Kate Valdez and Kyline Alcantara keep catfights real, scrapes and all

Before every intense catfight scene, Kate Valdez and Kyline Alcantara give each other a hug to psych themselves up.

The slapping, shoving and hair-pulling between the two actresses in the new GMA 7 drama series, “Shining Inheritance,” are real. And they prefer it that way—even if it means hurting each other from time to time.

“Yakapan muna. And then, we talk about the scene and make sure that everything is clear before we start shooting. ‘Ano, totohanin ba natin o dadayain?’ But we both choose to do it for real, so that the emotions really come through the screen,” Kyline told the Inquirer at a press conference.

In a video teaser unveiled at the event, Kyline and supporting actress Roxie Smith are shown ganging up on Kate and ramming the latter’s face onto a pile of trash.

“I’m so grateful that Kyline asked [for my consent] first. But of course, I answered yes. Let’s not fake it, so we can give our genuine reactions or emotions in the scene,” Kate said.

No hard feelings

The physical pain is par for the course. No hard feelings. “I admit that sometimes, we can’t avoid hurting each other. There was an instance when we both cried off-camera. But we’re professionals,” Kyline said.

“The pain, the scrapes, things like that can’t be completely avoided,” Kate added. “It’s all part of the job.”

Airing weekdays, 4 p.m., starting Sept. 9, “Shining Inheritance” is a local adaptation of the 2009 hit Korean drama series “Brilliant Legacy.”

The story follows Inna, an optimistic young lady, whose dream of putting up her own restaurant gets dashed by the death of her father and the subsequent collapse of the family business.

After the tragic event, she’s left to fend for herself as she deals with her cruel stepmother and stepsister.

One day, Inna chances upon a woman who figures in an accident and decides to take care of her. Unknown to Inna, the woman is the prominent tycoon Aurea dela Costa (Coney Reyes), who visits her old neighborhood once in a while—if only to remind herself of her humble beginnings.

Role reversal

Later on, she finds herself embroiled in a convoluted dispute involving three families fighting for the immense wealth Aurea plans to pass on. Kyline plays the main “contravida,” Joanna dela Costa, one of Aurea’s grandchildren who are fighting for an inheritance.

This is a role reversal of sorts for Kate and Kyline, who previously worked together in the film “Black Lipstick.” “Back then, Kate is the one na nagtataray. Now, it’s the other way around,” said Kyline, who described Kate as a “thinking actress.” “She’s also generous with her emotions in our scenes, making our work easier.”

“I was excited after I learned that I would be working with Kyline, because, in the past, she was the lead. This time, gusto ko naman na tarayan niya ako at pahirapan niya ako,” Kate said. “I’m grateful that she’s the Joanna to my Inna. She helped me fully realize my character.”

Both actresses are no strangers to contravida roles which they were originally known for. “I requested to do a contravida again, because I miss playing feisty and complex characters,” Kyline said. “I relate to Joanna, like the part of her that’s misjudged. But as an actress, that’s something you can’t really avoid.”

Is there pressure to deliver? “Playing contravida used to be my comfort zone. But not anymore. That’s why I’m nervous about how people will accept my role,” Kyline said.

Kate, on the other hand, has realized that fight scenes are only fun when she’s the one doing the tormenting—not when she’s the one on the receiving end.

“I come from doing contravida roles. It’s really different when you’re the one being beaten up. It’s not fun!” she said, laughing. “It can be draining, physically and emotionally. And you have to convince yourself that you’re not good enough or imbibe all the bad things the contravida is telling you. But it helps to detach yourself from the character on your rest days.”

While Kate is technically the soap’s lead star, the prominence of Kyline’s role makes it appear that they’re of equal billing. Coney, of course, is a powerful presence onscreen. But in any case, the idea or possibility of being outshined never crossed Kate’s mind.

“I didn’t think that ‘Ah bida ako, so I have to be this or that.’ Of course, I have to do well so I can give justice to the character. I’m not afraid and I don’t think about being overshadowed in the scene because that’s not a good motivation to give what you have to give,” she said.

Unique strengths

“I’m not a competitive person. As long as the director and writers are satisfied and have no problems with my performance, then I am happy,” she added.

For Coney, there’s no point comparing the two actresses because they both possess unique strengths.

“They have different styles of acting. Magkaibang klase,” Coney said. “Sometimes, it can be hard working with young actors; some of them aren’t serious. But not them. Kate and Kyline know what they’re doing and study their roles. I’m happy to work with these bunch.”

The veteran actress even gave them a piece of advice about their blossoming love lives. Kate is dating Japanese vlogger Fumiya Sankai. And while she has yet to give an official confirmation, Kyline is frequently seen going out and cozying up with basketball player Kobe Paras.

“It’s nice that they’re happy,” said Coney, like the doting grandmother she is in the series. “I just want them to be cautious and take care of themselves.”