Lance Raymundo on WPS leading lady Ayanna Misola: ‘She’s a very wholesome girl’
The ongoing West Philippine Sea issue has not only ignited diplomatic discussions but also sparked creative inspiration. To combat the spread of misinformation and foster a deeper understanding of the situation, Dr. Michael Aragon, chairman of KSMBPI, has produced a compelling series that sheds light on the complexities and realities of the West Philippine Sea. At the advance screening of WPS at the Manila Hotel, singer-actor Lance Raymundo gave some updates.
Random snapshots of last night’s event:
Cast members (L-R): Ali Forbes, Rannie Raymundo, Daiana Menezes, Lance Raymundo, and Chase Romero
On the Series and his Role
Lance and Rannie Raymundo
“We were all living in the hotel. It’s a voluntary lock-in actually. Kami ni Rannie minsan, umuuwi minsan, to check on our mom,” Lance began to talk about the seven-day lock-in taping. According to him, the series has tackled several issues, including the recent typhoon. “Although fiction naman siya, ayaw natin may exactly matatamaan. So, ‘yung kalaban dito is a fictional country. That country doesn’t actually exist in our maps. But it was created to awaken the patriotism of Filipinos. Pati ‘yung typhoon, natalakay na namin. We have writers who are really alert to what’s happening and they incorporate current events into the story. In a more cinematic kind of way. Season 1 is finished. Ready na kami pumasok sa lock-In by November 10 for the next season.”
Lance’s character is an IT specialist. “Actually, it’s a mixture of everything. Yung character ko per se, wala masyadong action kasi my character, may pag-kanerd. IT specialist. Pero magkakaroon ng twist sa ending na abangan ninyo na lang. So we’re gonna have some changes. But we love it.”
“After watching it, you’re gonna feel more involved with what happens talaga sa buhay ng Pilipino. Not just West Philippine Sea. There are other issues that happen in the country.”
Lance assured viewers that the series will not escalate the tension between the Philippines and China. He said that the series will not push the current war between the Philippines and China further. “Not at all.”
On his Leading Lady
This is the first time Lance will be paired with Ayanna. He shared, “My love interest here is Ayanna Misola. This series is the official crossover of AJ Raval and Ayanna Misola to the wholesome side of entertainment. And of course, hindi natin masisisi naman ‘yung sa social media. When I checked the poster, there were a lot of bashing, maraming mga nag-kukuwestiyon, ‘Bold ba ito? Anong klaseng mga eksena gagawin sa barko?’ Siyempre, kapit lang, ganun naman talaga. Hindi mo naman puwede ilabas lahat sa isang press release. You don’t expect the whole country to read about it. So, kami, we just continue doing what we believe in. We continue working. And then, hayaan natin manood ang mga tao. But with that, kaya ko ineencourage na manood ang mga tao and give it a chance. It might be a show that you could relate to. And it might be a show na makakatulong din sa ating lahat.”
When asked if their loveteam will be wholesome, Lance responded, “Very, very [wholesome].” He also assured viewers that Ayanna will not have any sexy scenes. “Walang-wala. Very ironic, dalawang beses lang kami nagkatrabaho ni Ayanna. Huling project namin was a Vivamax project pa.”
Lance fondly described his leading lady as if debunking preconceived notions about the actress, “Si Ayanna naman in real life, is a wholesome girl.” He shared a conversation he had with Ayanna where the former Vivamax actress said, “Ang refreshing naman, role natin is mag-on tayo pero holding hands lang tayo.” Lance commented, “I think ‘yung totoong siya relieved na hindi kailangan gawin lahat to prove na we’re together.”
Although he likes Ayanna, Lance clarified that there was no courtship involved. “Ever since naman. I got along with her during our Vivamax project.” But the actor clarified that there was no courtship involved. He said, “Ah, no. Co-star and friend lang.” When asked if he considered courting Ayanna, Lance explained, “That time naman kasi I was kinda seeing someone. Tapos ngayon, meron yata siyang partner.”
When asked if Ayanna is girlfriend material, Lance said, “Lahat naman ng tao girlfriend material. I mean, we shouldn’t have so many standards. Kasi, never tayo magkakagirlfriend ‘pag hinanap natin lahat nandun, ‘di ba? Everybody could make a good girlfriend para sa ‘kin.”
On Working with his Brother
This project is the first time he’s working with his brother Rannie. Asked to describe how their scenes were, Lance said, “Sobrang dami. Kasi si Kuya is my boss. And exciting eh, because if you follow us on social media, nakikita ng lahat ng tao kung gaano kami kaclose. At first, I was worried kasi matagal na siyang hindi nag-aartista, ‘di ba? Medyo mundo ko ito na pinasukan niya, ‘di ba? Although nauna siya sa’kin. I was wondering how to separate our brotherhood from the characters. ‘Yun pala, ‘yung galing ni Rannie sa acting way back in the ‘90s is still inside and I think even better over the years. So, when we turned on the camera, walang Kuya, walang baby brother. He’s the commander, I’m Andrew.”
He also shared how challenging it was to film the emotional scenes. “Spoiler siya but there are emotional scenes na kaming dalawa, mga pinagdadaanan sa buhay ng fighter. Siyempre, if you’re a commader, dapat matigas ka kahit may mga pinagdadaanan kang emotionally damaging. Mas madali sa akin kasi my character is a bit weak emotionally. It required a lot of commitment to the script.”
Mark your calendars for a dose of action and drama as”WPS” (West Philippine Sea) is set to release 26 episodes for Seasons 1 and 2 (airing November and December 2024). Chase Romero and Lala Vinzon will join the fray in Seasons 3, 4, 5, and 6.
“WPS” is a story of hope and resilience and proof of the power of love and unity in the face of adversity. It dives deep into the spirit of a nation determined to protect its rights and future, reminding us that even when the odds are stacked against us, the human spirit can triumph through love, determination, and collective action. It’s a call to embrace our nationalism and patriotism, to stand together for the love of our country and its people.
Catch “WPS” on Viva One, DZRH Television, and DZRH Radio starting today, November 4, 2024.
This advocacy-action series boasts a stellar cast led by AJ Raval and Aljur Abrenica, with Mossimo Scofield, Ali Forbes, Jerica Madrigal, Lala Vinzon, Roi Vinzon, Jeric Raval, Daiana Menezes, Rannie Raymundo, and Lance Raymundo joining the fight. DThe series is directed by Karlo Montero.
