through collaborating on a project they clearly enjoy.
Comedy, Chemistry, and Crafting Characters
With a mix of seasoned comedians and actors better known for dramatic roles, “GoodWill” presents a unique set of dynamics. Bayani, a veteran comedian, shared his approach to working with his co-stars. “I make it a point to become friends with them, to break down any walls,” he explains. “That way, when we’re in a scene, we can just bounce off each other naturally. Off-camera conversations can translate into on-camera magic. If you don’t bond before working, it’s tough. So, we make time to chat, even when we’re not filming. I make sure we get together.”
This approach seems to be working. David notes the influence of Bayani and other comedic actors like Smokey Manaloto and Kakai Bautista. “Their comedy isn’t just from the script,” he observes. “They go off-script, and it makes it more natural.”
But what happens when improvisation leads to unexpected bursts of laughter? “You just have to laugh along!” David says. “That’s real comedy, not just what’s written on the page.”
Learning the Ropes and Making People Laugh
For David, working alongside experienced comedians has been a learning curve. He reflects on his own journey in the industry, emphasizing the ongoing process of growth and the value of learning from seasoned performers.
“I’ve been watching Bayani since I was a kid,” David admits. “Now I’m working with him, and it’s amazing. I’m learning so much about comedic timing, delivery, and how to connect with an audience.”
He also emphasizes the importance of discipline, both in comedy and drama. “You have to know your lines, understand your character, and be prepared to put in the work,” he stresses.
Life Beyond the Laughs
While the conversation centers around “GoodWill,” glimpses of the actors’ personal lives also emerge. Bayani recounts a humorous anecdote about his long-time crush on actress Alice Dixson and his wife’s playful reaction.
It’s clear that “GoodWill” is more than just a sitcom for those involved. It’s a place where friendships are formed, skills are honed, and laughter is the common language. As the show heads into its fifth season, one thing is certain: the cast and crew are ready to deliver another round of heartwarming humor and good vibes.
GoodWill airs every Sunday, 5PM (before Korina Interviews) on NET25.
WATCH the fun interview here:
