When the show had its pilot telecast in March, it was already trending on social media even without its main lead stars appearance just yet played by Kim Chiu, Jake Cuenca, Julia Montes, and Coco Martin.
There were fears if the type of period and historical romance series would be accepted and embraced by the Filipino televiewers in general, however, it did even well at the ratings, surprisingly. It knocks off its rival show on the other network—the Louise delos Reyes and Aljur Abrenica-starrer titled ‘Kambal Sirena’. Frankly speaking, what clout would the Reyes and Abrenica have to stand against the ‘fantastic four’ leads backed up with great story and concept plus a powerhouse cast, too? The answer is clearly—NONE.
Despite the promise of ‘Ikaw Lamang’ being a success, there was also a question that floated somewhere. Is it really the right time to pair once again Kim Chiu and Coco Martin? And the answer is—WHY NOT?
Both stars are identifiable by Filipino televiewers. Chiu is a reflection of a success story that has captured the hearts of the masses since the day she won the Pinoy Big Brother, Teen Edition in 2006. She united the Filipino and the Filipino-Chinese communities in that aspect. Even up to now, her strong box-office successes are just enough to prove that status of hers. Martin, on the other hand, is the perfect symbol of a male idol that the Filipino audiences from all ages have come to follow and grew their fondness. In fact, he’s even considered as the new Fernando Poe Jr. wannabe (in this generation) as well as the male version of the Superstar—Nora Aunor.
During the grand press conference of this soap in March, they revealed that the show was created and conceptualized for The Filipino Community (TFC) abroad, who have been proven many times over its strong market value to ABS-CBN Channel 2. Only this station can still claim dominance in its subscription to the shows offered on cable television. A study was made that TFC were the ones who left the country at the time when the show’s background story was set. The children of these Filipinos who migrated to different places abroad would also want to trace their roots—the history of the Philippines.
Between the late eighteenth century and the mid-1970s, sugar became the most important agricultural export of the Philippines for two reasons: first, the foreign exchange earned and second, it was the basis of wealth accumulation of some Filipino elite at that time. And this is where the love story of Samuel Severino and Isabelle Miravelez started.
Its setting is one that the Lopezes of ABS-CBN Channel 2 can easily resonate with. Just as predicted, TFC and the Filipinos love the soap. It blended all together the ingredients of a successful series on television. The rich characters are flawed so as the poor characters.
‘Ikaw Lamang’ has all the reasons to slam its rival soap. Why so? ABS-CBN Channel 2 doesn’t sacrifice the show’s quality. Di puwede and puwede na yan attitude, which is still very evident in other networks’ shows. Aside from quality, the network also capitalizes on consistency.
Dreamscape, an entertainment unit of ABS-CBN TV meticulously gathered all the experts to make this series lustrous and free from any loophole as the story is set in 1960s hacienda. To make it consistent, some of the pivotal scenes were shot in Bacolod, which most of these mills are located in the island of Negros. It is expected that they really produce a grandiose kind of production led by its production designer Manuel Morfe. Even the hair and makeup—the legendary Ruben Nazareth is back in heading the said department. The costume designer Eric Pineda is someone that has proven his worth even in Philippine stage. He showcases Gerry Sunga’s couture jewelry coupled with Joey Enriquez of Figlia shoes.
All these make up a show that takes pride in the celebration of Filipino creativity and artistry.
Basing on how the show is going, even if it has some elements of political slants and all—it is clear that the show’s peg is Nicholas Sparks’ ‘The Notebook’.
Besides the equally talented young stars in the show, playing crucial roles are Cherie Gil. Cherry Pie Picache, Angel Aquino, John Estrada with special participation of Ronaldo Valdez, Tirso Cruz III, Daria Ramirez, Ronnie Lazaro, Spanky Manikan, Meryll Soriano, and Lester Llansang. The show’s directors are Malu L. Sevilla, Avel E. Sunpongco, and Manny Q. Palo.
‘Ikaw Lamang’ airs at 8:20pm on weeknights.
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