Mario and Ingrid together in a first on Philippine TV

March 7, 2014

Mario and Ingrid

FOR a big-budgeted TV production with a powerhouse cast, you need a seasoned writer who can weave a consistently absorbing story, and a sharp director to deliver exceptional primetime fare.

In celebration of its 54 years, IBC-13 gathered all these for its newest romantic soap, Only Me and You, which premieres at 9:15 tonight, starting off two hours of local primetime series that includes the phenomenal and top-rating fantaserye Janella in Wonderland (7:45 p.m.) and the heart-pounding teleserye Maghihintay Sa'yo (8:30 p.m.) as well as TreseBella’s pre-primetime telenovela The Two Sides of Ana (5:45 to 6:30 p.m.).

Thai superstar Mario Maurer and primetime tee actress Ingrid dela Paz, the network tapped their writters Raymund Barcelon and Allan Ibañez, and director Monti Parungao.

Only Me and You combines the light drama and romantic comedy in one, which is why IBC-13 christened it a "kilig-serye," a first on Philippine TV. Also, the first series of IBC will be shoot in the Philippines and Bangkok, Thailand.

Direk Monti is working for the first time in a TV series. He is also the director to meg a soap for IBC-13, following a long list of directors who include Jeffrey Jeturian, Paco Sta. Maria and Wenn V. Deramas.

Direk Monti works with stars who are also first timers in a TV romantic soap-Murer and dela Paz. Completing the cast are Rica Peralejo, Herbert Bautista, Vandolph Quizon, Say Alonzo, John Wayne Sace and Cogie Domingo.

Young talents who are also in the cast are Cherryz Mendoza, Rico dela Paz and Krstel Fulgar.

Monti believes that soaps are not just a trend but also be a part of the lives of Filipino viewers.

"If the characters are dumb or are ridiculed in the story, viewers are entertained," he says. "With the cast members of this soap, we are confident we have an edge and this will make a mark on Philippines TV."