Viva One has officially revealed the lead stars of its much-anticipated series adaptation of the hit Wattpad novel ‘I Love You Since 1892’.
Taking on the central roles are Heaven Peralejo as Carmela Isabella, Jerome Ponce as Juanito Alfonso, and Joseph Marco as Leandro Flores—cementing the trio as the new faces of this time-traveling romance set against the backdrop of Spanish-era Philippines.
The announcement drew immediate buzz from fans of the bestselling novel by Mia Alfonso, originally published in 2016 on Wattpad where it amassed over 131 million reads before becoming a print bestseller. While early fan speculations and wishful casting hoped for a reunion of former love team MarNella (Marlo Mortel and Janella Salvador), the final casting confirmed otherwise.
“Para sa mga umaasang sila pa rin [ang gaganap], sana po ay bigyan natin ng chance ang bagong cast,” Mia Alfonso shared in a heartfelt Instagram post, addressing concerns from longtime fans. “Ipinagdarasal ko rin na magustuhan ninyo ang series adaptation, kahit magkaiba ito sa ini-imagine natin.”
Set to stream exclusively on Viva One, ‘I Love You Since 1892’ follows Carmela, a modern-day girl who mysteriously travels back to the year 1892 and assumes the identity of her ancestor, Carmelita. As she navigates the turmoil of Spanish colonial rule, family secrets, and the stirrings of revolution, she becomes entangled in a love triangle that transcends time.
Heaven Peralejo takes on the dual role of Carmela and Carmelita, in what is expected to be one of her most challenging and defining performances yet. “I’m really honored to be part of this,” she shared in a brief social media post, following the announcement.
Jerome Ponce returns to the romance genre as Juanito Alfonso, a principled 19th-century nobleman whose world is upended by Carmela’s arrival. Interestingly, Jerome once played the TV brother of Janella Salvador in ‘Be Careful With My Heart’, making the recasting a point of curiosity for longtime MarNella fans.
Completing the love triangle is Joseph Marco as Leandro Flores, Carmelita’s former love who reenters the picture, igniting tension, unresolved feelings, and a rivalry that challenges fate itself.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker McArthur C. Alejandre, the series promises sweeping visuals, high drama, and a faithful yet fresh take on the source material. Known for his cinematic storytelling, Alejandre is expected to elevate the historical romance genre for streaming audiences.
‘I Love You Since 1892’ is set to premiere soon on Viva One. (with reports from Loyd Pino)
