Representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) graced the preview of ABS-CBN's upcoming primetime soap opera, Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin, held last night, February 23, at the Podium.

Brig. General Jose Mabanta, spokesperson of the AFP, led the military officials who came to watch select episodes of the TV show that depicts the lives of soldiers based in a military camp and rebels residing in the mountains.

Coco Martin, Andi Eigenmann, and Martin del Rosario portray characters who recently graduated from the Philippine Military Academy while Maja Salvador is one of the rebels struggling for revolution.

Cast members of Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin who were present last night were Lorna Tolentino, Ronaldo Valdez, Amy Austria, Tonton Gutierrez, Dante Rivero, Candy Pangilinan, Ronnie Lazaro, and Boots Anson-Roa. Child stars Nash Aguas and Mica dela Cruz, who portray the younger versions of Coco and Andi, also graced the event.

John Estrada, who is scheduled to marry Priscilla Meirelles this weekend, was unable to attend the event.

The children of Ms. Lorna, Rap and Renz Fernandez, also took the time to accompany her to the occasion. Other Kapamilya stars such as Pokwang and Jessy Mendiola also came to support the primetime show that will begin airing on March 7.

BRINGING LIFE TO DUAL CHARACTERS. Coco has the tough job of portraying dual characters in this TV series. He brings life to 2nd Lt. Alexander del Tierro and a long-haired rebel soldier named Javier.

"Ito ang pinakamahirap sa lahat ng soap opera na ginampanan ko," he admits.

"Dual nga ang character ko dito. Unang-una, nagprepara ako sa role ko na military. Sobra ang training na ginawa namin dito at binantayan kami ng totoong sundalo para sa mga tamang kilos ng isang sundalo.

"Bilang rebelde naman, nag-research kami tungkol sa mga rebels. May mga kinausap kami at nag-research ako kung anong klase ang buhay nila.

"Medyo mahirap ang soap na ginagawa namin at kailangan talagang mag-aral. Hindi lang ito yung dadating ka sa set at a-acting ka lang. Kumbaga, lagi kang dapat handa."

He adds, "Pinakamahirap pag nagtatagpo ang parehong karakter ko. Kapag may fight scene, dalawang beses ko uulitin at hindi yung nag-uusap lang. Hindi ito typical na soap opera na tatlong cameras [ang gamit]. Tatlong beses ko inuulit ang eksena ko. Pag may sequence ako, times three lagi yun."

He revealed that he even worked on one scene for 14 hours.

"Minsan nga gusto ko nang umiyak sa hirap kaso wala akong magawa kasi trabaho ito at kailangan kong tapusin. May isa akong eksena, nag-start ako ng 1 p.m. at natapos ako ng 3 a.m. Ganun siya kahaba."

WALKOUT ISSUE. When asked regarding a blind item that claimed he walked out on the set of Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin, Coco explained: "Ay, wala. May isang time nasa Tanay, Rizal kami, sa Camp Capinpin. Dahil bad weather noon at malakas ang ulan, hindi na kami makapag-set up dahil dun. Naaambunan kami at sumama ang pakiramdam ko. Nagpaalam ako sa kanila na hindi ko na talaga kaya.