Even after three years of being a love team, Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin still find themselves discovering something new about each other every day. It’s like being part of a mystery that never really ends—a mystery that they’re more than happy to keep solving together.
That’s exactly the kind of energy they brought into this episode of the digital talk show "Are You G," where they took on the challenge of escaping a locked room in under 45 minutes. It was a real test of teamwork and mental sharpness, but it helped that they knew each other’s strengths like second nature. Seth took the lead in navigating the tasks, while Francine proved she could crack combinations like a true locksmith. By relying on each other’s instincts, they managed to beat the clock and escape successfully.
Inside the escape room, their teamwork just clicked into place. They balanced each other out, with their strengths complementing one another and their weaknesses quietly filled in by the other. They didn’t need to talk it through as they simply knew their roles. “Mas siya ’yong taga-solve, parang I just provide the solution,” Francine shared, while Seth nodded in agreement, explaining how that dynamic plays out even outside of games. “May mga problema talaga sa buhay na hindi kayang mag-isa. Kailangan mo ng tao na magpapaliwanag sa’yo, na mas makikita mo ’yong message ng pangyayaring ’yon,” he said, just before Francine finished his thought with, “Magbibigay ng clarity.”
Just like the two key clues that helped them unlock the puzzles in the room, FranSeth believes that in life, we also need external signs or people who guide us toward the right answers. And just as they approached each puzzle calmly and patiently during the challenge, they try to bring the same strategy when handling pressure in their careers. For instance, whenever a misunderstanding happens on set, they’ve learned to set aside personal issues and prioritize professionalism, knowing the work always comes first.
In a way, those locks and riddles they solved weren’t so different from the path they had to navigate early on in showbiz. Seth recalled how, after "Pinoy Big Brother Otso," he was thrust into the industry with no idea what to expect, but instead of pretending to know, he embraced the unknown and asked questions. Francine agreed, adding that she was lucky to have had her parents guide her every step of the way when she was just starting out, which made the experience less overwhelming and a lot more meaningful.
They also opened up about the pressure that comes with their work, saying they no longer see it as a burden but as a push to do better. It helps them bring their best to each project, but at the same time, they’ve learned the value of enjoying the process and allowing space for growth. As young as they are, they understand that life shouldn't revolve around showbiz alone. “Kailangan magtira ka para sa sarili mo. Unang-una, pag-aaral, family… at siyempre hindi mo dapat makalimutan ang sarili mo,” Seth mused, while Francine admitted she’s still learning how to draw that line. Having started as a child talent doing commercials before moving on to TV dramas, showbiz became almost synonymous with her life, but as she grows older, she knows she’ll want to create space for a life beyond the screen too.
Lately, they’ve also been unlocking new parts of themselves. Seth has been exploring music, and they recently walked the runway for the first time. They both prepared hard for it—adjusting their diet, working out—but between the two, Seth admitted he was more nervous. Francine helped ease his anxiety by keeping him focused and reminding him that he's ready, that he can do it well.
They also looked back on their "Dirty Linen" (2023) days, when they were just a newly-minted love team. Back then, they barely interacted off-cam. But now, working on "Sins of the Father," their bond has become stronger. And the characters they portray reflect that same growth, more layered, more mature. They find themselves gravitating toward stories with depth and weight. “Mas gusto naming gumawa ng mga bagay na may realidad… kasi nando’n ’yong maturity, eh,” Seth explained. And working with director FM Reyes feels like a milestone as the veteran director offers them a complete experience that challenges them and helps sharpen their focus as actors ready to take on bigger stories.
And just like how they’ve cracked clues and face locked doors together in this Escape Room challenge, Francine and Seth now step into each scene of “Sins of the Father” with the same teamwork.
Catch FranSeth in "Sins of the Father," weeknights, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), TV5, A2Z and iWant.