For JM de Guzman, ‘My Bespren Emman’ turned out to be more than another acting project—it came at a time when he was personally struggling with his faith and spiritual connection with God.

As the inspirational TV5 drama enters its second book, JM opened up about how portraying Emman helped him rediscover prayer and strengthen his spiritual life.

During TV5’s recent media conference, the actor admitted that he was going through a difficult period spiritually before the project was offered to him.

“Sobrang thankful ko simula nu’ng natanggap ko ’tong project na ’to. Before ko kasi siyang matanggap, medyo nag-i-struggle ako sa spiritual life and spiritual connection ko with God,” JM shared.

But as production progressed, the actor found himself developing a deeper connection with the themes of faith and redemption explored by his character.

“Pero habang ginagawa namin ’to, kinakausap-kausap ko si Emman [God], how I prepared for the role,” he said.

Preparing for ‘My Bespren Emman’ also encouraged JM to incorporate meditation and prayer into his daily routine.

“Nag-meditate talaga ako and prayed para magkaroon rin ng connection kay God. I did it every day before shoot and kung nasa bahay lang ako, before I sleep,” he revealed.

The practice, according to JM, eventually gave him a sense of peace and clarity.

“Masarap siya sa pakiramdam and nagkakaroon ako ng clarity,” he added.

His leading lady Shaina Magdayao also has a deeply personal appreciation for the project, describing ‘My Bespren Emman’ as an “answered prayer.”

Having grown up in the entertainment industry, Shaina recalled how she started her career doing projects that included stories similar to the values-driven themes of their current series.

“I kept on repeating that this is an answered prayer. Kasi, alam n’yo naman po, lumaki na po ako sa harapan ninyong lahat, na gumagawa ng mga pelikula at saka mga teleserye na kagaya nito,” she said.

However, Shaina noted that as she entered her teenage years, the kinds of stories she was offered naturally shifted toward romance and other genres.

“And then, I don’t know, for some reason siguro, nu’ng naging teenager [ako], nawala doon ’yung focus. Siyempre, napunta sa mga love story and ’yung iba-iba pang mga kuwento na ibinibigay natin sa manonood,” she explained.

That was why receiving an offer to become part of ‘My Bespren Emman’ felt particularly meaningful for her.

“So, when this was offered to me, I felt that it was an answered prayer,” Shaina said.

The actress considers the show’s longevity another blessing, especially now that its story has been extended into a second book.

“Tapos may bonus pa nga na tumagal kami nang ganito katagal, na umabot pa sa Book 2,” she shared.

For Shaina, being given the opportunity to tell an inspirational story centered on faith is especially meaningful at a time when she feels this type of programming has become less common on television.

“It’s beautiful to be able to be given this opportunity na gumawa ng ganitong klaseng show na, gaya nga po ng sabi ninyo, wala na tayong mga napapanood na ganito,” she added.

‘My Bespren Emman’ follows a story anchored on friendship, family, redemption, second chances, and faith—subjects that have apparently resonated not only with its audience but also with the actors bringing the characters to life.

For JM, in particular, the series arrived at a moment when he needed its message himself.

What started as preparation for a role eventually became part of his personal journey toward reconnecting with his faith—while for Shaina, the project became the kind of meaningful story she had long hoped to tell again. Now entering Book 2, ‘My Bespren Emman’ is part of TV5’s Hapon Champion lineup and has also expanded its reach to Kapamilya audiences through ABS-CBN platforms.