Claudine tastes like bubblegum — Gabby

When Gabby Concepcion left showbiz and the Philippines for the United States of America in 1995, he felt that his showbiz life was just a dream.

Every time he sees one of his old movies, he still couldn’t believe that he was an actor once.

Now that he returned to acting, he also felt that his 13 years in the States was also like a dream. It was just one of those weird feelings he has from stepping foot once again in the entertainment world.

He felt the same when he shot his passionate kissing scene with Claudine Barretto, in "Iisa Pa Lamang," ABS-CBN’s soon to air soap opera and his comeback vehicle on television.

"Siyempre nakakapanibago because the last time I saw Claudine hindi pa siya artista...awkward lang kasi on screen hahalik ka ulit sa isang tao na wala kang kaano-ano and maraming taong nanunuod. Siguro hindi ka talaga masasanay," said Gabby about his leading lady who is 16 years younger than him.

In "Iisa Pa Lamang," Gabby is in a love triangle with Claudine Barretto and Diether Ocampo. A son of an affluent political clan, he would fall for Claudine, a simple girl.

A love scene between the two was necessary. "Sabi nila lasang bubblegum. Siyempre hinahanap ko Speedo ko kasi siyempre tight yun...to keep it down kasi di mo maiiwasan yan natural lang yun," jested Gabby.

He added that while working with Claudine, there were times he just wanted to call her Gretchen.

The actor shared the jitters he felt when the cameras started rolling. "To be honest with you, first day namin naging observer lang ako. I tried to absorb everything. Pinapanuod ko lang ang mga nangyayari and pinakikiramdaman ko lang. Then on our second day sumali na ako and inilabas ko na lahat...para akong nasa isang tour sa workshop kasi first time ko nakita lahat ng yun. It was good kasi nagkaroon kami ng ice breaker."

Gabby was surprised about the long working hours involved in a soap opera. He was even amazed that there were two units used during tapings and that he would commute from one unit to another for his scenes.

"Kahit puyatan okay lang because I’d rather be busy doing something than busy thinking of what I should do...I’m more comfortable now kasi before I didn’t know what to expect. At least nagtratrabaho na ako. Yun lang naman ang gusto kong sabihin na pag nandidito ako, I’m very serious and I shouldn’t be fearful because all I have to do is to keep on working hard," he said.

Airing on July 14, joining Gabby in "Iisa Pa Lamang" are Ms. Susan Roces, Angelica Panganiban, Cherry Pie Picache, Laurice Guillen, Joel Torre, Matt Evans and Melissa Ricks. "Iisa Pa Lamang" is directed by Ruel Bayani and Manny Palo.