Jairus Aquino and Nicole Omillo could not hold back their tears after seeing the trailer of ‘Our Yesterday’s Escape’ for the first time, as the two reflected on finally getting their moment in the sixth and final installment of Viva One’s hit ‘University Series.’
During the series’ media conference, Jairus and Nicole became emotional as they watched the trailer and realized that after appearing throughout the franchise, the story of their characters Shan and Kierra was finally taking center stage.
For Jairus, being chosen to close a franchise that has developed a strong following came with both excitement and pressure.
“Mas naramdaman ko ang pressure and, I guess, we would be able to use that pressure to give these people a very good series,” Jairus said.
He described ‘Our Yesterday’s Escape’ as the heaviest installment they have worked on because of the different emotions and elements involved in Shan and Kierra’s story.
“We’re just really happy na nandito kami ngayon, doing this last and final book, which is for us, the heaviest book kasi maraming elements,” he shared.
“Blood, sweat, and tears. Everything, gagawin talaga namin lahat,” he added.
Nicole, meanwhile, admitted feeling nervous as the premiere approaches, especially after being part of the ‘University Series’ journey for several years.
“Nakakakaba po na we’ve been doing it nga for a few years now, but it’s an honor to do this. Nakakakaba pero excited,” she said.
The actress said the support they have received from fans has made the experience even more emotional, knowing that Shan and Kierra are carrying the responsibility of concluding the franchise.
“Maybe we’re just really overwhelmed with the love and support we’re getting from everybody, especially we’re (to star in) the last book,” Nicole said.
She also recalled an emotional milestone at the Vivarkada Grand Concert, where she and Jairus finally performed together at the Araneta Coliseum.
“Kasi sa lahat ng series, lagi po kaming nagpa-pass by lang. Never po kaming nagtatagpo,” Nicole explained.
Based on the Wattpad novel by Gwy Saludes, ‘Our Yesterday’s Escape’ serves as the sixth and concluding chapter of the ‘University Series,’ which has reportedly accumulated more than 720 million online views.
The franchise began with ‘The Rain in España,’ followed by ‘Safe Skies Archer,’ ‘Chasing in the Wild,’ ‘Avenues of the Diamond,’ and ‘Golden Scenery of Tomorrow.’
Jairus and Nicole reprise their roles as Shan and Kierra, two young people carrying emotional wounds despite having very different perspectives on life and relationships.
Kierra is an Architecture student who remains willing to believe in love despite painful experiences. Shan, a Psychology student, avoids commitment and prefers a carefree lifestyle centered on parties.
Their meeting leads to what initially appears to be a temporary affair but eventually develops into a complicated relationship spanning several years.
As they confront the wounds of their past, their relationship faces another challenge when someone from Kierra’s history returns, forcing Shan to fight not only for their love but also for the truth.
Directed by Gino Santos, ‘Our Yesterday’s Escape’ also features veteran actors Mon Confiado, Dominic Ochoa, Angelu de Leon, Anjo Yllana, Bernadette Allyson, Yayo Aguila, Michael Flores, Jan Marini, and Cris Villanueva, among others.
Fans can also expect the return of familiar ‘Univerkada’ members Heaven Peralejo, Marco Gallo, Bea Binene, Wilbert Ross, Jerome Ponce, Krissha Viaje, Gab Lagman, Hyacinth Collado, Aubrey Caraan, and Lance Carr.
For Jairus and Nicole, however, the finale carries an additional layer of significance: after years of Shan and Kierra merely crossing paths within the larger “University Series” universe, their characters finally get to tell their own story—and ultimately bring the franchise to its conclusion.
‘Our Yesterday’s Escape’ premieres September 5 on Viva One, with new episodes streaming every Saturday.