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Jerry Donato - The Philippine Star
June 19, 2025 | 12:00am
Given his body of work on small and big screens,it can be said that Gabby Concepcion has essayed father and lover roles in various forms over the years. But the seasoned actor finds his father-lover character named Robert in “My Father’s Wife” still new.
“It’s an interesting role, I have never done it before,” said Gabby in a group interview with print media, including The STAR. “I don’t think I have. It’s a new avenue to explore.”
One has to follow every episode of “My Father’s Wife,” which premieres on June 23 at 2:30 p.m., to see the stark contrast of Gabby’s new character to his previously done roles.
About the bits and pieces of the character that will initially be revealed to the audience, Gabby said Robert’s endearment to Betsy, played by Kazel Kinouchi, the best friend of Gina (Kylie Padilla’s character), is brought about by chance or fate. Gina is Robert’s daughter.
“Parang yung role niya hindi siya naghanap, dumating lang kasi (it seems that Robert is not looking for a new love. The opportunity just presents itself),” said Gabby, who last appeared in the GMA Prime family drama, fantasy and sci-fi “My Guardian Alien.”
Robert’s wife has died and he’s not ready for a romantic relationship.
However, he added, “Sometimes, we get lonely. Just like an ordinary human being, you get lonely. At kung sino yung madalas mong kasama, kung minsan dun ka na-de-develop (sometimes you develop feelings for the person you are with most of the time) and that’s what happens here.”
What will surprise Robert is the well-planned and orchestrated intention of Betsy to enter into his family life: the reason is retaliation or revenge. Gabbi shared it makes the story interesting, leaving the questions to the viewers: “Who is that revenge for and why?”
Another veteran, Snooky Serna, is taking on a role, which Gabby describes as significant.
“Snooky is not going to play a very long role but it establishes her presence,” said he, who is working for the first time with most of the cast members, except Snooky. Gabby also worked with director Aya Topacio, but the latter was in a different role or capacity.
He added that collaborating with this new set of stars or ensemble cast is like starting from scratch, which is also nice because “wala ka pang dating role na ginawa with them (you haven’t done any role with them). So, bagong paghahanap ng (it’s another way of finding of) who are you, what are you going to do, how is the relationship with this and that (person) and I love it,” said he.
One can compare it to starting anew and expanding the acting horizons. Gabby also acknowledged the good side of working with former colleagues, especially if the previous show did well in the ratings game.
“I get to work with them again,” said he. “It would be nice.”
Following his train of thought, one could say that the story should pique Gabby’s interest like the relatable one that audiences will get hold of in “My Father’s Wife.
“First of all, the story is very important,” said he, adding that whoever the production team taps to star in it, as long as the story has a bite, televiewers will watch and follow it. If something is lacking, the story requires some tweaking or fine-tuning.
“There are scriptwriters and directors that as you go on, napapaganda yung script (they can improve the script and make it better),” recalled he. “Wala naman talagang ano, na built-in na gawa na ang lahat (there’s no such a thing as everything is already built-in). Lahat yan ay unti-unting di-ne-develop (all is gradually being developed).”
After his first reading of the “My Father’s Wife” story, Gabby thought to himself, “Pwede (alright). It’s interesting. So, here we are… our writers are very good anyway. We’re very confident na ganun ang mangyayari.”
As an actor, Gabby appreciates the creative space given to them in sharing ideas and inputs.
“Yes, I’m very thankful that GMA listens to our suggestions kasi sa ikagaganda lang naman yun (since they are all to make the story better),” said he. “Now if they feel that it’s not appropriate, then, of course, you understand that. Alam mo kung saan sila pupunta. Meron silang ibang goal (you know where they want to take the story and they have a different goal).”
“The story revolves around a lot of characters. It doesn’t just revolve around or is about my character,” added he. “That’s what makes it interesting. There are sub-plots, hindi katulad nung araw kung tatlo lang kayo, tatlo lang kayo (unlike in the past, if there are three main characters, the story will only be about them). Many characters are involved, which makes the story interesting.”
