After months of quiet anticipation, the Filipino remake of the globally acclaimed Korean drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is finally ready to premiere — reimagined with a rich emotional depth and cultural nuance that only a Filipino adaptation can deliver. Headlined by Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino, the ABS-CBN production aims to offer comfort to viewers, delving into themes of mental health, family, and the enduring power of love.

Anne Curtis returns

For Anne, returning to dramatic acting wasn’t an easy decision. “To be honest, it took me a while to say yes to this project,” she confessed during the emotional grand press launch. “I hadn’t acted in a while, so I had all these jitters. But I was surrounded by such supportive co-actors and guided by Direk Mae [Cruz-Alviar], who really anchored us in this story.”

Her vulnerability, both on and off screen, reflects the very message of the show. “Even today, you can see I’m still nervous. But that’s also what I learned—it’s okay to not be okay.”

Carlo Aquino takes on a challenge

Carlo Aquino steps into the complex role of Matmat, a high-functioning adult on the autism spectrum. His preparation was intense and immersive. “I underwent a three-day immersion in a special school in Banawe, where I was able to observe various behaviors and routines,” he shared. “Joshua even accompanied me. We wanted to do this right.”

His dedication was not lost on his co-stars. Veteran actress Rio Locsin was visibly moved. “Even during rehearsals, Carlo was already giving so much. It’s not an easy role—but he delivers, over and over. I often found myself just watching him. Ang husay talaga.”

Joshua Garcia finds joy

As the leading man Patrick, Joshua Garcia described his reaction after seeing the official trailer: “I couldn’t stop smiling. Seeing it all come together — after everything we put in — was just heartwarming.”

Curtis added, “We filmed for almost a year. So when I finally watched the trailer, it was a whirlwind — excitement, nervousness. But when it ended, I had the biggest smile.”

Aquino echoed the pride: “Mayabang ako dito — gawa namin ‘yun!” he laughed. “I was so excited to show it to my wife, but she had already seen it! Ganoon kaganda.”

Local heart, universal story

While the adaptation remains faithful to the soul of the original Korean series, it also introduces elements that speak more directly to Filipino audiences.

“We added some new characters and perspectives,” Curtis explained. “This is a universal story of healing and love. Filipinos—whether you’re dealing with grief, mental health, or just navigating relationships—will find something real in this show.”

Enchong Dee, making his teleserye return, expressed his gratitude: “I’m so lucky to be part of this show. I finally got to work with Joshua and Carlo, and seeing Anne’s professionalism firsthand was inspiring. And with Direk Mae—who also gave me Kaloy in Magkaribal—it just felt like coming home.”

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay premieres 18 July on Netflix, 19 July on iWantTFC, and 21 July on Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV, and TV5 at 8:45 PM