Heaven Peralejo, Jerome Ponce and Joseph Marco lead 'I Love You Since 1892'

The wait is finally over for fans of one of Wattpad’s most iconic love stories. 

I Love You Since 1892, the bestselling novel by Mia Alfonso, is officially coming to life as a full-length series, set to stream soon on Viva One.

At the center of this sweeping historical romance are three of today’s brightest stars, Heaven Peralejo, Joseph Marco and Jerome Ponce, who were formally introduced at a grand cast reveal held at Viva Café in Cubao, Quezon City.

The series is helmed by critically acclaimed director McArthur C. Alejandre, whose body of work is known for rich storytelling and emotional resonance. With over 132 million reads on Wattpad and over 210,000 copies sold in print, I Love You Since 1892 is more than just a novel; it’s a generational phenomenon.

Love story across centuries

Originally published in 2016, the novel follows a rebellious teenager named Carmela who is mysteriously transported back to the year 1892. There, she assumes the identity of her ancestor, Carmelita, in a bid to rewrite a tragic family past. As she becomes deeply entangled in the lives of those around her — particularly two men from different walks of life — Carmela must grapple with questions of destiny, identity and a love that defies time itself.

Director Alejandre, who immersed himself in the novel’s 1,700-page narrative, shared his admiration for its emotional depth. “I was blown away,” he admitted. “It’s not just a love story. It’s about what it means to love, to be loved and to fight for what’s right — whether as a woman, a man, a mother, or a patriot in 1892.”

Heaven Peralejo’s transformational role

Fresh from her Best Actress win at the Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival in Japan for the horror film Lilim, Heaven Peralejo now takes on the most complex role of her career: Dual characters across two timelines.

“When I won in Japan, I immediately called Boss Vic [del Rosario, Viva CEO],” she shared during the press conference. “I said, ‘Boss, I won!’ and he said, ‘That’s great, anak. I have a special project for you.’ That project turned out to be I Love You Since 1892.”

Heaven plays both the modern-day Carmela and her ancestor Carmelita, a feat that requires not just emotional nuance but also a deep understanding of two very different worlds.

“I did my research. Even while I was abroad, I kept on reading the book. I cried, I laughed, I fell in love with the characters,” she said. “Every day, I made sure I stayed connected to the story. I wanted to give it justice.”

Love triangle rooted in history

Rounding out the lead cast are Jerome Ponce and Joseph Marco, both known for their romantic leading roles in Viva series.

Jerome plays Juanito Alfonso, a principled gentleman from a noble lineage whose world is turned upside down by Carmela’s arrival. Meanwhile, Joseph takes on the role of Leandro Flores, Carmelita’s first love, who returns after years abroad, determined to win her back.

With lavish period costumes, rich production design, and a story grounded in the Filipino experience during Spanish colonial rule, I Love You Since 1892 offers a rare blend of history and fantasy anchored by universal themes of love, loss, and destiny.

“It’s a story that transcends time,” Alejandre concluded. “And that’s why it continues to resonate with millions.”

I Love You Since 1892 is set to premiere exclusively on Viva One. To witness this timeless love story unfold, download the Viva One app and subscribe for early access.