From directing sexy films for VMX (popularly known as Vivamax) to helming a romantic comedy starring Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal, Roman Perez Jr. is taking on a different creative challenge with TV5’s ‘Mommy Guard’—as he hopes to introduce a new “wave” of storytelling to afternoon television and Filipino TV viewing in general.
For Direk Roman, the shift is more than a change in genre; it is an opportunity to return to his comedy roots and be part of another milestone in Philippine entertainment, following his contributions to independent filmmaking and the rise of VMX films.
A new ‘wave’
During the series’ grand media conference on October 9 at MVP Studios, TV5 Media Center in Mandaluyong City, the director was asked how his experience making mature-themed films for VMX would differ from directing the MarJo love team in a romantic comedy.
Agustin was quick to turn the question into a joke, teasing that viewers could still expect sexy scenes in the afternoon series.
“Meron din kami dito [na sexy scenes],” the actor quipped. (We have sexy scenes here, too.)
Magdangal was quick to signal that Agustin was only joking, but the actor doubled down on his remark.
“Meron po!” (There are sexy scenes!) he insisted. “Yung balibagan, walling, meron, meron!” (The throwing around, the walling, we have those!)
While the exchange drew laughter, Direk Roman offered a more revealing explanation of what he hopes to accomplish with ‘Mommy Guard.’ He pointed out that comedy was where he started before he became associated with sexy films.
“Galing naman talaga ako sa comedy. Oo, bago pa natin mabago yung kultura ng [panonood], nasa TV naman talaga ako. Nasa comedy talaga ako, ’no? It’s just that ibang wave na ngayon, ’no? Ibang wave yung pinapasok natin. Ibang wave din yung gusto nating i-introduce sa hapon at ibang wave din yung gusto nating i-imply ngayon. So, sana mag-succeed ang wave, ’no, ng MarJo,” he said.
(I really came from comedy. Yes, even before we could change the culture of viewing, I was already in television. I really came from comedy, right? It’s just that it’s a different wave now, right? We’re entering a different wave. We also want to introduce a different wave to the afternoon block, and we want to convey a different wave now. So, I hope the MarJo wave succeeds.)
His repeated reference to a “wave” suggests a broader ambition for ‘Mommy Guard’: to offer afternoon audiences a fresh alternative built around comedy, family relationships, and romance, while making a beloved love team relevant to a new generation.
In fact, he started with worked with King of Comedy Dolphy and Eric Quizon before he ventured into sexy films. He described his current direction as a return to light comedy and family-oriented storytelling, with the mother-and-son relationship at the heart of ‘Mommy Guard.’ The series also gives him an opportunity to introduce new faces to audiences.
Bringing MarJo to a new generation
The decision to cast Agustin and Magdangal is part of that vision. Direk Roman said bringing the MarJo tandem together was his way of reintroducing this milestone of Pinoy pop culture to Gen Z viewers. He also banks on their chemistry and sincerity to connect with audiences beyond those who grew up watching them in the 1990s.
The series follows Tina Dimaapi (Magdangal), a devoted single mother who takes a job as a security guard at an exclusive school for the arts so she can provide her son, Happy (Amo Wilding), with a better future. Her new job brings her into the orbit of school owner and principal Pio Areola (Agustin), setting the stage for a romance filled with misunderstandings, playful exchanges, and the possibility of finding love again.
Also part of the cast are Cedrick Juan and Nathalie Apollo, alongside supporting actors Dominic Ochoa, Roxanne Guinoo, Susan Africa, Pearl Gonzales, Patrick Ballesteros, Celyn David, Ge Villamil, Quin Carrillo, Migo Manikan, Ian Mark Kamangkang, GB Labrador, Inah Evans, Tabs Sumulong, Angkir Gray, Hershey Neri.
The story itself is inspired by real life. During the mediacon, Perez shared that the idea came from journalist Julius Babao’s interview with former Seiko sexy star Bridget de Joya, who became a security guard at a private school in Pampanga. Her story of survival, perseverance, and a mother’s determination to care for her child provided the starting point for the series.
From mature-themed films to family-centered storytelling
This foundation gives ‘Mommy Guard’ a purpose beyond reuniting one of Philippine entertainment’s most recognizable love teams. Through the titular character’s experiences, the series aims to highlight the struggles of working mothers and the often-overlooked lives of security guards, while keeping its storytelling accessible through humor and romance.
For Direk Roman, the project also demonstrates that his identity as a filmmaker extends beyond the mature-themed productions that have brought him recognition on VMX. His filmography includes titles such as ‘Taya,’ ‘Hugas,’ ‘Siklo,’ ‘Pamasahe,’ ‘Putahe,’ ‘Litsoneras,’ ‘House Tour,’ ‘Adan,’ ‘Balik Taya,’ ‘Sitio Diablo,’ ‘Salakab,’ and ‘Unang Tikim,’ among others.
With ‘Mommy Guard,’ he is returning to the genre that shaped his early career while embracing the demands of a television series and the ever-changing demand of viewers.
Catch #MarJo and the rest of the cast in ‘Mommy Guard,’ airing weekdays at 2:30 p.m. on TV5.
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