Bianca Umali admits having a hard time doing comedy for 'Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss'

After having done dramas for years, Bianca Umali admitted that the upcoming romantic comedy story of "Mano Po Legacy" titled "Her Big Boss" is her most challenging project so far.

In a recent online interview with the press, the Kapuso actress said she and her character Irene Pacheco are complete opposites.

"Si Irene, talagang energetic siya, palagi siyang masaya, nakangiti, aligaga, hindi mapakali. First time ko mag-play ng gano'ng role and napakalayo sa kung sino talaga ako sa totoong buhay," she said.

["Irene is really energetic, she's always happy, smiling, hyped up, wired. It's my first time to play a role like that and it's so far from who I am in real life."]

Through this, Bianca said she was able to realize how much energy is also needed when doing comedy.

"Siguro na-underestimate ko ang meaning ng comedy. 'Di siya pahinga from drama. It’s something else. It's as good as doing a heavy drama series. Ibang animal din ang comedy," she said.

"Akala ko ang comedy, basta nakangiti ka, 'yon na 'yon. Basta tumatawa ka on screen, 'yon na 'yon. 'Di po pala. Ibang klase rin siya ng hirap, challenge, and it's not less of an effort sa pag-arte," she added.

["I thought with comedy, as long as you're smiling, that's it. As long as you're laughing on screen, that's it. It's not. It's a different kind of difficulty, challenge, and it's not less of an effort in acting."]

Trying to get into character during their lock-in tapings, Bianca said she came to appreciate her co-star Pokwang even more than before.

"Matagal ko nang napapanood 'yan at talagang nakakatawa. Nung nakasama ko siya in real life, ang sarap katrabaho. 'Yon ang tunay na nagpapasaya ng tao. Hindi lang on cam pero pati off cam."

["I have been watching her for a long time and she is so funny. When I got to be around her in real life, she's so nice to work with. She's truly giving happiness to other people. Not just on cam but also off cam."]

Apart from getting help from her co-stars and director Easy Ferrer, Bianca said she succeeded in getting into her role by watching character pegs suggested to her.

"Mano Po Legacy: Her Big Boss" circles on "Bubbly Assistant" Irene, who would have to choose between "The Geeky Boss" Richard (Ken Chan) and "The Perfect BF" Nestor (Kelvin Miranda).

It is the second installment of the "Mano Po Legacy" series after "The Family Fortune." It will premiere on March 14 at 9:45 p.m.

—MGP, GMA News