Sharon Cuneta, Janice de Belen develop special bond on 'Saving Grace'

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It might be a surprise to some, but Sharon Cuneta and Janice de Belen — two veteran actresses who started early in show business — had never worked together until the hit series "Saving Grace."

With their ‘Saving Grace’ co-stars (from left) Elisse Joson, Julia Montes, Sam Milby and Eric Fructuoso.

Janice de Belen

However, this would be hard to tell, as onscreen, they performed so seamlessly that it seemed they had memorized each other's acting style — something typically developed by artists who have collaborated for years. Offscreen, they had nothing but praise for each other.

"I really salute Janice," Cuneta said, praising her co-star de Belen at the show's recent media conference.

"I have to say we work well together," de Belen replied.

With their ‘Saving Grace’ co-stars (from left) Elise Joson, Julia Montes, Sam Milby and Eric Fructoso.

For their followers, seeing the two onscreen carries more weight, given their shared past. Before Cuneta's relationship with Gabby Concepcion turned from reel to real in the '80s, the actor was in a relationship with de Belen.

In a 2024 interview with Snooky Serna on the latter's YouTube channel, de Belen admitted that their history with Concepcion caused an issue, but it was quickly resolved. Cuneta even apologized publicly to de Belen, who gladly accepted it. And when de Belen faced criticism for having a child with matinee idol Aga Muhlach early on in their careers, Cuneta was there to support her.

"I know many people were waiting to see us together. So I said, 'Let's show them that we're okay,' because we really are okay [in real life]. It was really good working with her," de Belen said.

"I don't know if it's justified on screen, but in real life, when you're in a scene with Janice, her eyes speak volumes. I even told her, 'I get lost in your eyes.' She's incredibly talented," Cuneta noted.

First released on Prime Video in late 2024, "Saving Grace" will be available in an extended version on free TV beginning March 3. The series tells the story of teacher Anna (Julia Montes), who encounters Grace (Zia Grace), a young girl abused by her mother, Sarah (Jennica Garcia), and stepfather, Chito (Christian Bables). Determined to protect Grace, Anna sacrifices her dreams, only to be mistaken for her abductor.

The plot thickens as Sarah turns to Miranda Valdez (Cuneta), a renowned public service host and advocate for mothers, to help locate her missing daughter. Adding layers of intrigue and emotional depth, the series features de Belen as Anna's mother, Helena, and Sam Milby as journalist Julius, creating a dynamic ensemble cast.

One of the most talked-about scenes when the series first aired on the streaming platform was the confrontation between de Belen and Cuneta, where the two exchanged hard slaps.

At the latest media conference, the two acting icons shared that they were given the option to use trick shots to avoid hurting each other in real life.

"Janice and I are both old school. We grew up in the business together, so we knew that a heavy scene must be acted out in the most authentic way. It would be more awkward if we had to fake it. The director asked us, and we said yes at the same time," Cuneta said.

Cuneta and de Belen then shared that they meticulously prepared for the emotionally intense and physically demanding scene — from memorizing their scripts individually to rehearsing their lines together and practicing their blocking.

"When there's a slapping scene, you want to get it in one take because you're actually hurting someone. Let's stop pretending because honestly, it really hurts sometimes. You don't want a second take because that means repeating it — you'll get hurt, and so will the other person. You try to make sure you give your best in that scene," de Belen explained.

Filming this scene and working together on "Saving Grace" not only strengthened their professional bond but also helped them connect on a personal level.

"This was the first time we really had a chance to talk and share stories. And we realized we have a lot in common, not just in work but in real life too — our interests and all that. When I found out, I got kilig [giddy]," Cuneta revealed.

Directed by FM Reyes and Dolly Dulu and produced by Dreamscape Entertainment, "Saving Grace: The Untold Story" will feature new emotional confrontations and gripping scenes. It will also delve deeper into the lives of four different mothers, played by Valdez, de Belen, Montes and Cuneta, and the emotional struggles they encounter when secrets from their past unravel.

"Saving Grace: The Untold Story" will air weeknights, beginning Monday, March 3, at 9:30 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live.