Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino take viewers on an emotional journey of pain, love, and healing in the Philippine adaptation of the critically acclaimed Korean drama “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. The series premieres on July 21 on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5, with advance streaming on Netflix (July 18) and iWant (July 19).
The story follows an emotionally guarded psychiatric ward caregiver Patpat (Joshua) who has dedicated his life to caring for his older brother Matmat (Carlo), a person with autism. Their world changes when they cross paths with a successful yet troubled children’s book author Mia (Anne), who is known for her cold and eccentric personality. As Mia, Patpat, Matmat confront painful childhood traumas and emotional scars, they begin a journey of healing, self-acceptance, and love.
Reimagined through a uniquely Filipino lens, the series promises a deeply emotional narrative that explores trauma, healing, and the power of love in the face of psychological struggles.
“This is a universal story that everyone would be able to relate to. It’s a healing story and it’s a beautiful journey of love. And at the end of the day, every Filipino, whether it’s family or friends, will be able to relate to the story of healing, pain, and love,” said Anne, who plays the lead character Mia Hernandez, during the series’ mediacon last Monday (June 30).
Director Mae Cruz-Alviar also explained the show’s approach in tackling mental health issues for Filipino audiences.
“Kailangan natin i-ayon sa pagtanggap ng audience sa ganitong talakayan tungkol sa mental health. Kasi hindi ganun kalaki ang awareness, so kailangan namin i-handle na ‘wag biglaan ‘yung audience, na ‘wag sila ma-overwhelm. So there is careful handling in telling the story but also staying true to the core of the show,” she shared.
Joshua related how he identified with his character in the series. “Nakaka-relate ako sa kanya kasi parehas kaming mapagmahal na kapatid at nangungulila sa nanay. Pati ‘yung pagka-burned out ng character ko, naramdaman ko rin.”
Meanwhile, Carlo, who plays the character of Matmat Gonzales, underwent immersions in special schools for persons with different levels of autism and several intensive workshops.
Completing the stellar cast are Rio Locsin, Bobot Mortiz, Michael De Mesa, Maricel Laxa, Agot Isidro, Enchong Dee, Kaori Oinuma, Bodjie Pascua, Ana Abad Santos, Sharmaine Suarez, Xyriel Manabat, Louise Abuel, Francis Magundayao, Alora Sasam, Alyssa Muhlach, Bianca De Vera, Aljon Mendoza, and Mark Oblea. “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” is led by directors Mae Cruz-Alviar and Raymond Ocampo, creative producer Henry Quitain, and Star Creatives business unit head Des M. De Guzman.
Catch the most-awaited Philippine adaptation of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” starting July 21 on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5, weeknights at 8:45 PM. Watch it in advance on Netflix (July 18) and iWant (July 19).
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