5 Years of "Princess And I"

5 years ago, we premiered what was to become the “Most Successful Teenserye of Our Time” on primetime television, Princess And I. The show was such a gamechanger, it changed the lives of the people involved in the serye, most importantly its lead stars. From lesser known yet promising teen stars, Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla and Enrique Gil have turned into this generation’s superstars both on TV and movies, while Khalil Ramos has transitioned into one of the Philippine movies’ most critically lauded young actors.

I feel so privileged to have been part of this serye’s journe. From its humble beginnings as a concept, to its finale that reached 39% in the ratings, I was there. Looking back, we all took a leap of faith in and for this – a “princess story” on primetime  teleserye was something new that time. And we had newcomers for lead stars. We weren’t sure, but we were so hopeful. We had faith in our material, and our young, fresh cast. By God’s grace, and your support, we made it 10 months on air, even peaking at 41% in the ratings game. And apart from being my first in ABS-CBN, it remains as my most favorite among the series I've been part of.

In honor of this ground breaking teenserye’s 5th anniversary since it debuted, let me share some of the most unforgettable moments I had on the set with our stars, which today can be considered “gems” already… Memories I will treasure for the rest of my life. Back when Kath, DJ, Kali and Quen weren’t the superstars and acclaimed actors that they are now.

Wait, I admit, while I’m typing this entry, I’m listening to the serye’s theme song “Nag-Iisang Bituin” is on repeat. Legit tears are now streaming down from my eyes.

Each of them had respective hectic schedules then, having them together in one workshop was nearly impossible. This was the first, and last time the four had a workshop together for the series. I was just so excited to see them together finally. 

The four lead cast really shared a beautiful working relationship during “Princess and I”. In fact, up to this day, they’ve remained really good friends. This photo was taken after Enrique, Khalil and Daniel played basketball at our St. James set, while Kathryn was taping her own sequences. Ang gugwapo at ang fresh! =P

Visiting Khalil and Kathryn at our Marikina Riverbanks set. This was one of our earliest tapings, and Kiko and Mikay’s scenes were the first to be shot. Kath and Kali instantly hit it off as friends on the set. Cute na cute kami kay Khalil that time, he was like our baby brother. 

I dropped by our Tierra Pura set to have this gho arranged by our wardrobe mistresses for my graduation pictorial then. This was one of those used by Quen (as Dasho Jao) in the series. He was laughing and teasing when he saw me wearing it, but he was helpful he even taught me how to wear it. It looked simple, but was complicated in reality. And it felt hot wearing it. 

At our Enchanted Kingdom set, while waiting for the rain to stop. Remember when I appeared on the serye as that ticket guy who refused Daniel’s (as Gino) entry to the amusement park, prompting him to wear that unforgettable Blue Bear mascot? This pic was taken an hour before we taped it! And I remember DJ being so supportive of me in that scene. 

I visited our Hotel Rembrandt set, where Gino and Mikay’s first dance was taken. And afterwards, Kath and I had this photo op. Guess who took it? Daniel lang naman!