She may not be one of the main cast members, but Yukii Takahashi is arguably among the most popular figures in the well-loved action drama series “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” thanks to her notable character Camille.

Aside from her promising performance, it’s her heavily pregnant image that makes her remarkable, as it leaves avid viewers perplexed with how she remains in that state more than a year since it was officially announced that she’s expecting a baby with her philandering partner David (McCoy de Leon).

And she finally addressed the “million-dollar question” in her recent interview with veteran showbiz insider Ogie Diaz, divulging that even though more than a year has already passed, Camille is just 40 days pregnant in the narrative.

“Natatawa na lang po ako kasi everytime na makita po nila ako kahit saan, ‘yon po talaga ang tanong. Pero, of course, hindi ko po talaga alam kung kailan ako manganganak e. So, sinasabi ko na lang po, ‘Siguro kapag nakakapaglakad na ‘yong bata. Doon ko na ilalabas para tipid,’” she related when asked how she responds to people who would quiz her on why she’s still pregnant.

The promising actress further disclosed that, due to the incessant comments that they receive regarding her not-growing tummy, the directors decided to make it bulgier, not just to satisfy them but to also prove that Camille is indeed pregnant.

Despite the sufferings and difficulties that her character has to endure, Yukii said that it doesn’t discourage her from bearing a child someday since she desires to have a family of her own.

However, she wishes that she would not go through the same horrible experiences as Camille since she’s physically, emotionally, and mentally abused. Thus, she hopes not to end up with a man who is as narcissistic and manipulative as David, as well as not to experience the plight of Marites (Cherry Pie Picache), who have to live under one roof with her husband’s paramour.

While most actors usually have to audition in person in order to score a role in a movie or TV project, she recounted that her manager only got to send an acting video of her since she was busy doing the “I Love Lizzy” film and a series on another network during that time.

Nonetheless, she still passed and was called to come to the set the following day for her first taping day.

Despite having no idea which character she was about to portray, she still went with it. She was initially told that Camille was just a guest character, but her stint got extended until now, which she’s grateful for since it signifies that the creators and viewers alike love her to be there.

Being surrounded by some of the top-caliber actors in the local entertainment scene, it’s indeed impossible for her not to receive any career advice or acting tips from them. For instance, their lead actor-director Coco Martin told her, “Tuloy mo lang, iha. May mararating ka.”

But among her senior castmates, it’s with veteran actress Charo Santos, with whom she’s able to create the closest bond. Aside from toughening her heart by encouraging her to keep going and doing her best and reminding her to be professional, she also teaches her vocal warm-ups before taping. At the same time, she finds Charo’s presence “very radiating” and evoking good vibes and positivity.

“She’s an incredible person. That makes me wanna work harder kasi, for sure, she worked harder when she was young,” Yukii conveyed. She went on to describe how a down-to-earth and kind woman Charo is amid her achievements and status.

Every episode of FPJ’s Batang Quiapo may be scorching and intense, but she never experienced being mistreated or intimidated on the set since, apart from everyone being amiable, she also tries “to be [as] quiet as possible and cooperative and be on time” – like every neophyte like her should be.

Catch Yukii as Camille on FPJ’s Batang Quiapo, weeknights at 8PM, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5.