As “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” Philippines enters its final weeks, the cast shared their emotions and gratitude in a heartfelt finale media conference.
Carlo Aquino reflected on the bond he has built with the team over the past year.
“We’ve been together since July of last year. I’m not used to saying goodbye because I’ve grown to love this team so much — and I truly love this show,” he said, holding back tears.
Anne Curtis, visibly moved by Carlo’s words, expressed her pride in how the adaptation highlighted Filipino culture.
“It’s been quite a journey — filming in some of the most beautiful places in the Philippines like Dumaguete, Bacolod, and Iloilo. One thing we’re all very proud of is how we showcased not only the beauty of the country but also the richness of Filipino culture, especially in how we portray family,” she shared.
Younger cast members also shared their reflections. Kaori Oinuma recalled a particularly intense scene with Anne.
“Before the take, I asked permission from Ate Anne because the scene required me to pull her hair. I wasn’t sure I could pull it off — there were so many emotional layers. But with the help of Ate Anne and Direk, I was able to do it,” she said.
Xyriel Manabat, who worked closely with Enchong Dee, admitted to initial nerves.
“In the beginning, Kuya Enchong and I were always anxious — unsure if we were doing too much or if it would come off as cringe. But eventually, things just clicked, and I think our bond helped us deliver,” she said.
Other cast members including Enchong Dee, Maricel Laxa, Agot Isidro, Bodjie Pascua, Bobot Mortiz, Louise Abuel, Alyssa Muhlach, Aljon Mendoza, and Ana Abad Santos also expressed their gratitude to the loyal viewers. The series has consistently ranked among the Top 10 most-watched titles on Netflix Philippines.
Fans can look forward to long-awaited revelations in the final episodes, including the truth about Mia’s childhood and the mystery surrounding Ingrid’s whereabouts.
Official ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay’ PH merch launched
To mark the show’s success, ABS-CBN partnered with Vorex for the release of official licensed bag merchandise. The exclusive line includes backpacks, pouches, and totes designed with animated artwork from Filipino illustrators.
The collection also highlights the series’ butterfly motif and program logo — powerful symbols that capture the essence of the show’s message.
Fans can purchase the “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” bags through the authorized partner’s platforms at vorex.ph. More merch items will be revealed soon.
About the Korean original
The Philippine version draws inspiration from the acclaimed Korean drama “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” which aired in 2020. The series starred Kim Soo-hyun as Moon Gang-tae, Seo Ye-ji as Ko Moon-young, and Oh Jung-se as Moon Sang-tae.
The original show was lauded worldwide for its sensitive exploration of trauma, healing, and neurodiversity, with standout performances that resonated with audiences. Its success helped pave the way for international adaptations such as the Philippine version.
This article was written with the help of AI, based on press releases from ABS-CBN, and was reviewed and edited by the Hallyu Dorama team.
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