Bea Binene has made her comeback to teleserye acting with TV5’s latest series "Totoy Bato." This marks her debut drama on the Kapatid Network and also her first project since joining Viva Artists Agency. In the show, she plays Emerald Espejo, Totoy’s childhood companion who leads a hidden existence as a secret operative.
The action-drama show stars Kiko Estrada in the lead role of Totoy Bato. Directed by Albert Langitan, who previously directed "Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa" for TV5, this series broadcasts from Monday through Friday at 7:15 p.m. on TV5’s TodoMax Primetime Singko block. It can be viewed again later the same day at 8 p.m. on the Sari Sari Channel.
“I’m back into a series once more since moving to Viva,” shared Bea. “Previously, I was with my original network (GMA Network) for 18 years. I began performing in teleseryes from a young age, and I believe my last one was before the pandemic hit. Therefore, this is my first series after quite some time.”
In September 2022, the 27-year-old actress joined Viva Artists Agency.
She expressed gratitude towards the project but also acknowledged it feels "somewhat new" to her. "In my past place, I was accustomed to working on a series. It's quite uncharted territory now, yet certainly inspiring and exciting. As usual, we consistently hope for the best outcomes and always aim for favorable results."
The ex-"StarStruck Kids" contestant mentioned that each professional chance presented to her is considered a blessing, and "Totoy Bato" falls into this category as well.
"All labor is a blessing. If both the timeline and concept meet my standards, I'll take it. To me, each assignment isn’t merely about what reaches the audience; many things happen out of sight from behind the scenes," she stated.
So if everything is alright, we will express our gratitude repeatedly because with each task assigned, you receive a fresh opportunity, trust, and affection. Ultimately, this should be reciprocated to the audience.
And so, she expresses her deep happiness and gratitude towards Viva. "Whenever people inquire about my move to another talent agency, I explain that it was due to opportunities for career advancement and gaining more experiences. Plus, I am now working as a freelancer."
So once more, this is an entirely new world. I will gain more knowledge, experience many things, and yet again, this is a gift, making me grateful.
Bea remained tight-lipped regarding the romantic developments for her character within the series. However, the trailer hints at a potential love triangle involving Kiko's Totoy and Diego Loyzaga's Dwayne Perez, an erstwhile childhood companion of Totoy who later becomes his rival in the story.
Bea and Kiko have collaborated before at GMA Network on shows like "Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts," "Mulawin vs. Ravena," and more, as well as in Viva Films' "Will You Be My Ex?" alongside Diego.
It’s always an honor" for Bea to team up with Kiko. "It brings me joy. It’s nothing new to me. We’ve met before... That was ages back and folks evolve, they transform, so now I’m excited to work not only with Kiko but also with everyone else in the cast."
She characterized Kiko as "highly concentrated, dynamic, and receptive" when working together.
She mentioned that performing opposite Diego "is always effortless." She said he greeted both her and her mother, adding that she feels at ease collaborating with him.
Bea had already been acquainted with Diego through his aunt, Bing Loyzaga, before they started collaborating. She mentioned, "Even though we just met recently, I've heard so much about you. It feels as if I already knew you."
Bea, Kiko, and Diego will be joined in "Totoy Bato" by Cindy Miranda, Nonie Buencamino, Art Acuña, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Mon Confiado, Eula Valdez, and additional cast members.
The series draws inspiration from Carlo J. Caparas' iconic comic book character and the 1977 film featuring the renowned Fernando Poe Jr.
The television version traces the path of Totoy Bato within the realm of Pook Paraiso. It presents him as an audacious guardian for his neighborhood, armed with his formidable "kamao" and unwavering spirit. When confronting formidable adversaries, Totoy’s adventure forces him to dismantle immense barriers and battle his internal conflicts.
"Totoy Bato" is produced by MavenPro, Sari Sari Network Inc., and Studio Viva.