Actor Anthony Jennings is grateful to his fellow Filipino co-stars in the iWant original series, Nurse the Dead.
Speaking during the media conference for Kyukyu Ramen 99 brand film, Anthony opened up about working on the US-based supernatural workplace comedy alongside several Filipino actors now residing in the United States.
“Feeling ko nasa Manila shoot din ako kasi buti na lang may mga Filipino co-actors ako doon kasi kakabahan ako if ako lang mag-isa so medyo nakakagaan din siya ng loob na may mga iba akong kasama,” Anthony said.
While filming abroad gave him the opportunity to explore some of California’s popular attractions, the Kapamilya actor admitted that work remained his priority throughout the production.
“Yung shoot namin doon from Monday hanggang Thursday lang so may Friday, Saturday, Sunday na pwede kami maggala. Nakapunta kami sa Disneyland or Universal pero kahit nakakagala kami nagbabasa pa rin kami script kasi need na memorize ng sobra kasi English siya na straight lines,” he admitted.
Anthony said preparing for the role required extra focus, especially since the series centers on Filipino nurses working abroad and the challenges they face while living far from home.
The actor also spoke highly of his veteran Filipino co-stars, including Tootsie Guevarra, Ruby Rodriguez, and Princess Punzalan.
“Sobrang gagaling nila. Yung rhythm ng comedy nila, yung rhythm ng eksena nila, American style na per nandoon pa rin yung pusong Pinoy nila,” Anthony said.
Beyond the performances, Anthony said he gained a deeper appreciation for a different style of comedy while working on the project.
“Marami akong natutunan sa kanila. Sa America, iba yung humor nila kasi sa atin may pagka-OA. Doon narealize ko na yung pagiging authentic na normal lang siya kahit binabato yung linya o nagpapatawa lang kaya may mga natutunan ako,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anthony described his year as a blessed one, especially with more projects and work coming his way following the controversy he was caught in alongside former onscreen partner Maris Racal and his then-girlfriend Jamela Villanueva.
“Everything is going well. I’m blessed right now kasi maraming blessing na pumapasok pa rin. I’m on a good path and mayroon po akong project na ginawa sa US yung Nurse The Dead and may mga upcoming film,” Anthony said. “Sa ngayon may pinaghahandaan pa ako na hindi pa pwede sabihin. May indie film din ako na ilalabas soon.”
READ: Anthony Jennings on cheating controversy: ‘Naka-move on na ako’
Despite the ups and downs he has faced, Anthony said he remains focused on moving forward and appreciating where he is today.
“As much as alam mo naman sa sarili mo na you are a good person talaga, everything will follow. Ako, masaya ako kung nasaan ako and happy and content ako,” he said.