‘Totoy Bato’ marks Bea Binene’s comeback series

Bea Binene has returned to teleserye acting through TV5’s new series “Totoy Bato.” It’s her first drama on the Kapatid Network and under her current talent management team, Viva Artists Agency. She portrays the role of Emerald Espejo, Totoy’s childhood friend who secretly lives a double life as an agent.

The action-drama series, topbilled by Kiko Estrada as the titular character, is directed by Albert Langitan, who also helmed TV5’s “Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa.” “Totoy Bato” airs Mondays to Fridays at 7:15 p.m. on TV5’s TodoMax Primetime Singko block, with a same-day catch-up on Sari Sari Channel at 8 p.m.

“This is my first serye again since I transferred to Viva,” stated Bea. “I was with my home network before (GMA Network) for 18 years. I grew up acting in teleseryes and I think my last series was pre-pandemic. So, this is my first time to do a series in a while.”

The 27-year-old actress signed with Viva Artists Agency in September 2022.

She is grateful for the project but likewise admitted it’s “a little unfamiliar” for her. “I’m used to making a series in my previous home. So it’s a little unfamiliar territory but of course, nakaka-inspire po and nakaka-excite. And as always, we always naman wish for the best. And we also always want positive results.”

The former “StarStruck Kids” finalist said that every career opportunity offered to her is a blessing and “Totoy Bato” is one of them.

“All work is a blessing. And if the schedule and story are OK, (I’ll accept it). For me, every project is not just about what the viewers see; there’s a lot going on behind the camera,” she said.

“So if everything is OK, then magpapasalamat at magpapasalamat po tayo because in every job you are given a new chance, trust and love. And eventually, you would give it back to the viewers.”

And with that, she is “very happy and grateful” to Viva. “I always say this every time they ask me why I transferred (talent agency), and it’s because of career growth and more experience. And I’m freelance.

“So again, this is a different world. I will learn more, go through a lot, and again, this is a blessing so I’m thankful.”

Bea didn’t divulge much about what will happen to her character in terms of the romance angle in the series. But in the trailer, there’s some sort of love triangle between Kiko’s Totoy and Diego Loyzaga’s Dwayne Perez, another childhood friend of Totoy who turns archenemy in the show.

Bea and Kiko have previously worked together in GMA Network’s “Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts,” “Mulawin vs. Ravena,” among others, and in Viva Films’ “Will You Be My Ex?” with Diego.

It’s “always an honor” for Bea to collaborate with Kiko. “It’s a pleasure. It’s not new to me. I knew him already… It was years ago and people grow, people change, so now I can’t wait to work not just with Kiko but with all the cast.”

She described Kiko as “very focused, active and open” as a co-actor.

She added that acting alongside Diego is “always a breeze.” “He would greet me and even my mother. I’m comfortable working with him.”

Bea had already heard so much about Diego through the latter’s aunt, Bing Loyzaga, prior to working with him. “I told him, ‘You know what, kahit ngayon lang tayo nagkita, I’ve heard so much about you. It feels like I know you already.’”

Joining Bea, Kiko,and Diego in “Totoy Bato” are Cindy Miranda, Nonie Buencamino, Art Acuña, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Mon Confiado, Eula Valdez and other cast members.

The series is based on Carlo J. Caparas’ legendary comic character and the 1977 movie starring the late Fernando Poe Jr.

The TV adaptation follows the journey of Totoy Bato in Pook Paraiso. The story gives rise to a defiant protector of his community with his powerful “kamao” and his unshakeable heart. As he faces powerful enemies, Totoy’s journey will challenge him to break down towering walls and fight his inner demons.

“Totoy Bato” is produced by MavenPro, Sari Sari Network Inc. and Studio Viva.