Lovi Poe deglamorized in ‘Titser’

MANILA, Philippines – Lovi Poe as a struggling barrio pupil? Yes.

Enter the remote and muddy set of “Titser,” GMA’s new original series, in a special-behind the-scenes primer episode airing Sunday, August 4, on GMA News TV Channel 11.

Interviewed on the set in Boso Boso, Antipolo, “Titser’s” lead Lovi Poe said she has never until this point tackled a more challenging role.

“The truth is, this is the most difficult role I have portrayed [so far]. Kailangan kasing bigyang hustisya dahil para sa mga teachers ito, pero ang hirap pala magturo,” the actress said. (One should give justice to this role because this is for the teachers. I realize that teaching is difficult.)

One particular difficulty among the actors who prepared for their roles in this serye was simplifying the math lessons. 

“Titser” also required Lovi to shoot in the rain and walk long distances in the rugged countryside. 

“We have a scene here where I have to climb hills and cross rivers. And the bathroom was so far away!” Lovi shares with a laugh.

With this project, Lovi is evidently branching out from her sexy image. In Joel Lamangan’s competing entry in the upcoming Sineng Pambansa festival, “Lihis,” she plays the wife of an activist-guerrilla who discovers his affair with another man.

In “Titser,” she plays the lead Michelle – the smartest student in her high school class who dreams of teaching but has no means to get to college. 

“Titser” is her first television project. Lovi has signed a new, 3-year exclusive contract with GMA. 

Joining Lovi in the series are award-winning indie-film actress Mara Lopez, who plays her best friend-turned-rival; singer-actress Agot Isidro as the favorite teacher in the barrio’s school, and acclaimed stage and screen actress Irma Adlawan as the unpopular principal. 

Also in the cast are Kapuso actors Rocco Nacino, Mikael Daez, Carl Guevarra, and Gardo Versoza.

“Titser” highlights the prevalent public concerns in education – including corruption, the lack of good teachers, the high dropout rate, and the reality of many among the youth going only as far as secondary education.

The series is inspired by Sandra Aguinaldo’s “I-Witness” documentary, parts of which will also be shown in the primer special. – Rappler.com

Here’s an interview with Lovi Poe about “Titser”:

‘Behind the Scenes of ‘Titser” airs Sunday, August 4, 7:15 p.m. on GMA News TV Channel 11. The actual ‘Titser’ series begins the following Sunday, August 11, also at 7:15 p.m.