DEBONAIR Diether Ocampo has appeared in several heavy dramas in the past, pitting his acting skill against the likes of Maricel Soriano, Rosanna Roces, Claudine Barretto and Kristine Hermosa.

In the ABS-CBN series, "Only You," he gets to relax a little, playing Jonathan, a chef who is in love with his best friend, Julian (Angel Locsin). Jonathan is a little different from his more dramatic portrayals. It’s a lighter role. But, surprisingly, it proves a weighty challenge for the star.

"It’s really hard. I find it difficult. I thought for a while it will be much easier since ‘Only You’ is a romantic drama. But knowing that I am more comfortable doing heavy drama, I find it difficult adjusting to the much lighter genre. Kasi parang I have this tendency to over-dramatize certain scenes because there’s a certain formula for the Pinoy drama. So now, our director’s very specific when it comes to making each particular scene. Kasi our aim here is to convey serious situations or issues without making them too heavy for the audience. But of course we make sure na hindi naman siya lumabas na trying hard na comedy lalo na dun sa light scenes. So it’s a very challenging project especially if you’re working for the first time with your fellow cast members."

"Only You" may be a light romance but it packs a powerhouse cast and a big story.

"It’s a ‘new concoction of teleserye’ na lighter kaysa sa mga napapanood nila dati. Kasi a lot of people now are complaining because of the economic crisis, global recession, plus their personal problems. We wanted something that people can watch everyday that will help them feel better about their life."

Diether admits to having to tone done his acting to suit the genre. He also had to adjust to the condition in Korea, where the series was mostly shot.

"The weather was so bad. When we went there, ang ine-expect namin spring time na pero parang winter pa rin kasi sobrang lamig, as in negative 4 degrees na ‘yung temperature. We weren’t prepared. Since we thought springtime pa, we didn’t bring much winter clothes for the whole trip (laughs). Nagulat na lang kami na ‘Oh my God it’s so freezing’ so we have no choice but to buy some clothes and warmers. It was fun though because we have very limited manpower so kahit ‘yung cast were very much involved. We had to carry some equipment. It was really fun, the entire experience of working with a Korean crew. It gave us a chance to bond with everyone."

And bonding is important. It is good he developed very good rapport with Angel and Sam Milby, with whom he is working for the first time.

"I am happy that it turned out well. Even for a short period of time you get to know each other very well to the point that we learned to trust each other not only as friends but even as co-actors. Sometimes if you’re working with someone na hindi mo pa nakatrabaho dati, medyo may ilang pa. But you know we were able to disregard that. We’re very supportive of each other."

Angel, he discovered, was like a kid. "She’s very hardworking. May pagka-hyper ‘yan, madaldal... She’s like a kid with her endless curiosity and need to explore. Being her senior, I was there to give her advice on a lot of things. Good thing she listens."

Diether has only good words for Sam, too, who plays his rival for Angel’s heart.