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! 

21 at 21: Why Kathryn is a Most Worthy Queen?

Today marks a special day in the life of Queen of Hearts (formerly Teen Queen) Kathryn Bernardo as she officially turns 21. 

And as a gift mula sa isang ka-trabaho, kaibigan at fan ni Kath (as we fondly call her) all these years, I listed down the 21 reasons why we loved, and continuously love this young woman who is more than worthy of being a royalty of this generation, on and off cam. 

1. She is a showbiz royalty not by blood, by worth. She worked her way up to where she is now. Her humble beginning is just inspiring, reminding us not to give up on our dreams, because one day matutupad din natin ang mga iyon.

2. As a kid, minahal na natin siya with her cute portrayal on several TV shows, most memorably in "Goin' Bulilit" and "Super Inggo".

3. At a young age, sobrang tapang ng naging pagganap niya sa "Magkaribal" as young Victoria (Gretchen Barretto). It earned her unanimous praise and acclaim from viewers.

4. She was able to give justice, and more to the role of Mara in the remake "Mara Clara", previously played by Judy Ann Santos lang naman. It opened so many doors of opportunities for her afterwards.

5. She was able to make herself worthy of the Teen Queen title after being the unforgettable Princess Mikay in "Princess And I", which rated as high as 41% during its run in 2012.

6. She and ka-loveteam Daniel Padilla made us believe in the magic of love through their remarkable primetime hit, "Got To Believe", in 2013. The series solidified her status of being this generation's Teen Queen.

7. She is one of the youngest box-office princesses of our time, thanks to the box-office successes of "Must Be Love", "Pagpag" and "She's Dating The Gangster".

8. Napatunayan niya ang kanyang versatility as an actress when she played a little offbeat and bratty in another box-office hit "Crazy Beautiful You". And at 20, naging matapang na siya to accept a more matured role in Inang Olive Lamasan's "Barcelona: A Love Untold", where she shared her very first on screen kiss with Daniel last year.

9. She was successful in giving the iconic Yna Macaspac character a fresher, more contemporary and unforgettable take as she starred in the "Pangako Sa 'Yo" remake in 2015.

10. She has all these countless endorsements, be it on TV or print, proving how effective she is as a brand ambassadress.

11. Numerous magazine covers and features that went sold-out. And she has this "Everyday Kath" book, in which she willingly shared her secrets to becoming this generation's Teen Queen.

12. Her debut recording album actually turned platinum status!

13. Hindi lang dito sa Pilipinas superstar si Kath! She's now famous in Vietnam and Indonesia because of G2B and PSY. She even won a Face of the Year award in Vietnam in 2015.

14. Just like everyone else, on her days off, she loves spending time with her girl best friends!

15. She's a certified dog-lover! In fact, she had this dog lover-themed party when she turned 18, and I remember her campaigning on social media against the Yulin Festival in China, where dogs are killed for food in the festivity.

16. She's one of the most charitable people I know. She generously shares whatever she has to the less fortunate. Personally witnessed this several times, most notably to the kids with cleft palette.

17. A very kind and loving youngest sister to her ates and kuya. And she's a very hands on tita to her cutie niece, Lhexine.

18. Obedient, respectful and trust-worthy, she's truly a model daughter every kid these days should emulate.

19. She loves her supporters! I would only hear beautiful words about her everywhere she goes. She really makes time interacting, getting to know and having pictures taken with them.

20. Masaya at mabuting ka-trabaho. Walang ere at arte. She gives her best sa lahat ng ginagawa niya. She's a team player. At hindi siya nakakalimot sa mga nakakasama niya.

21. And of course... She has Daniel, her Bal. No further explanation needed.

A Sexier, Fiercer Kathryn on ASAP

Kathryn Bernardo's sexy and fierce advanced birthday production number in ASAP last Sunday seemed like a declaration that the she is indeed all grown up.

Together with G-Force, who also choreographed this number, Kathryn set the ASAP stage on fire as she danced to "Never Forget You".

The former Teen Queen, and now Queen of Hearts is turning 21 years old on March 26. And as a gift to her loyal followers through the years, her new movie with loveteam partner Daniel Padilla, "Can't Help Falling In Love" comes out in cinemas on April 15 (Black Saturday). She and Daniel are also set to topbill the upcoming fantaserye, "La Luna Sanggre", to air anytime this year.

Here's the link to Kathryn's remarkable ASAP dance prod:

Kathryn's Trending Birthday Prod in ASAP