In an exclusive interview with PUSH.com.ph, Pangako Sa ‘Yo’s head writer Henry Quintain answered some of the questions about the show, shared some behind-the-scenes secrets, and gave clues on how the story will end.

As part of the original Pangako Sa ‘Yo teleserye way back in 2000, Henry shared that this remake featured the original tracking of the story. “Ang nangyari lang kasi noong Pangako Sa ‘Yo nung una because naextend siya ng naextend kaya parang ang dami ng twists and turns na nangyari dun. So ‘yan ang original intention namin na we go back to the original concept and original story of Pangako Sa ‘Yo so kumbaga mas original pa ‘to kaysa sa original kasi it is really the original story of Pangako Sa ‘Yo when we first conceptualized,” he said.

Henry added that they intentionally updated the story to be able to adapt to the times.

When asked about his thoughts on people’s mixed reactions regarding this remake, Henry said that comparison is inevitable. “Hindi naman maiiwasan ‘yung comparison eh but eventually as we go along, nagstand na ang Pangako Sa ‘Yo na ito as the Pangako Sa ‘Yo of today. There are of course, still nagcocompare pero actually, masaya naman ang ano (team) kasi iba ang portrayal ng mga cast na ito ngayon sa original. Mas real ‘yung atake nila ngayon, mas totoo. ‘Yung kasi noon, larger than life ang portrayal.”

He added further, “Ang tendency kasi kapag remake, alam na ng audience ang mangyayari but since naiba ‘yung takbo ng kwento, nandodoon pa rin but the experience is different, hindi na nila alam ngayon. Naeexcite na ngayon ang viewers kasi hindi na nila alam kung anong mangyayari.”

In line with these alterations in the story, Henry also explained why they changed what happened to Amor’s and daughter Yna’s necklace.

In the original PSY, Yna’s adoptive father Tatay Isko, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, buried the necklace in the ground. This time, the necklace fell into the river, which led to a fish swallowing the other half of the jewelry. Saying that the idea was from director Olivia Lamasan, Henry shared that although it might seem ridiculous, the ratings showed otherwise. “It was the highest (rated episode) ng Pangako Sa ‘Yo.”

Noting that they have been working on PSY for more than a year now, Henry confirmed that all of the cast members have become very close. He mentioned that Daniel Padilla (who plays Angelo) and Ian Veneracion (who plays Eduardo) are like father and son behind the scenes.

Likewise, the head writer also spoke about the alleged disbanding of KathNiel through the characters of Diego Loyzaga and Sue Ramirez on the show. “They are all friends. Actually kahit pa sinasabi ng mga fans na inaagaw nila Sue, no, she’s not kasi it’s part of the story of Angelo. (The character of) Diego Loyzaga is part of the story of Yna so siyempre sa fans, ang tingin lang nila diyan, pinaghihiwalay pilit ang KathNiel pero this is still their story. May pinag-jo-journey-han ang characters nina Yna at Angelo that will bring them back together,” he assured.

Talking about fans who reacted negatively when third parties were introduced, Henry said, “It is part of the journey of Yna and Angelo and it doesn’t mean na may David, may nain-love na sa ibang character, it is no longer their story. It is still their story.” He added that the latter part of the series even focused more on the young characters’ love story.

When asked whose character they changed the most and why, Henry answered the roles of Diego Loyzaga as David and Sarah Carlos as Bea Bianca.

Of David, Henry explained, “In the original, he was just a best friend na mahirap tapos eventually, nag-abroad. This time, we made it a point that he will be crucial in the entire art of the story and again, that’s part of the original concept of Pangako Sa ‘Yo… Actually, pinagsama namin ‘yung role ng original Bea Bianca and David character kasi the original Bea Bianca became the anak-anakan of Amor. This time, we changed it a bit and put it in the character of Diego.”

Remembering how the Bea Bianca character in the original seemed very obsessed, Henry said, “Ito, medyo baliw pa rin naman pero mas humane because binaliktad namin actually ‘yung character ni David at Bea Bianca so kung napansin niyo, si Bea Bianca ngayon ‘yung mahirap.”

The head writer shared that the Book 2 offered an entirely different experience. They changed the Felicity character to Ligaya played by Sue Ramirez.

“We made it more masa and nicer. Real din and fun,” adding that the Book 2’s treatment is light.

What can fans expect from the ending?

Henry said, “Actually, it’s the same Pangako Sa ‘Yo of the original but it’s a different experience because iba naman ‘yung mga eksena. Iba ‘yung rendering. Iba ‘yung pagkaka-twist and turn so parehas siya ng original pero iba lang ng experience.”

Will they be open to a possible return through a third book in the future?

“Parang wala na. Tapos na. Tapos na siya talaga. Okay na ‘yun, we had a good run. Mataas ang ratings niya, in-up niya naman ang viewing ano ng primetime sa ABS-CBN so it’s an enough accomplishment for Pangako Sa ‘Yo,” he concluded.