Years after ‘teen romance,’ Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo hope to pick up where they left off

Heaven Peralejo (left) and Marco Gallo

It was no secret that Marco Gallo had a crush on Heaven Peralejo during their time in the “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) house in 2016. But nothing really came of it. Before long, they lost touch with each other.

Seven years later, they crossed paths anew—this time, for Viva Entertainment’s romantic drama series “The Rain in España.” And they must admit, things were a little awkward between them at first.

“I didn’t really know how to talk to him the first few times I was with him. I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Is he still the same person I knew before?’” Heaven told the Inquirer at a recent press conference for the said show, which is now available on the streaming platform Viva One.

It was Marco who eventually broke the ice. “I just showed her my [real] self, like, ‘This is who I am now. This is what I can offer,’” Marco told the Inquirer. “I sent her a message after I learned that we would be doing a project. I like that we’re working together.”

As the filming days wore on, the two realized that they’re still the same people who shared a special bond under the “PBB” roof — just older and more mature.

“I see him in a different light this time around. Of course, there’s maturity. He’s such a gentleman… so hardworking,” Heaven said of Marco, whose stern countenance may give off an air of aloofness.

“If you don’t know him, you would think he’s a serious person. That’s the aura he gives off. But once you discover the things that stir him up, you will see his humor. There were times on the set when we couldn’t start taping, because we just kept laughing at our inside jokes. He makes us laugh,” she added.

Marco also discovered new things about Heaven.

“I did recognize her, but a mature version. And while working with her, I saw how supportive she was, which is one of the most important things for me. I don’t like drama… that kind of stuff. She gives me what I need on the set. And the only thing I can do is to make her happy on the set as well,” he said.

Their conversations now no longer just revolve around “surface-level” matters. “Now, we can openly talk about our life, our dreams and goals,” Heaven said.

It’s apparent they have been enjoying each other’s company. In fact, they “bring out the best in each other,” Heaven said.

Do they see themselves picking up where they left off? “There’s beauty in taking things slow. I love getting to know her a little more every day at work, finding out what annoys her, what makes her smile, what makes her happy when she’s tired,” Marco said. “Why the rush?”

Directed by Theodore Boborol, “The Rain in España” is a 10-part adaptation of author Gwy Saludes’ popular Wattpad novel of the same title. The story follows Luna, a perky and persistent architecture student who falls in love with Kalix (Marco), a rich and smart legal management student. Their young romance ends abruptly when Kalix’s fidelity is put in question.

They go their separate ways and pursue their respective dreams. Luna becomes the head architect of her family’s real estate business while Kalix now owns a law firm, which happens to be hired by Luna’s parents as a legal counsel for their firm. She still remembers her feelings for him but now they must face each other and deal with their personal regrets.

“Kung iba ang partner ko, siguro may kulang. He takes care of me. And I’m really happy to work with him,” Heaven said, adding that their shared sense of humor helped heighten their on-screen chemistry. “We were friends in ‘PBB, ’ so it helped that we have the same humor. Our personalities complement each other.”

Marco admitted that he still has a lot to learn as an actor. That’s why he appreciates Heaven’s support and patience on the set.

“We rehearsed thoroughly because we wanted to give this project our best. We worked really hard for this,” Marco stressed. “We’re on the same page in terms of our dreams. And I believe this series has some of the best work I have done. It didn’t even feel like we were working, because there was a lightness on the set.”

“What also helped us is that we know each other, and the chemistry is undeniable,” he added. INQ

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