By NEIL RAMOS
When news broke about Heaven Peralejo and Jerome Ponce being cast as leads of “I Love You Since 1892,” longtime fans of the hit Wattpad novel quickly made their voices heard online.
Many had strong opinions about who should portray their beloved characters, and some expressed disappointment when the official cast was revealed.
But for the novel’s creator, Binibining Mia, no one could embody Carmela and Juanito better than Heaven and Jerome.
While she respects the fans’ passion, Mia said she is more than satisfied with the casting.
“Kahit wala pong sabihin yung mga character, kaya pong mangusap ng mga mata,” she said after watching the teaser. “At nakita ko po sa mga tingin nila na sumanib sa kanila ang mga katauhan nina Carmela at Juanito.”
Director McArthur C. Alejandre, who helms the adaptation, was equally firm in his confidence.
“The story has a very young, very energetic vibe, and I believe our cast delivers that energy on screen,” he said. “You will be satisfied visually.”
For lead stars Heaven and Jerome, the initial wave of criticism admittedly took some getting used to.
Jerome shared, “Well, let’s be honest, maraming nagulat. Nagulat na in a way na, ‘Bakit ganito? Bakit ganyan?’ Pero wala naman kaming magagawa kundi gawin ang trabaho namin. May mga tao na hindi umaayon, pero sa huli, kailangan nating gampanan yung ibinigay na trabaho. Nandoon ako sa point na baka siguro it’s an opportunity for me na mapu-prove ko na kaya ko.”
Heaven, meanwhile, admitted she had moments of doubt after reading the negative comments. But after opening up to Jerome and the production team, she rediscovered her passion for the project.
“Na-remind nila ako kung bakit ako nandito ulit. Oo nga, aktres ako. Mahal ko yung trabaho ko. Ang ganda-ganda ng istorya, and I know I’m giving my 100 percent. Bakit ako magdududa?” she said. “Ako mismo ang unang dapat magtiwala sa sarili ko—at sa mga kasamahan ko at sa direktor ko. Alam naming lahat na ibinibigay namin yung one hundred percent para sa proyektong ito. Hindi tayo magpapatinag. Hindi.”
Based on Bb. Mia’s bestselling Wattpad novel with over 132 million reads, “I Love You Since 1892” follows Carmela Isabella (Heaven), who stumbles upon a mysterious diary that transports her back to the Spanish colonial era.
There, she assumes the identity of her great-great-grandmother Carmelita Montecarlo and finds herself caught in a tragic love triangle with Juanito Alfonso (Jerome), the intelligent son of a gobernadorcillo, and Leandro Flores (Joseph Marco), her former flame.
Amidst romance, political unrest, and family secrets, Carmela must complete her mission: stop Carmelita’s arranged marriage and save Juanito’s life—before time runs out.
The series also boasts a powerhouse supporting ensemble. Completing the Montecarlo family are Christian Vasquez as Don Alejandro, Maricel Morales as Donya Soledad, Louise Delos Reyes as Maria, and Anna Luna as Josefina.
The Alfonso family features Soliman Cruz as Don Mariano, Andrea Del Rosario as Donya Juanita, Billy Jake Cortez as Heneral Sergio, Ashley Diaz as Sonya, and Gabriel Evangelista as Angelito.
The Flores family includes Christopher Roxas as Kapitan Vicente, Christine Bermas as Natasha, and Liz Gonzales as Helena. Suzette Ranillo plays Madre Olivia, a mysterious nun who guides Carmela in the past.
“I Love You Since 1892” streams September 6 on Viva One.
