Flonique Guimary

ON THIS DAY: Revisiting ‘Ikaw Ay Pag-Ibig’ 14 years later

Article (news)

Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>On this day, November 21, in 2011, the Christmas-serye <em>Ikaw Ay Pag-Ibig</em> premiered on national television, captivating Filipino audiences with its heartfelt story of love, hope, and family. </p><div> </div><p>Led by Kapamilya child wonders, the series quickly became a holiday classic, known for its emotional sincerity and spiritual warmth. Fourteen years later, its young cast has continued to evolve, leaving significant marks on Philippine entertainment.</p><div> </div><div><iframe width="553" height="415" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Eg7VE19p6oo" title="Ikaw Ay Pag-Ibig Full Trailer" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763720130715OTD-Nov_21-IkawAyPagibig.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Here’s where the cast is now and how their roles helped make the series unforgettable:</p><div> </div><div><strong>Zaijian Jaranilla as Nonoy</strong></div><p>Zaijian portrayed Nonoy, a kindhearted young boy deeply loved by his foster parents. His life takes a tragic turn, pushing him toward a higher purpose as he joins the search for Baby Rafa. His performance, marked by remarkable emotional maturity for his age, elevated the role and reinforced his reputation as one of the top child actors of his generation.</p><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763719523656Screenshot 2025-11-21 180402.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>From portraying spiritually rich and emotional characters in <em>May Bukas Pa, Noah</em>, and <em>RPG Metanoia</em>, Zaijian smoothly transitioned into mature roles. He has since appeared in <em>Bagani, Boyette: Not a Girl Yet, The Broken Marriage Vow, Mars Ravelo’s Darna, Senior High, </em>and <em>High Street</em>. Today, he continues to shine, recently starring in <em>Si Sol at Si Luna</em> alongside Jane Oineza.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-5" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5lmVYtSYib/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A5%2C%22os%22%3A8280795.200000048%2C%22ls%22%3A4809486.700000048%2C%22le%22%3A4809488.8000000715%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="946" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-5" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Mutya Orquia as Tinay</strong></div><p>Mutya played Tinay, a cheerful and loving daughter whose life is shaken after her father’s tragic death, forcing her to live in an orphanage. Her portrayal was filled with innocence, charm, and heartfelt emotion.</p><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763719623196Screenshot 2025-11-21 180646.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Today, Mutya remains active in the industry. She recently appeared in the Kapamilya drama <em>What Lies Beneath </em>as the young Louisa Mae Soria. Fans also remember her from her roles in <em>Darna, Pamilya Ko, The Killer Bride, Asintado, Home Sweetie Home, Wildflower</em>, and especially her iconic performance in <em>Be Careful With My Heart.</em></p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-7" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQjiBRZEooO/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A7%2C%22os%22%3A8382516%2C%22ls%22%3A4809486.700000048%2C%22le%22%3A4809488.8000000715%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="990" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-7" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Louise Abuel as Edison</strong></div><p>Louise portrayed Edison, whose gentle personality and quiet strength resonated with viewers. His character embodied kindness despite life’s hardships, and Louise’s nuanced performance hinted at the depth he would later bring to more mature roles.</p><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763719717279Screenshot 2025-11-21 180807.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div> </div><p>Louise’s early work in <em>Ikaw Ay Pag-Ibig</em> became a springboard for notable projects such as <em>Edward, City’s Laundry &amp; Taxes, Kontrabida Academy, </em>and <em>Viral Scandal. </em>Recently, he showcased his dramatic growth in <em>It’s Okay to Not Be Okay</em>, where he starred alongside Bianca De Vera.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-9" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOiWje9iRdz/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A9%2C%22os%22%3A8477335.899999976%2C%22ls%22%3A4809486.700000048%2C%22le%22%3A4809488.8000000715%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1044" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-9" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Xyriel Manabat as Angelica</strong></div><p>Xyriel breathed life into Angelica, adding emotional weight and charm to the role. Coming from the success of <em>Agua Bendita, Momay, </em>and <em>100 Days to Heaven</em>, her performance in <em>Ikaw Ay Pag-Ibig</em> reflected her range and solidified her status as one of her generation’s most talented child stars.</p><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763719812757Screenshot 2025-11-21 180959.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div> </div><p>Years later, Xyriel continues to shine in both dramatic and youth-oriented roles, appearing in <em>Dirty Linen, Senior High, High Street, Kontrabida Academy, </em>and <em>The Last Beergin</em>. She also revealed a more personal side to the public through her stint as a housemate on <em>Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition</em>.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-11" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DOFxwItEh9j/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A11%2C%22os%22%3A8574777.800000072%2C%22ls%22%3A4809486.700000048%2C%22le%22%3A4809488.8000000715%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1122" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-11" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Dimples Romana as Agnes Alvarez</strong></div><p>Dimples portrayed Agnes Alvarez, a mother navigating emotional trials, love, and sacrifice. Her grounded, sincere performance added depth to the series’ family-centered themes and reinforced her standing as a powerful dramatic actress.</p><div><strong> </strong></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763719885535Screenshot 2025-11-21 181109.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>In the 14 years since the show aired, Dimples has built an impressive portfolio, starring in acclaimed productions such as <em>Kadenang Ginto, Viral Scandal, The Greatest Love, The Iron Heart, High Street, </em>and <em>The Caretakers</em>. She is also part of the upcoming series <em>Someone, Someday</em> with Kathryn Bernardo, James Reid, and Maja Salvador, while continuing to display her versatility as a host.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-13" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ8QEWTk0oU/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A13%2C%22os%22%3A8645078%2C%22ls%22%3A4809486.700000048%2C%22le%22%3A4809488.8000000715%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1014" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-13" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Alfred Vargas as Mario Reyes </strong></div><p>As Mario Reyes, Alfred delivered a grounded and compassionate portrayal of a father torn between love and responsibility. His controlled intensity added emotional balance to the show’s dramatic arcs.</p><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763719964237Screenshot 2025-11-21 181224.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Beyond acting, Alfred expanded his career into public service. He currently serves as a councilor in Quezon City while taking on occasional screen projects.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-15" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DK61DGvtZ_B/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A15%2C%22os%22%3A8729528.700000048%2C%22ls%22%3A4809486.700000048%2C%22le%22%3A4809488.8000000715%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1260" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-15" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Paulo Avelino as Andoy Jimenez</strong></div><p>Paulo played Andoy, the troubled son of a police inspector. His character’s rebellious streak brought tension and complexity to the series, showing early hints of the layered acting Paulo would be known for.</p><div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763720036135Screenshot 2025-11-21 181343.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div> </div><p>Now recognized as one of the most respected actors of his generation, Paulo continues to deliver compelling performances. He currently stats in the Kapamilya drama <em>The Alibi </em>opposite Kim Chiu.</p><div> </div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-17" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLOrJmfzNvq/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A17%2C%22os%22%3A8832963.700000048%2C%22ls%22%3A4809486.700000048%2C%22le%22%3A4809488.8000000715%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1005" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-17" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><strong> </strong></div><p>Despite running for a short time, <em>Ikaw Ay Pag-Ibig</em> carved a lasting place in the hearts of viewers. Its cast brought to life a story filled with love, hope, and the true essence of Christmas — creating and spending time with family that continue to resonate more than a decade later.</p>

<p>ABS-CBN Christmas-serye ‘Ikaw Ay Pag-Ibig’ starred then child wonders Zaijian Jaranilla, Mutya Orquia, Louise Abuel, and Xyriel Manabat in 2011.</p>

ABS-CBN Christmas-serye ‘Ikaw Ay Pag-Ibig’ starred then child wonders Zaijian Jaranilla, Mutya Orquia, Louise Abuel, and Xyriel Manabat in 2011.