Love teams lead first exclusive Philippine content for iQiyi

AFTER providing Filipinos and the world with some of the best panAsian content, global streaming site iQiyi is taking the streaming game a notch higher by providing original Filipino shows exclusive to the platform. Partnering with ABS-CBN, iQiyi premieres this month “Saying Goodbye” that stars top love team Andrea Brillantes and Seth Fedelin, and “Hello, Heart” that introduces the fresh pairing of Gigi De Lana and Gerald Anderson.

“With this world class, multititle partnership with ABS-CBN, iQiyi is proud to present amazing productions from the Philippines to audiences across iQiyi’s 191 territories worldwide. There is a place for us in the global spotlight and it’s time for the Philippines to shine,” said iQiyi country manager, Sherwin dela Cruz.

“Saying Goodbye” is a story about celebrating life despite all the challenges. It follows the story of Ricky (Fedelin) and Elise (Brillantes), an unlikely pair brought together by their love for music and adventure. Their first meeting turns into an enduring friendship that will take them to an adventure like no other as they try to fulfill the bucket list of Ricky, who has had a heart disease since childhood.

Asked during their virtual launch how they feel to have their show as the first ever exclusive Filipino content on iQiyi, Brillantes said, “We’re grateful and honored na kami yung napili na gumawa ng first Filipino original series. Pero syempre kasama na rin yung pressure.”

To make sure that they live up to the expectations, the young love team revealed they prepared for their roles way before the start of their taping, which includes studying their roles and, for Fedelin, overcoming his insecurity in memorizing long lines.

Nevertheless, the love team felt they gave their best performance and now, proud of the show they have created, hopes their audience around the globe will appreciate their new show.

What’s the main takeaway the audience will have from the show, Fedelin answered,“Wag titignan yung death bilang deadline but as motivation na gawin natin yung mga bagay na gusto nating magawa.”

Meanwhile, “Hello, Heart” is a romantic comedy that tells the story of Heart (Gigi De Lana) and Saul (Gerald Anderson).

Heart, a beautiful, perky, hardworking but very unlucky woman, finally meets her lucky charm, Saul.

Saul, the emotionless, business-as-usual man, hires Heart to pretend to be his wife to please his grandmother with dementia. Though they hate each other’s guts, love finds its way. But when can you tell if love’s finally for real?

While their team-up is untried and untested, Anderson and De Lana exude chemistry onscreen something that Anderson expected out of a fresh pairing.

“For some reason it always works kapag fresh at bago yung tandem. It excites me because it’s another challenge para sa akin bilang actor, and it’s exciting for the fans,” Anderson said at the show’s virtual launch.

De Lana — who became an online sensation because of her singing — was likewise excited but also felt jitters given that “Hello, Heart” is her first ever acting project.

“Excited na kinakabahan kasi first time umarte and lead role agad. Tapos iniisip ko paano ba ako aarte [with a leading man], batikan na siya [Anderson]? But I’m thankful because this is an opportunity to learn,” de Lana said. Despite his partner’s naïveté in the acting department, Anderson assured that viewers will not be short-changed with de Lana’s performance. “She’s outstanding not just for her performance but also because of the effort, performance, push na binigay niya. Alam mo talagang she cares for this at malayo pa ang mararating niya.” “Saying Goodbye” premieres tonight at 8 p.m. while “Hello, Heart” begins December 15, 8 p.m. The two titles are just the first batch from iQiyi and ABS-CBN’s multi-title partnership. Fans can expect more exclusive content with their favorite Kapamilyas in the lead next year.