The star-studded cast of “What Lies Beneath” remains dedicated to sharing the suspenseful goodness of the show in Kapamilya Chat, this time featuring Race Matias, known as the lionhearted private investigator of the dauntless Attorney Erica Melendez (played by Kaila Estrada).
Voicing his appreciation for invested fans, he expressed genuine humbleness, especially as the hard work from him and his castmates paid off, with viewers catching every detail and weaving each clue into their theories on who Louisa’s (Mutya Orquia) killer really is.
Though he didn’t name which fan theories were correct, he explained that for most of the production—and even until the filming of the finale—the entire cast was unaware of the big reveal of Louisa’s (Mutya Orquia) murderer. He then emphasized that they were also discovering it bit-by-bit alongside the viewers.
“It’s good na it’s a show that keeps people thinking,” he commented.
Reflecting on the challenging aspects of his character, Race explained that he worked with the directors to maintain stillness, composure, and even practice calming breathing techniques—quite different from his playful and animated real-life personality as a high-energy dancer. He needed to fully embody the role of an emotional pillar for Erica, without the pressure to perform theatrical movements.
Aside from learning to act outside his comfort zone, Race took a lesson from Marco on not dwelling on the inability to express honest feelings to those who matter most in his life. He admitted that he often kept things to himself when he should have been more transparent.
Arriving at the much-anticipated topic of his trending on-screen chemistry with Kaila Estrada, Race wholeheartedly appreciated that fans could see the genuine closeness of their characters conveyed mostly through body language and exchanged glances.
What’s also pleasantly surprising is that they hadn’t had the chance to attend a workshop together for their intimate portrayals. They were selected through a look test and were informed about the taping just a week later.
A key factor in his professional chemistry with Kaila was their previous work together on “Linlang” and the “MMK Passport” episode in 2022, yet “What Lies Beneath” marks their first time in roles that emotionally rely on each other’s presence.
For their intimate scenes that certainly delighted fans, Race said that the trust they share as co-actors—both fully aware of each other’s boundaries—made their pairing work seamlessly, along with prioritizing being in the moment. He added that much of the credit goes to Kaila for making their filming easier.
Squeezing in a touch of humor, the love triangle between Race, Kaila, and JM de Guzman’s characters came into the spotlight. Race shared that it was a fun interaction among the three of them, with JM having also been part of the “Linlang” lineup.
READ: The complicated love connection between Erica, Marco, and Lucas in “What Lies Beneath”
Discussing further about JM’s character, Lucas, who suddenly reappears in Erica’s life, and the bomb threat scene where Marco takes Erica’s hands from Lucas, Race joked, “Siyempre aagawin ko… Wala naman siya nung naghihirap si Erica. Late ka na, ako na ‘to.”
For his three favorite scenes, Race chose his quarrel with JM, noting that it was the first time they portrayed characters who disliked each other and that they had specifically wanted a scene like this, with a heated confrontation. The second was Marco’s shy moment when he assisted a drunk Erica home, and the last was a recent scene where Marco scolded Erica, trying to bring her focus back to her priorities.
Throughout the chemistry talks, Race didn’t forget to offer a nuanced perspective, emphasizing that Marco’s professional rapport or acquaintanceship with Erica is more important than having romantic bond. He underscored that there’s a larger world involving more people than just the two of them—including the MABEL girls and their connections, as well as the corrupt systems. For Erica’s safety, he understands that there should be a wall between them.
Race then offered a heartfelt relationship advice, detailing how it’s not a good idea to be selfish when the purpose of life partners is to help one another. For Marco and Erica, who inevitably face complex foes and structures, they need to find common ground. “Hanggang dito muna,” Race added.
When asked a hypothetical question about whether he would do everything for someone he loves, even if it wouldn’t be reciprocated, Race paused to think long and hard.
“You could only give as much as you have… It’s not gonna be a healthy dynamic [when you rely] on them for happiness… Be happy on your own [and] work with the person so you can both be happy,” he expressed.
To conclude his feature, Race shared his vision for what he would want his character to experience at the end of the series. Keeping in mind Marco’s deep connection to Erica, whom he treats as his whole world, he said he would honor whatever she would have wanted.
From taking a bullet to letting go, no matter how bittersweet, he would do it.
What would be the fate of Marco and Erica? Find out in “What Lies Beneath,” airing weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and iWant.