The Philippine adaptation of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” may have reached its emotional finale, but fans can now carry its message of assurance and upliftment beyond the screen through the show’s official shirts.
In collaboration with Linya-Linya, ABS-CBN has released “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” licensed shirts now available for pre-order and direct purchase starting Monday, October 20, via linyalinya.ph.
The collection features two designs: one emblazoned with the series’ logo, symbolizing affirmation, and another bearing the feel-good line “Happy Day,” popularized by brothers Patpat (Joshua Garcia) and Matmat (Carlo Aquino).
The launch follows earlier merchandise releases, including the show’s bag collection featuring the butterfly motif — an emblem of transformation and courage. More official accessories are also in the works, extending the series’ uplifting message to everyday life.
Anne, Joshua, and Carlo take center stage in Metro
As the series closed, Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino also graced the latest Metro digital cover — reflecting on how “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” changed their views on life and mental health.
Anne opened up about the pressure of adapting a beloved K-drama and how her focus shifted toward raising awareness.
“Will I be able to give it justice? That was my biggest concern. Then I realized, what am I doing worrying about like, ‘Oh, are we going to give justice?’ Like, the whole point of this is reaching out to a wider audience, especially in the Philippines, where there’s still a stigma about mental health,” she said in the exclusive Metro feature.
For Joshua, the series became an awakening about emotional honesty.
“‘Yong mental health, hindi siya malinaw sa ’kin before kaya no’ng nalaman ko ’yong awareness about that, mas nag-grow ako kasi mas naiintindihan ko ’yong sarili ko. Makimkimin akong tao. So akala ko okay lang na hindi mag-share. Naiipon pala siya. Eventually sasabog siya. Pero buti na nga lang, nandiyan ’yong acting. Kumbaga may outlet ako ng nararamdaman ko, ng mga kinikimkim ko,” he shared.
Carlo, who portrayed the high-functioning adult with autism Matmat (also known as Manong), spoke about his deep connection to the role.
“Every step of the way, kung paano maglakad si Matmat, kung paano tumakbo, kung paano ’yong hands. Inaral niya ko, inaral ko rin siya. Grabe ’yong dinala sa akin, ’yong binigay sa aking zen, ’yong binigay sa aking peace ni Matmat, ni Manong,” he said.
“Every time na naalala ko, sobrang thankful ako sa series. Mahal na mahal ko sila, ’yong mga nakilala ko sa school,” Carlo said about the children with autism he met during a three-day immersion as part of his preparation for the role.
For her part, Director Mae Cruz-Alviar praised the entire cast for their humility and dedication.
“All of them — from the main characters to the support — they were so humble, open, and generous. There would be times I would be in such awe that I would just stop and watch them, or think, ‘Wow, this is a casting coup!’ I would have to stop and remind myself, ‘Hey I have to direct them,’” she said.
What was left to discover in the final episodes
As “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” neared its final week, tension ran high for Mia (Anne Curtis), Patrick, and Matmat. Secrets unraveled, long-buried truths emerged, and each character faced their deepest fears.
The show’s concluding episodes brought viewers to the edge as Mia struggled to confront painful family revelations, Patrick wrestled with his loyalty and love, and Matmat took brave steps toward self-healing. At the center of it all was the lingering mystery surrounding Ingrid (Agot Isidro) and her connection to the past — a thread that tested the trio’s strength and compassion.
The finale tied together these emotional arcs with the series’ core message: that healing is not linear, and it’s okay to seek help, to feel broken, and to begin again.
Since its July premiere, the ABS-CBN adaptation has ranked among Netflix Philippines’ Top 10 most-watched shows, praised for its heartfelt storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and authentic representation of mental health and neurodiversity.
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” may have concluded its televised run, but its story of love, family, and healing continues to resonate — now immortalized in its art, performances, and even the shirts that let fans wear its heart on their sleeves.
The Philippine adaptation 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 series 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 news releases from ABS-CBN, and was reviewed and edited by the Hallyu Dorama team.