5 things to expect on ‘Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kwento’

The whole new “Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kwento” is coming this Saturday!

Last month, the show shared some behind-the-scenes from their lock-in taping a week after Sef Cadayona and Mikee Quintos were confirmed to portray the lead roles.

Although the original “Pepito Manaloto” series has already told a unique and heartwarming story, it has more to show this season.

1. Merging of old and new

In a June interview with GMA News Online, “Pepito Manaloto” star Michael V. said the new season would have a “broader perspective.”

The comedian and actor said it would be more “palatable” to the audience, who would notice the changes right from the pilot episode.

“Its color is different, very colorful since the ’80s is very colorful,” he said in English and Filipino.

2. Pepito and Elsa’s love story

When “Pepito Manaloto” aired in 2010, viewers saw Pepito and Elsa as a loving couple who eventually built a wonderful family of four.

Were they always in love from the beginning? With “Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kwento,” viewers would get to see how the couple’s love story grew.

“It’s time for them to know where and how it began. How was Pepito and Elsa before? Was he always a nice person?” Manilyn said in Filipino.

Apart from focusing on their characters’ younger days, the show will also show more of the supporting characters’ lives, including that of Pepito’s best friend Patrick.

3. ‘That ’70s Show’ vibe

When asked if the new season would be like the series “How I Met Your Mother,” Michael V. said it was “more like ‘Young Sheldon’ [and] ‘That ‘70s Show.’”

They highlighted, however, that they made sure to keep that Filipino flavor intact.

“I cannot say but the story and look are still very unique to the world of Pepito so I think some elements are deliberately borrowed from those shows,” Michael V. said.

“But that’s just about it. The flavor—it’s still very much Pinoy. Even the experiences of Pepito and Elsa are still Pinoy because it’s set in the ’80s.”

4. Humor instilled in family values

Of course, the show wouldn’t be “Pepito Manaloto” if it weren’t for the values and laughs it gave to each Filipino household.

The actors said those elements would still be very much represented in the new season.

“At the heart of every ‘Pepito Manaloto’ episode is the humor and family values. That’s the main theme so even if there are political colors, it’s very very slight,” Michael V. said.

5. Actors’ own experiences

According to Michael V. and Manilyn, most of the scenes are based on their own experiences, just like in previous seasons.

“Us and the creative team prefer to do stories based on reality. Not just from the actors’ lives, but also from the staff, crew, and those in the creatives,” Michael V. said.

Citing the “inevitable” EDSA Revolution in 1986, Michael V. said his and John Feir’s (Patrick) parents participated in it.

Those parts of history, as well as other relevant social issues, will be touched on in the new season by the new cast and characters.

“Pepito Manaloto: Ang Unang Kwento” will premiere on July 17, Saturday. – RC, GMA News