Jolina & Marvin share “secrets” to staying relevant

Three decades later after their first team-up, Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin’s chemistry remains undeniable. But it’s more than just chemistry that keeps them thriving in an ever-changing industry.

TV5’s “Mommy Guard” brings the much-awaited Marvin-Jolina reunion to the screen.

The story follows Tina (Jolina Magdangal), a devoted mother determined to give her son, Happy (Amo Wilding), a better future. After a minor traffic altercation leads to a hilariously awkward first encounter with Pio (Marvin Agustin), Tina thinks she’ll never see him again. But when she brings Happy to meet the principal of the school she hopes will give him better opportunities, she discovers that Pio is the very person she’s looking for. Unable to afford the tuition, Tina takes a job as the school guard, setting the stage for daily asaran, kulitan, family challenges, unexpected friendships and, eventually, the possibility of love.

But “Mommy Guard” is more than a love story. At its heart is a portrait of families doing their best with what they have: a mother fighting for her son’s future, a father trying to reconnect with his daughter, Kitty (Nathalie Apollo), children learning to understand their parents, and adults discovering that love and happiness come in many forms.

What is the secret to staying relevant?
In an industry where stars come and go and competition is intense, the longtime onscreen pair remains grateful for one thing: the chance to keep doing what they love and landing projects.

“Malinaw ang intensyon namin: Pasayahin ‘yung mga tao,” Agustin said.

Agustin’s advice to younger co-stars:
“Habang gumagaling kayo, habang sumisikat kayo, dapat lalo kayong mas nagiging humble.”

Perhaps, humility is one reason Agustin continues to be blessed in life.

Their bond also goes beyond the screen. The two have remained close through the years, taking pride in each other’s lives and milestones.

“We always keep in touch. Kung si Jolina proud sa mga ginagawa ko, I’m very very proud sa pagiging nanay ni Jolina. Sa pagiging isang masaya at buong pamilya na mayroon si Jolina,” Agustin shared.

“Mahal na mahal namin ang isa’t isa, mapa-personal o trabaho,” Agustin added, “I guess that’s something na hindi magbabago.”

Magdangal says playing Tina hits close to home, particularly when it comes to navigating motherhood and its challenges.

What traits did you bring to your character?
Magdangal: “Parang na-a-apply ko ‘yung pagiging nanay ng isang nagta-transition to teenager.”
“Magkalapit sila sa edad ng anak ko.”
“May transition siya, may transition din ako, sa 47 ay pa-perimenopause na or something.”

“So ang hirap. Pero dahil din du’n sa mga eksenang ginagawa ko dito, naiintindihan ko kung papaano ko siya aatakihin sa role ni Amo (Happy) at papaano ko rin gagawin pag-uwi ko sa bahay.”

For Magdangal, learning goes both ways. She continues to learn from her co-stars, especially the younger ones.

“May natututunan ako kay Amo.”

“Mommy Guard,” TV5’s latest family rom-com, premieres October 19, airing weekdays at 2:30 PM on TV5 and ABS-CBN platforms.

The cast also includes Dominic Ochoa, Roxanne Guinoo, Susan Africa, Ruby Ruiz, and many others, under the direction of Roman Perez, Jr.

Fresh, funny, and heartwarming, “Mommy Guard” offers a lighthearted afternoon escape—a show families can laugh with, relate with, and enjoy together.