MANILA — When it comes to Lovi Poe, Piolo Pascual’s first leading lady in the upcoming romantic thriller series “Flower of Evil,” “every day is a new discovery.”

Pascual and Poe discussed their first time working together at a virtual media conference on Monday, ahead of the June debut of the local version of the South Korean title.

For the last six months, the two have been working on the ABS-CBN and Viu co-production.

Poe has learned to admire Pascual’s discipline and capacity to be a “empath” in order to represent his parts well throughout the span of that time.

“He sets his mind in taking care of himself. The energy he gives me in every scene, nadadala na ako. Gift ‘yun sa isang actor, ‘yung madaling makaramdam ng emotions.

“Jacob does not show emotions. So Piolo does the exact opposite for someone who senses people’s emotions, and just how an empath he is,” she said.

The Philippine adaptation, like the original series from CJ ENM, portrays a man, Jacob (Pascual), who alters his identity to hide a tragic background, keeping the disguise while he marries and establishes a family with his wife, Iris (Poe).

Jacob’s long con is threatened when girlfriend Iris, a police investigator, begins to investigate a murder case that leads to his prior identity.

“It is totally different in so many ways,” Pascual said of portraying his character. “I have to regulate my emotions, which is really multilayered. It really brings out the worst and best in you. It is fun, but at the same time, a lot of work. I came in as a beginner, and went out as a student na marami pang puwedeng matutunan at gawin. Roles like this are once in a lifetime.”

Pascual stated of his on-screen wife, One thing I appreciate about her is her commitment to her work.”

“It is easy to get drowned in this business. But Lovi is so humble, and the way she approaches work, hindi siya napapagod. She really devotes herself to this project. Ang sarap [makatrabaho] ng ganu’n. The way I am with her, it is because of her commitment to her role and her craft.

“Every day is a new day, nata-transcend talaga sa screen ang pagmamahal niya sa craft niya. Alam ni Lovi ginagawa niya. She is willing to give more, do more, and open kami the way we relate to each other,” he said.

“Flower of Evil,” directed by Darnel Villaflor and Richard Arellano, also stars JC de Vera, Agot Isidro, Denise Laurel, Joem Bascon, Epy Quizon, Rita Avila, Jett Pangan, Pinky Amador, Joross Gamboa, Joko Diaz, and Edu Manzano.