“ROMANTIC aso’t pusa.” That’s how Kaori Oinuma describes her partnership with Jeremiah Lisbo in their latest project, “Halfmates,” ABS-CBN Studios’ new rom-com.
Kaori and Jeremiah happily reunite for “Halfmates,” where they get to showcase their comedic timing as Dani (Kaori), a young former OFW, and James (Jeremiah), a quiet and structured man. Their characters’ lives become intertwined after they discover they were both scammed in a double sale of their dream house.
The pair’s unexpected chemistry has developed over the years. At a recent press conference for their new show, “Pinoy Big Brother Otso” finalist Kaori admits she and Jeremiah weren’t each other’s original love team partner but eventually found their way to each other. “I think hinulma muna kami ng panahon para magsari-sarili,” she shared.
Aside from their undeniable chemistry, “Halfmates” director Raz dela Torre had nothing but praise for the two stars’ professionalism and humility.
“They’re a very good combination as actors because there’s an openness to doing the work,” he remarked. He noted how easy it was to work with Kaori and Jeremiah, who followed directions seamlessly. The director even joked about turning Kaori into a “stuntwoman” because of her willingness to try new things. “Game siya. Laging ganyan,” he revealed. “And Maya, when I give instructions, absorbs it like a sponge. That’s refreshing because some love teams get stuck in a certain way of acting, but with them, they adjust based on the story.”
Kaori and Jeremiah, in turn, lauded Direk Raz for his patience and attention to detail, which contributed to their strong on-screen chemistry.
Creative manager Arah Jell Badayos also noted that Dani and James fit Kaori and Maya’s personalities perfectly. “Sinwerte kami dun kasi bagay na bagay sa kanila ‘yung characters,” she said.
“Halfmates,” produced by RCD Narratives and written by Chie Floresca and Akeem del Rosario, will be available starting Friday, October 18, at 5:30 p.m. on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel.
