Two weeks since it was uploaded on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s official YouTube Channel, “The Four Bad Boys and Me” is still going strong, as it now reaches over 2 million views!
And ahead of its premiere last July 31, its stars, Anji Salvacion and Brent Manalo, appeared in an episode of Kapamilya Chat, wherein they enthusiastically talked about their unforgettable experiences while working on the film.
The interview commenced with the two promising artists conveying how they feel about the then-highly anticipated premiere of ABS-CBN Studios’ first-ever original movie exclusively created for YouTube.
Brent, who makes viewers swoon as the laid-back best friend Shawn Lucas Dela Fuente, said that he was actually very happy that it would be finally out 10 months since they started filming it in September 2024 and that those who had been waiting for it would be able to see it.
Meanwhile, Anji, enthused about how she was still in utter disbelief that the role of the nerdy and awkward lead female protagonist Candice Gonzales in the book series of the same title, which she also used to read in her younger years, was entrusted to her.
“For me, it feels so surreal and, at the same time, it’s such a dream na one of the books that I'd been reading in my childhood, [nagampanan] ko ‘yong lead character. So, I'm excited and, at the same time, excited din akong i-share ‘yong mga lessons and ‘yong mga challenges na na-experience ko,” she stated.
When asked to describe the film without spoiling it, Anji said that it would definitely be filled with kilig and excitement, with Brent adding that it would also tackle family, friendships, and different kinds of pain.
Aside from it being an adaptation of the well-loved Wattpad series, Anji and Brent confessed that they, along with the rest of the “The Four Bad Boys and Me” ensemble, were actually pressured to give justice to the story and all the characters. So, even though most of them are quite new in the industry, they really made sure to give their best performance.
With regard to their preparations in portraying their respective characters, Anji shared that she actually reread the book although she already knew and read it before, not to mention that she’s a fan, too, of the author.
“In-analyze ko talaga si Candice kasi hindi naman ako ‘yong tipo ng tao na kapag nabu-bully, parang tumitiklop. Pero siya kasi, may times na tumitiklop siya, nagpapadala siya sa emosyon,” she related. “‘Yong preparation ko, parang inisip ko si Candice na kung totoong tao siya, ano kaya ‘yong mararamdaman niya sa mga nangyayari sa paligid niya, sa mga bullying na ginagawa sa kanya?”
As she delved into her character, Anji related that she actually got further inspired by the optimism and strength radiated by Candice, as she opted to remain resolute, strong, and cheerful amidst the bullying that she had experienced.
For his character Shawn, Brent related that he actually did a lot of research, through which he found out that he was supposed to appear in Book 2 of the series. He searched for some of Shawn’s famous lines from the book on TikTok, which truly helped him embody him.
When it comes to working with the rest of the cast, Brent revealed, “Ang saya lang sa set since pare-pareho kami ng edad, we’re all in our 20s. Mas madaling makatrabaho kasi hindi na kami ‘yong nahihiya sa isa’t isa dahil magkakakilala na rin kami talaga even before working for this project.”
He added, “Ang saya rin kasi naglolokohan din kahit ang ikli lang no’ng oras na nakapag-shoot kami. Minsan nagkikita kami sa labas, nagpla-plano talaga kami ng moments para makapag-bond kami.”
As she took her turn to speak, Anji couldn’t help herself from getting emotional as she imparted how this film is proof that whatever’s meant for you will never pass you by nor miss your timeline. It was easy for her to step out of her comfort zone or bubble because her colleagues made her feel good and comfortable, which she considered a huge blessing and an answered prayer.
Aside from Brent and Anji, “The Four Bad Boys and Me” also stars Gelo Rivera, River Joseph, Harvey Bautista, Dustine Mayores, AC Bonifacio, Analain Salvador, Gela Alonte, and Krystal Brimner. Keep showing your love and support to them by watching the movie exclusively on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s official YouTube channel and iWant!