Kapamilya stars Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino were officially announced as the lead cast members for the much-anticipated Philippine adaptation of the hit 2020 South Korean drama series It’s Okay To Not Be Okay.

The three stars are headlining the first-ever series adaptation under Star Creatives which will be directed by box office director Mae Cruz-Alviar.

“This is a highly anticipated project, and I'm very grateful I am given the opportunity to do this very beautiful Philippine adaptation,” Direk Mae expressed at the press conference for the new project announcement.

“Gagawin nating Filipino yung Korean series and in due time malalaman niyo yung changes,” Creative Producer Henry King Quitain teased, noting the possible location settings to Negros Island Region.

They also revealed that they will be working with Filipino animators as the series also highlights animations and illustrations.

The series is set to premiere on video streaming platform Netflix.

Meanwhile, the cast, who admitted their excitement and nervousness about the project, shared their preparations to give their iconic characters the best portrayal and relay the essence of the series.

“I'm very, very excited even with another project that I'm doing. I also did acting refreshers and I also prepared for this as well kasi tatalon na naman sa isa pang character,” Anne Curtis, who will play the female lead star Mia Hernandez, said.

Anne also expressed her excitement working with Joshua and Carlo.

“Sobra akong excited because it’s my first time also working with Joshua, so I'm very excited to see how we can bring out the chemistry together,” she said before cheering telling Joshua, “Kaya natin ito.”

She added, “Also, with Carlo, fan ako ng kaniyang pagiging isang actor kaya sobra akong excited on how he will portray these characters.”

Despite the pressure of taking one of the lead roles, Joshua shared that he will be doing immersions and research more about psychiatric nurses as well as prepare his mental and physical health for his character, Patrick Gonzales.

“Sa ngayon nagfofocus muna ako sa role ko. Sana mabigyan ko ng justice yung role ko kasi mas maikukwento namin iyong kabuuan ng istorya kasi mas mahaba yung atin,” he said.

He continued: “Nagprepare ako ngayon. Nagworkout ako ngayon per i think mas malaki yung importansya na emotionally prepared kami kasi iba rin yung itatackle naming istorya. Medyo sensitive kasi siya.”

On the other hand, Carlo revealed that he is looking forward to challenge his skills as an actor with his character Matthew Gonzales.

“Nalaman ko kasi through friends na sobrang ganda noong character ni Matmat… Sabi nila ma-cha-challenge ako and ayun yung gusto ko as an actor. I’m up for a challenge, kaya hindi ko binitawan. Gusto ko itong subukan at gusto kong gawin,” he said.

“Ngayon pinapanood ko (the original series)… mag-immersion kami, kasama ko si Direk Mae, aaralin ko (iyong character ko). Dahil nga may autism syndrome disorder level one si Matmat, kailangan ko malaman kung papaano sila,” he added.

Besides the unique personalities of each character, the series was also known for the unexpected chemistry of its stars. 

For Direk Mae, she believed that the three Kapamilya stars would also show the bond that the original has.

“I think one thing in common with the three, there are very good actors. Mahuhusay sila and there are professionals. And I know, and I believe that they will give justice to their roles. This is a very challenging project but with their capacity as actors, I know that they will give an excellent performance and that's what I'm looking forward to," she expressed.

“This is a unique combination… This is a challenge because iba eh. You have to bring out the chemistry, but I know that the chemistry comes from great acting, and I know I don't have a problem with that because I know there are great actors,” she added.