Remaking foreign series has always raised the question — will it be a hit or a miss? This time, the pressure is on as the Philippines takes on the beloved 2020 Korean drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. All eyes are on whether this adaptation can deliver the same healing, honesty, and heart while being told in a language and culture much closer to home.

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The Philippine adaptation, directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, retells the story of a children’s book author with severe antisocial tendencies who crosses paths with an empathetic but emotionally distant psychiatric nurse and his older brother who is on the autism spectrum. Together, they begin to confront deep-seated emotional wounds — but will healing truly follow?

Faithful, But Still Filipino

The series stays true to the original material while offering a fresh take and a distinctly Filipino touch. It feels like watching the 2020 version, only now through an all-Filipino lens.

From its picturesque Filipino setting to the finer details and signature Pinoy wit, this remake confidently stands on its own. But what truly sets it apart is the reimagining of the iconic animation woven into the original storytelling — a beautiful showcase of what Filipino artists are capable of.

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Equally impressive is its cinematography. Beyond the beautifully composed shots, the visuals pull you into their world — making you feel the tension in every frame, the nervousness in thrilling moments, and the warmth in the story’s quiet, tender scenes.

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Only a few episodes in, yet the writing also already proves to be solid and thoughtfully crafted. Fans of the original series will likely feel the same emotional resonance. Just when you think you know exactly where the story is headed, the show weaves in subtle details that make you pause, rethink, and guess again.

A Dream Ensemble of Leads

It’s in the casting where this It’s Okay to Not Be Okay adaptation finds its greatest strength. Each actor becomes a reflection of the original, while still making the character entirely their own.

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Anne Curtis surely made her teleserye comeback felt with her portrayal of Mia Hernandez. While we’ve seen her take on offbeat and daring roles before, this portrayal of an emotionally layered woman is something else entirely.

It’s refreshing to see Anne not shy away from showing just how “unhinged” Mia can be — a far cry from her real-life personality. She plays Mia with a fierce edge and unapologetic attitude, yet there’s a quiet vulnerability hiding just beneath the surface.

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Joshua Garcia once again proves why he’s one of this generation’s finest leading men. Stepping into a role made iconic by K-drama superstar Kim Soo-hyun, he not only rises to the challenge, he turns Patrick ‘Pat-Pat’ Gonzales into a worthy and distinct Filipino counterpart to Moon Gang-tae.

He perfectly captures Patrick’s charm, but more than that, Joshua brings depth to the character’s aloof and distant side. His ability to balance emotional restraint with vulnerability makes his portrayal feel grounded and compelling.

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The standout, however, is definitely Carlo Aquino as Matthew ‘Mat-Mat’ Gonzales. He effortlessly steals every scene he’s in. With his nuanced and respectful portrayal of a man on the autism spectrum, Carlo delivers a performance that’s both powerful and deeply moving.

Sure, we’ve seen this award-winning actor ace countless roles before, but this might just be one of, if not his best performance to date. Carlo makes Mat-Mat so endearing that you can’t help but root for him. It’s a portrayal clearly shaped by immense talent, thoughtful preparation, and a deep respect for the character he’s bringing to life.

No Misses in This Cast

The supporting cast is also on their A-game. Take Enchong Dee, for instance, who fully shed his usual leading man aura to play Vincent, the quirky CEO of the publishing house behind Mia’s books. As cliché as it may sound, this is Enchong like you’ve never seen him before. His turn as a comedic character is a refreshing departure from the heartthrob roles he’s long been known for.

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Complementing this is Xyriel Manabat, who once again proves why she’s one of the finest young actresses today. She brings Secretary Matel with spot-on timing and sharp delivery, hitting every comedic beat effortlessly.

Worthy of special mention is Cinemalaya Best Actor Noel Comia Jr., who brings depth and sensitivity to young Mat-Mat in the flashbacks. Also back on the primetime block is Francis Magundayao, whose natural acting shines as Patrick’s ever-loyal best friend, Jason. It’s intriguing to see what lies ahead for the OK Hospital characters, including those portrayed by Agot Isidro and Maricel Laxa.

Chemistry That Feels Like Destiny

These strong portrayals hit even harder thanks to the natural chemistry among the cast. Every scene shared feels like a connection that’s been lived through — layered, raw, and deeply human.

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Director Mae Cruz-Alviar surely brought out the best in Joshua and Carlo’s performances as the Gonzales brothers, guiding them to portray a bond that’s both tender and complex. Their scenes together are filled with both tension and affection.COURTESY: STAR CREATIVES

Joshua and Anne’s first on-screen pairing delivers a surprising yet undeniable spark, perfectly captured in their very first scene together — made even more poignant by Angela Ken’s rendition of “Kathang Isip”. As Mia puts it, "Destiny finds us," and in their case, it truly did.

Mental Health at Its Core

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It’s also worth noting how the series centers on mental health — not in an overly dramatic way, but with a natural, respectful touch. It handles the subject with care, steering clear of heavy-handed portrayals. Instead, it allows us to witness how people living with mental health challenges navigate their lives day by day, with honesty and nuance.

More Chapters to Uncover

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The original series kept us hooked with its many twists and emotional turns. With how truthful this version is, it remains to be seen whether it will follow the same path or surprise viewers in new ways. The unexpected celebrity cameos, like the ones in the pilot, are a fun touch. It’s interesting to see how the rest of the story unfolds and how healing eventually finds its way through.

Advanced episodes of It’s Okay to Not Be Okay are now streaming on Netflix and iWant. The series will also air on free TV via TV5 and A2Z, and will stream live on Kapamilya Online Live starting July 21.