Lexi Gonzales, Elijah Alejo and Hailey Mendes star in 'Underage'

By Iza Iglesias, Manila Times

One of the new shows to watch this 2023 is the upcoming controversial coming-of-age series "Underage" starring Sparkle stars Lexi Gonzales, Elijah Alejo and Hailey Mendes.

The three actresses will play the roles of the Serrano sisters Celine, Chynna and Carrie, respectively, who are forced to face adulthood too soon by going through various emotional mishaps with their family, after a malicious video involving them went viral online. 

According to the stars, the show is timely and relevant especially with the advent of social media where online bullying and fake news are rampant.

Sharing her own experience, Alejo said, "Actually naging victim din po ako ng social media bullying because of a fake news na ginawa ng isang taong nagalit sa character ko na si Brianna sa 'Prima Donnas.' Hayaan niyo sila kasi they don't know you. They will judge you because of a certain photo or video. Just pray to God and makipagusap ka sa friends mo if hindi mo na kaya at huwag kang matakot umiyak."

Gonzales, meanwhile, added that everyone should not let it overtake their lives but use it social media to their advantage, "Ang mga artista ang daming bashers niyan, kahit sino pa marami ding haters. Kahit anong i-post natin sa social media, ang mga tao may masasabi. Kaya I just want to say dapat hindi natin intindihin ang mga comments na insignificant naman. There are times na may makikita tayong posts na magarbo, mafe-feel bad tayo sa buhay at sarili natin. But no, kasi hindi lahat ng nakikita natin sa social media ay totoo. We must focus our minds on what is more important," mentioned.

Much like their personal encounters, their characters will also be involved in the dark side of the internet. But despite the challenge of their respective roles, the girls were still able to build up great chemistry on and off camera.

Mendes said of their sisterhood, "Kapag wala kaming taping parang pamilya na din kami, madalas din kami mag food trip. Kapag dating naman sa mga eksena, ganoon din kaya natural lang ang binibigay namin. Masaya lang sa set kasi hindi naman sila matataray o masusungit. Akala ko nga po nung una mahihirapan ako makipagusap pero parang matagal ko na silang kilala noong unang usap ko sa kanila kaya masaya ako sa mga katrabaho ko."

Joining the stellar cast of Underage are Sunshine Cruz, Snooky Serna, Jean Saburit, Yayo Aguila, Christian Vasquez, Jome Silayan, Gil Cuerva, Vince Crisostomo, Nikki Co, with special participation of Smokey Manaloto.

Under the helm of Director Rechie Del Carmen and Associate Director Paul Sta. Ana, catch the world premiere of "Underage" today on GMA Afternoon Prime.