A secret is meant to be hidden from view. But the revelation of one between the characters Chiara and Mikoy, played by Andrea Brillantes and Enrique Gil, respectively, in “A Secret in Prague,” has commenced. The playground for the search of the leads, so to speak, is the Czech Republic’s capital city. The action-drama now streams on Netflix and airs weeknights at 8 on TV5.
Aside from remembering the sights and sounds of Prague, Andrea and Enrique had personal memories during the filming of the now-airing TV series.
“Aside from the snow, it would be a scene, which was a long one,” said Andrea in a recent group chat with Enrique. “I think (it covered) six pages. Tapos ang dami naming linyahan dun (it had a lot of dialogues). Tas nanginginig na kami ni Quen (then, Enrique and I were shaking because of the weather).”
“So, every time na mag-cu-cut (a scene was finished), tatakbo po kami sa van. Tapos kain kami ng pizza ata yung kinain namin dun (we would go to the van and we ate pizza) at may mga heater kami kasi lamig na lamig kami (there were electric heaters around because we were freezing)… hindi ko makakalimutan yun (I won’t forget that),” added she.
According to Enrique, they were in Prague for almost 10 days, including flights.
Photo courtesy of Nice Print
“At wala masyadong kanin (there was no rice). Medyo na-miss namin yung kanin (We missed having meals with rice),” said he, who had his first trip to Prague. It’s not Enrique’s first time working on a TV series with a European country as a backdrop. His romantic comedy “Make It with You” was filmed in Croatia.
Aside from following the unfolding bond and friendship between their characters, the viewers will also get a glimpse into the Central European culture of Prague.
Last year, Andrea went on solo European travel, and her itinerary included Prague.
“It’s my second time,” shared she. “(and my) first time to work in Europe, like, to film a show there.”
And the “Marco Polo” or the traveler in Enrique plans “to visit every place,” said he. “I have a bucket list. So, lahat, as in lahat gusto kong puntahan (I want to go everywhere).”
He usually travels either with family or friends.
“Mas masaya kapag minsan may kasama din para may kakulitan (you know, sometimes it’s also nice to have someone to try different activities),” said Enrique, who also sees the good side of doing solo traveling or soul-searching. “Pero ako mas prefer kong may kasama ako (but I prefer to be) with friends or whoever. Feeling ko mas masaya (I think it is more fun).”
As for getting on board with “A Secret in Prague,” Andrea recalled that when the project was initially pitched to her, she knew that Enrique was part of it. She was also surprised that it was already planned and thought of for a long time, as one could gather by following her line of thought. As an actress, she liked the idea of working with an actor, like Enrique, who is passionate about a project. That made her look forward to it — and give her nod.
Photos from the show’s publicity team
Working with each other as a tandem on a series is a familiar path for Enrique and Andrea.
“It feels good,” said he of his latest onscreen partnership or loveteam called QuenDrea. “Pero medyo matagal lang kasi (but it took a while for me to be paired again). Parang bumalik sa dati, parang nag-full circle yung buhay ko (my showbiz career seemed to have come full circle). Parang (I was) back to how it was before. So, it’s very refreshing.”
“Actually, matagal na po akong kasing walang loveteam (it was also a long time when I was in a loveteam),” shared Andrea. “Solo artist muna po ako (I’ve been a solo artist). Hindi ko din naman kasi siya tinanggap na (I didn’t accept ‘A Secret in Prague’) with the mindset na loveteam kami ni Quen (that Enrique and I were in a loveteam). Mas kumbaga ka-work ko siya and partner ko siya dito sa teleserye (it was more of considering him as a workmate or a collaborator in the TV series).”
As the free TV and online viewers have already seen, “A Secret in Prague” is about Mikoy (Enrique), described by the show’s publicity team as “a devoted brother who migrates to Prague to give his family a better future.”
“His journey takes a dangerous turn when he is recruited by a secret organization to spy on Chiara (Andrea), the fierce and fearless daughter of a mafia boss,” it adds.
The TV5 Entertainment action-drama is also presented by Slingshot Studios with Mark Duane Angos as writer and Barry Gonzales and Paco Sta. Maria as directors.
(Please watch ‘A Secret in Prague’ after ‘Frontline Pilipinas.’)
