From Vivamax to public service: Roman Perez Jr. directs innovative health sitcom with Doc Larry Sembrano

“Itanong Natin Kay Doc Larry” blends storytelling and medical advice to reach everyday Filipinos beyond typical online health content.

Director Roman Perez Jr., known for his provocative films on the Vivamax platform, is taking a sharp turn into public service, without leaving storytelling behind. 

Teaming up with family physician Dr. Larry Sembrano, he is co-creating “Itanong Natin Kay Doc Larry,” an innovative online program that merges situational comedy and drama with practical medical guidance for the masses.

Unlike typical YouTube health content that relies on straightforward advice, the show uses narrative storytelling by turning real-life medical scenarios into relatable, engaging episodes. The goal: make health information more accessible, especially to Filipinos who may not actively seek out medical content.

For Doc Larry, the project is a natural extension of his life’s work. A family medicine specialist who helps run Our Lady of Grace Hospital in Caloocan, he says fulfillment comes from helping patients live longer, healthier lives, something money can’t replace.

To expand that mission, he partnered with Perez to bring medical education online in a more engaging format.

“There was a time I met Direk Roman over coffee,” Dr. Sembrano recalled. “Nasabi niya na wala na ‘yong ‘Salamat Dok,’ na dati talagang tumatak sa medical community. Sabi ko, ‘Paano kaya kung gumawa tayo ng something like that?’ Sagot niya, mas maganda kung may narrative para ma-target natin ang majority ng Filipino.”

That narrative-driven approach became the backbone of the show. Perez explained: “Gusto sana niya magkaroon ng programa sa YouTube at social media. I suggested, bakit hindi narrative—situational comedy or situational drama—na may health advocacy? Para makuha natin ang masa. Hindi lang siya ‘yong usual na payo-payo online. Ang dami nang gumagawa noon.”

Currently, the team has completed six episodes tackling common illnesses seen daily in emergency rooms—hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, animal bites, dengue, and leptospirosis.

“Depende sa magiging takbo, sana makakuha kami ng sponsors para magtuloy-tuloy,” Dr. Sembrano said. “We’re also planning a podcast to support the narrative, featuring our medical staff.”

What sets the show apart

What sets the show apart further is how topics are chosen. According to Perez, the team relies on research and community-based data.

“Base ito sa data at hospital records, kung ano ang pinaka-common sa community, lalo na sa barangays,” he said. “Kung ano ang madalas itanong ng tao, iyon ang tina-tackle namin. Sigurado kaming relevant ito sa audience.”

Beyond education, the show also reflects a deeper social reality: the struggle of accessing healthcare in the Philippines.

“Talagang mahirap magkasakit,” Sembrano said. “Kung maayos lang sana ang sistema at mabawasan ang corruption, malaki ang maitutulong ng PhilHealth. Baka dumating pa sa point na maging libre ang healthcare.”

Perez added that this reality is also explored in the series. “Sinasabi nga na bawal magkasakit ang mahihirap,” he said. “Kasi pipili sila: pagkain ba o pagpapagamot? ‘Yong health nila ang nasasakripisyo. Ito ‘yong gusto naming tugunan sa project.”

Offering free, accessible medical information

Through “Itanong Natin Kay Doc Larry,” the duo hopes to bridge that gap by offering free, accessible medical information, and even consultation, through digital platforms.

“Libre ito. May consultation kay Doc Larry at sa ibang doctors ng Our Lady of Grace Hospital,” Perez shared. “Gusto rin naming hikayatin ang ibang doctors na tumulong. Kasi kadalasan, ang healthcare negosyo pa rin, at hindi abot ng lahat.”

For Sembrano, the mission is clear: reach those who need it most. “‘Yong laylayan, may internet na, nanonood, nagse-search,” he said. “Doon namin gustong pumasok: to educate.”

As for aspiring doctors, he offered a grounded reminder. “It’s a noble and fulfilling profession,” he said. “Pero kung pera ang habol mo, hindi ito ang pinakamabilis na paraan. Kailangan pa rin ng bansa natin ng mas maraming doktor, lalo na sa probinsya.”

“Itanong Natin Kay Doc Larry” begins streaming on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok on June 13 at 4 PM.

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