A week after “2 Good 2 Be True” aired its finale, Kathryn Bernardo still has strong sepanx with her co-star and idol Ronaldo Valdez. The lead star uploaded photos and videos of them together in an appreciation post, along with a long and heartfelt letter dedicated to the veteran actor.
The clips showed what appeared to be their last scene together and Valdez wrapping up his character Hugo “Lolo Sir” Agcaoili. Meanwhile, Bernardo opened her letter with a disclaimer: “long post ahead!”
“My dearest Lolo Sir, I don’t know where to begin…but maybe let’s start with a fun fact,” she began. Then, Kathryn immediately admitted to being one of Ronaldo’s biggest fans. “I’ve been your greatest fan since Cede and Munting Paraiso. Whenever people asked me, ‘Sinong dream mo makatrabaho?’, my immediate answer would be ‘Mr. Ronaldo Valdez’.”
As the two finally began working together in the hit series, the ABS-CBN star felt like it was an answered prayer. “Fast forward to 2021, it seemed like God answered my prayer because you agreed to do this project with us,” she said before opening up about her excitement from the very first day of taping. She continued, “You probably have no idea how much it meant to me and how excited I was. On our first day, for our first-ever scene together, I was sooo nervous! I tried to remain as calm as possible, and started to make [some] small talk with you in between setups (I’m not sure if you noticed that).”
Bernardo was persistent in trying to get close to Valdez, until she finally did. “End of cycle 1, I really wanted to ask you for a photo but I was too shy. So I told myself, bawi na lang ako in the next one! I tried to get to know you day by day, cycle by cycle, then whoosh! We just clicked,” she shared enthusiastically. She also revealed the things they bonded with: “I had no idea you were as matakaw and into sweets just like me! And oops, pareho din tayo iyakin. Hahaha!”
Apparently, she was starstruck around him even though she was big in the industry herself. “God knows how much I enjoyed doing every scene with such a brilliant and genuine actor like you, Tito Ron. Sometimes, I need to wake myself back [up] to reality because I realize nanonood nalang ako sayo sa scene,” she recalled. “I remember doing this one scene with you (Lolo Sir appointing Ali to be his legal guardian). As I was preparing, I had no idea that you were waiting for me via zoom to give me much-needed support for that very special scene. You delivered your lines virtually as we shot the scene just to be sure I deliver the right emotions.”
“You have no idea how much I appreciate that, Tito Ron. Ali wouldn’t be effective without Lolo Sir,” Kathryn expressed her gratitude. “I wouldn’t have been able to do every single scene if not for your support.”
She then went on to reminisce about their moments together off-screen. “So funny na we got to the point where we say ‘blah, blah, blah’ just to control our emotions during rehearsals. I love how much you surprise us every scene kung ano gagawin mo and we just ride along. I appreciate our random talks about life (including your love life, your experiences, your favorite food, and so much more,” she listed.
“You trusted me fully and I will always be grateful for that. You showed us who you really are behind the ‘veteran actor’ people know you as, and we just loved you even more,” Kathryn added.
Once again, she gets emotional realizing that their time together in the project has come to an end. “I didn’t expect to be so close to you. Thank you, thank you… I’m crying (again) as I compose this message because I realize this is it. It’s finally over.”
“I won’t get to see and hear your laugh every morning. I won’t get to hug you as often. I won’t be able to hear Nieva coming to me saying ‘ano daw snacks mo, sabi ng lolo mo?’ I won’t be hearing Deej telling me, ‘huwag kung ano-anong pinapakain mo kay Tito Ron! ‘Yan ka nanaman’. I won’t get to go to your dressing room just to hug you whenever I feel sleepy or moody. I won’t be able to help you with your phone anymore whenever you get confused. I won’t get to eat all the yummy meals with you as often. I won’t get to do scenes with my favorite person anymore,” she cried.
“BUT, as they always say–no goodbyes,” Kathryn stayed positive. “The memories we shared for a year will always be in my heart. You know that I will always be here for you, right? Kung makulit si Ali, mas makulit si Kath. I will always protect you and check on you (because we always want what’s best for you). Seeing you happy makes us all happy (I’m saying this on behalf of your ‘trusted circle’).”
Finally, she concluded: “I love you so much, my Lolo Sir! Alipot and Kath are both lucky to have experienced this journey with you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Tito Ron. You are the lolo I never had.”
View this post on Instagram
With 56 years in the industry and counting, the father of actor-comedian, TV host, and singer Janno Gibbs and Melissa Gibbs considers “2 Good 2 Be True” as “one for the books” for his newfound family and well-received portrayal of his character.
What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments.
Do you want us to feature your business, story, or video? Email me at gizelle.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send me a direct message at When In Manila Gizelle on Facebook. To keep up with the latest news, join our Viber group!
