Cast of ‘Love Is Never Gone’ recall filming, share stories over Moroccan food

The cast of “Love Is Never Gone” had some downtime and enjoyed authentic Moroccan cuisine while they casually talked about working together and filming on location in Morocco. The ensemble cast, composed of Ivana Alawi, Joshua Garcia, Fyang Smith, JM Ibarra, Jane Oineza, and Jameson Blake recall their Moroccan adventure.

The food experience started with hummus, a chickpea dip made with tahini and lemon juice, usually eaten with pita bread. While trying the dish, the cast shared how it was like working together. Jameson said it was his first time  with JM and Fyang and that the experience had been fun.

Joshua pointed out that even though their scenes became intense, the set still felt light and enjoyable. Everyone got along well. JM then admitted that working with Joshua had always been one of his “dreams.”

“Masaya kasi parang nagla-lock in taping kami,” Ivana chimed in. She thinks they barely felt tired because everyone was always in a good mood. She also complimented Joshua for always treating the cast and crew to food, something Joshua said even their director enjoyed doing on set.

Next, the cast tried ox brain and kebab served with pita bread, grilled tomatoes, garlic sauce, and calamansi. They then recounted fond memories while filming in Morocco. 

Joshua said, “Ako, everyday, every shoot, paborito ko,” noting that filming abroad allowed them to work while also exploring a new country during breaks. Jane told the group that she even extended her stay in Morocco. Ivana said the trip helped the cast and crew grow closer, and she enjoyed it since it was her first overseas shoot.

The third dish was beef tagine, a Moroccan stew paired with saffron rice. The cast then discussed how they prepared for emotional and confrontational scenes. Jameson described his process as “very physical,” and said their director guided him in shaping his character. 

Joshua, meanwhile, admitted emotional scenes are difficult for him, though Ivana praised how naturally he cries on camera. He said they helped each other through heavy scenes, while the rest of the cast also complemented one another’s performances.

Jane shared that music helps her prepare emotionally, even creating playlists depending on her character’s mood. Fyang agreed, saying music is also a big help for her before emotional scenes.

For dessert, the cast enjoyed baklava, a sweet pastry layered with phyllo dough, pistachios, and honey syrup. They were then asked who they would bring to Morocco if given the chance. Jameson said he would bring his uncle so he could overcome his fear of flying. Joshua chose his family, saying he wanted them to experience Moroccan culture.

Fyang chose JM, saying, “Wala kasi akong photographer. Magaling kasi siyang photographer.” Jane answered her boyfriend, actor RK Bagatsing. Ivana chose her friend Zeinab Harake so she could experience Arabic culture with her. JM also chose his family despite the “one-person-only” rule.

Before wrapping up the segment, the cast picked their favorite Moroccan dishes from the meal. JM loved the baklava for its texture and sweetness, while Jane chose the hummus, pita bread, and kebab combination. Jameson liked the pita bread because it paired well with everything. Ivana and Fyang also picked the hummus and pita bread, while Joshua enjoyed the ox brain, hummus, and beef tagine.

"Love is NeverGone" is streaming on Prime Video. It reached number one on the streaming service's Top 10  and is currently at number two.