My Experience Meeting the Cast!

Hello dreamers! Thank you for visiting me again here in my writer's room. In this chapter, I'm going to tell you my experience in meeting the cast and production team of my TV/Digital series adaptation of The Girl He Never Noticed. Also, I'll be showing you exclusive sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes photos and videos that you'll only see here in my writer's room! Isn't that exciting?

I'll begin by telling you from our flight to Singapore. I was with my daughter, Nicole, and my Wattpad Creator Manager, Ryan, who was very awesome, patiently guided me every step of the way in this project. So, we flew from Manila to Singapore last June 22, 2022.

Nothingmuch happened on our first day, because we arrived late in the afternoonalready. We just had too much fun taking photos and videos at the ChangiAirport, especially at the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the RainVortex. 

Afterwards, we took a cab and checked-in at our hotel located in Little India. It was the same hotel where Marco (who played Eros) also stayed.

Nicole and I roamed around the area at five in the afternoon, looking for food. We could not figure out where and what to eat. Mostly, there were Indian restaurants, coffee shops and sandwich shops. So instead, we bought fruits, microwavable foods and drinks from the hotel's grocery store. After dinner, Ryan went through our itinerary for the coming days, like our scheduled set visits, the behind the scenes that we needed to take photos and videos, my lines to say for the video promos, my cameo and others.

The following day, the three of us visited the coffee shop where Jade worked as a cashier/barista. It was a very nice, cozy place, and exactly what I imagined in the book. I became so emotional that I cried. Reality sank in, that, 'this is it! The TV series is really happening!' We took photos and videos there, and afterwards, we ordered croissants, tarts and coffee.

After we had lunch at the nearby pasta house, we went back to the hotel and freshened up. We also had our Antigen Rapid Test because it was mandatory for everyone before visiting the set. When our test showed negative, then we were ready to go.

At five in the afternoon, the manager of Mediacorp, Greys, fetched us in the hotel and took us to the Park Royal building where the set of Eros Petrakis Penthouse took place.

First time we met Tess Pang, the actress who portrayed Jade Collins, was in the dressing room. It was a brief meeting, since she was in a hurry to change clothes for the next scene. She was so warm, kind, and had a beautiful, genuine smile. She was happy to meet me as the author of the book and had no inhibitions to give me and Nicole a handshake.

Same with Marco Gumabao, the actor who portrayed Eros Petrakis. We were just introduced and exchanged a few pleasantries. He could not talk more because he was about to shoot for the next scene.

We watched the shooting and quietly took photos and videos of behind the scenes. 

Below are photos at Eros Petrakis' penthouse. Look at the amazing city lights view behind us!

Everything that happened still overwhelmed me. The feeling of being inside a dream transported to my character's world. I could see Eros acting his stubborn, arrogant self, and Jade looked stressed and pitiful with all the burden she was carrying. I could not help but become emotional and had tears welled in my eyes.

I had fun watching the shoot, especially that I could relate to the scenes. The crew offered us doughnuts, assorted cookies, and drinks that I really enjoyed. Until the director, Beatrice, called for a break.

During the break, I got to talk to Beatrice. We talked about the story, the characters, the casting, location of the shooting and other stuff. She was so smart, kind, and accommodating. She made me feel very comfortable on the set.

The production used the break also to shoot a video of me, Tess, and Marco for the promo on Wattpad and MeWatch. After that, Tess and I could talk. She was very excited to meet me because she was a fan of The Girl He Never Noticed, way back when I started writing it on Wattpad. Yes, she read the story and loved it so much! It's really amazing that she portrayed the character of Jade. She could not even believe it at first!

I find Tess exquisite. She's not the eye-catching beauty type, but her confidence, humility, and delightful personality made her more beautiful. She really fitted the description of Jade being beautiful inside and out. Since she grew up in the United States, she's very articulate in English.

I had more interactions with Tess as we continued to visit the different locations of the shooting. We talked with her about some random stuff. She was simple, so natural to get along with, and always had a smile on her face. She was a dedicated maverick, a very talented actress, and not a snobby diva at all. I love her and her great attitude.

I got to talk with Marco during our second set visit, at Eros Petrakis' office (Petrakis Shipping Company building).

It started when Nicole and I were filming for the Wattpad Promo, when he passed by and greeted us in Filipino language. Yes, he's a famous Filipino actor in the Philippines, and since we're Filipinos, we easily get acquainted with him.

Marco invited me and Nicole to have dinner with him and his makeup artist after the shoot. We went to an Indian Restaurant where we talked about the book, the characters of Eros and Jade, and other random stuff. After the dinner, the four of us strolled around Little India and had an amazing time observing the area and the people.

Marco is hot, gorgeous! Yes, just like our Wattpad book boyfriends, we learned to love and fantasize about. He's also dedicated to his work as an actor, takes care of his body and health well, and is a family-oriented guy. He's amazing, talented and hardworking. I'm pretty sure many TGHNN readers will fall in love with him after watching the series.

I also met the other cast of The Girl He Never Noticed.

Jason Godfrey, as Markos Petrakis, the father of Eros. He's really attractive and a very talented actor. Actually, he's still young. It amazed me how the makeup artist transformed him into his sixties by putting white color on his hair and a mustache to look older.

Joshua Tan, who played Joseph, Jade's ultimate crush and Eros' rival. A very nice, gorgeous guy with an amazing personality. He always brightened the set with his wonderful smile, energy, and best attitude. I met him at the boxing gym location. He was so friendly and charming!

Ebi Shankara played Donovan, the personal bodyguard of Eros. He was so adorable, kind, and he had this all-ready smile. It was so easy to talk to him. I never felt intimidated. I met him twice, at the Eros Petrakis' office and Boxing gym set location.

Michael Thomas McGovern, III, the boy who played Zion. I met him once, at the set of Eros Petrakis' Office. He's so cute. Just like a typical kid, he loved to play and run. There were times, the crew had to divert Michael Thomas' attention and play with him so he would keep quiet while the camera was rolling.

Caitanya Tan, who played Sapphire. She was so nice, friendly and always had this beautiful smile on her face. Yes, she's beautiful, just like our Jade, Tess. I met her for the first time at the headquarters of Stardust Story.

I wished I met Bridget Fernandez, the actress who played Mrs. Changley. She's a very talented actress, and I heard she's very nice. I had a chat with her on Instagram and she was indeed friendly.

I had a wonderful experience meeting the actors and actresses. It's not every day that I meet a celebrity. I just saw them in the movies, internet, magazines and social media accounts. I'm deeply honored by the chance to hang out with them, know them in person and befriended them.

So, that's it! Hope you enjoyed reading my experience in meeting the actors and actresses of The Girl He Never Noticed. You can get to know them by following their social media accounts.