Discover how Kate Alejandrino and Iana Bernardez come to eventually embrace the character, although they both have reservations in the beginning.
What makes this stage adaptation of “Endo,” the 2007 Cinemalaya film directed by Jade Castro, especially intriguing are its two alternates—Kate Alejandrino and Iana Bernardez.
Both actresses portray Candy, Leo’s ex-girlfriend. “I like to describe Candy as a little firecracker or an ipo-ipo (hurricane),” Kate said with a laugh. “She is larger than life, someone who dreams of a better life for herself.”
Iana offered her own take: “Candy is a survivor. She’s a fighter. Her method might be different from Tanya and Leo, but she’s just trying to navigate and survive in the way she knows how. Candy’s energy pulls you in—she makes you feel good and happy, and you want to take care of her because she shows you the same care.
“But Candy is sincere and honest. She doesn’t fool people to get what she wants, though she can be flippant because she remains unanchored and emotionally transient. Still, you’ll see yourself in her—your restlessness, your worldliness, your childishness—and you’ll love that about her.”
Time to explore
Both actresses knew they had to explore ways to create impact—not just for audiences, but for themselves.
Although Kate had heard about the stage adaptation, she admitted she wasn’t eager to return to theater, especially as she was eyeing a comeback through The IdeaFirst Live’s “Anino sa Likod ng Buwan.” It was executive producer Meann Espinosa who nudged her to audition. “Wala pa naman akong ginagawa. Sure. Why not?” she recalled, eventually agreeing to a reading.
Iana, meanwhile, was also encouraged by Espinosa. “It’s my first time doing theater, and since they invited me, they may have seen something in me. So I said yes.”
Hesitations in getting through the process
After their readings, both had second thoughts.
Kate, now a new mom, found herself torn. “I want to be a hands-on mom. Iba pa rin ‘yong ikaw ang nag-aalaga sa anak mo. But there is still this huge importance to keep a part of yourself there, while I’m in this new role.” It was her husband, Cedrick Juan, who encouraged her to take on the challenge.
Iana admitted it was the rehearsals that intimidated her. “Natakot ako at first kasi movement rehearsals. To the point na, ‘Di na lang ako pupunta on that day itself.’” Still, she pushed through. “Mapapahiya lang naman ako kay Ate Meann at sa mga kakilala ko. At least na-experience ko,” she said with a smile.
Armed with experience
Both actresses come in with solid acting backgrounds.
Kate, a Philippine High School for the Arts alumna, last appeared onstage in “Kanser @35: The Musical” in 2015. She has since built a steady screen career, appearing in “Pira-Pirasong Paraiso,” “A Mother’s Vengeance,” and films such as “Ten Little Mistresses,” “ConMom,” “Baka Doon sa Buwan,” and “Three Words.”
Iana, daughter of actress Angel Aquino, has also made her mark, winning Best Actress for “Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus” and Best Supporting Actress for “Metamorphosis.”
The two previously worked together in “Ten Little Mistresses,” and now reunite onstage in the Liza Magtoto–written, Melvin Lee–directed adaptation of “Endo.”
“Iana and I have been friends for such a long time. We lovingly call each other ‘roomie’ because we were roommates when we filmed ‘Ten Little Mistresses,’” Kate shared. “I feel very lucky that this time, we get to share the same role and support each other.”
Iana echoed the sentiment: “I’m eternally grateful to be an alternate with Kate for Candy. She has been such a pillar in my discovery of theater and self… It is simply a gift to be doing this with Kate.”
“Endo” is presented by Ticket2Me and PETA Plus, running from April 10 to May 10 at the PETA Theater Center.
Candy is sincere and honest. She doesn’t fool people to get what she wants, though she can be flippant because she remains unanchored and emotionally transient. Still, you’ll see yourself in her.
Iana Bernardez
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