There’s a new girl everyone is loving right now – Yukii Takahashi. Although her role as Camille in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo is her first foray into acting, the newcomer has impressed the public with her powerful acting skills. Plus, her beauty makes her a delight to watch. Get to know the new star in this episode of Kapamilya Chat.

For a neophyte, Yukii considers herself fortunate to work alongside and learn from esteemed showbiz veterans such as Charo Santos, Cherry Pie Picache, John Estrada, and Primetime King Coco Martin in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.

Given that most scenes are unscripted, the cast members, particularly the Dimaguibas whom she shares most scenes with, collaborate to create the dialogues. “Kasi we know our characters, eh. If you know your character, you know what the character would say, would feel, and how she would react.”

She keenly observes the veterans, always on her toes to contribute when asked for suggestions. This brainstorming process is both enjoyable and nerve-wracking, akin to school recitations where the more senior co-stars act as the professors. The “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” set is truly a classroom for Yukii.

“Sobrang saya in a sense na you’re going to be even more matured kasi you’re going to learn a lot of things inside and outside showbiz. It’s more of a family type of working environment. The family vibe is there, and also the conversations as a child, a mother, a friend, nando’n talaga,” she shared.

She describes her “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” stint as progress, saying that one would only feel fulfilled and happier when he/she learns to embrace growth and changes. “You jut have to go with the flow of the changes in your life and appreciate every small detail. Kasi you may not know na this small feeling I’m feeling right now could be the biggest event in my life,” she imparted.

Beyond the privilege of calling these virtuosos her workmates, she also takes pride in using acting for a greater purpose. Portraying Camille, a college student whose bright future crumbles after falling for a toxic and abusive guy, resonates with female viewers. And she hopes that painting the harsh realities of battered women will inspire others to find their voice and resist, learning from Camille’s journey.

Her scenes in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” show the realities of abuse among women. And as someone who hasn’t experienced it before, Yukii feels nothing but empathy for women in such situations, hence her heartfelt and natural portrayal.

“Masakit siya emotionallly na someone you love can hurt you like that. So, ‘yung iyak ko talaga do’n, it was from the heart na masakit,” she talked about that scene of a pregnant Camille physically harmed by her boyfriend, David (McCoy De Leon).

She credits Director Malu Sevilla for helping her embody Camille’s pain and vulnerability as a pregnant woman, and her on-screen partner, McCoy, for the guidance in their scenes.

Yukii hopes that real-life Camilles learn to prioritize self-love and recognize their worth, as it’s the only way they’d get the courage to break free from abusive relationships. She acknowledged that we can’t blame a victim for choosing to stay – like Camille did after she was gaslighted by David – as there could be a lot of complexities behind their story. In Camille’s case, she’s too young to know, and she’s only thinking about her unborn child’s future.

But at the end of the day, only the victim has the power to rescue herself, and it begins with knowing her worth.

“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”has truly been a baptism of fire for the newcomer, and she’s ready to grow and learn more from here. On her bucket list – to work with Angel Locsin, Kathryn Bernardo, and Judy Ann Santos.

Following the discussion about “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” Yukii went on to talk about her career as a TikTok star. Asked her thoughts on the prevalent cancel culture on social media, she highlighted maintaining her account as a source of good vibes and inspiration.

She acknowledged that the cancel culture in the Philippines has gone worse, so she urges netizens to consider the impact of their comments, as a short remark can affect another person’s mental health. “You don’t know kung ano ’yung pinagdadaanan ng tao, ano ‘yung house environment niya,” she imparted.

Personally, she opts not to engage with bashers, but if a comment crosses a line, she might respond humorously to playfully annoy the critic.
Catch Yukii as Camille in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, TV5 and A2Z.