EXCLUSIVE: Kaori Oinuma, Aljon Mendoza, Bianca De Vera share their favorite 'It's Okay To Not Be Okay' taping moments

The cast of the upcoming Philippine adaptation of It’s Okay To Not Be Okay shared the bonding moments they enjoyed during their filming for the series.

In an exclusive interview with PUSH, Kapamilya stars Kaori Oinuma, Aljon Mendoza, and Bianca De Vera talked about their experiences on set, from fun activities to personal connections with their co-stars and the production team.

Kaori highlighted the lively atmosphere, even during long filming hours.

“Yung mga bonding namin every after tapings, yung magsasalo-salu pa kami. Hindi napapagod yung lahat na tapos may time magdinner, sabay-sabay magdinner tapos magchichikahan, makukwentuhan,” Kaori told PUSH.

Kaori also expressed her admiration for the stunning location, which mirrors the setting and vibe of the original South Korean series.

“Masasabi kong kuhang-kuha kung paano yung It’s Okay To Not Be Okay na original. Ang ganda, Yung sceneries, yung waters, may turtle, ang ganda noong sunset, ang ganda noong sunrise. Oh my gosh, ang ganda. It’s a workcation,” she expressed.

Aljon, another former Pinoy Big Brother housemate, shared how they took time to enjoy the beaches of Dumaguete in Negros Oriental. 

“Nagshoshoot kami sa tabi ng dagat so kapag wala kaming eksena or mahaba yung pahinga or wala kaming call time, nag-swimming kami sa dagat,” Aljon remarked. “Kapag rest days, almost kaming lahat nagswimming so para sa akin fun siya and favorite ko siya.”

He also mentioned how they passed the time by playing board games like chess and dama while waiting on set.

“Marami kaming ginagawa kapag naghihintay kami sa set kasi naka-lock in kami. Marami kaming things na pwedeng gawin, nagchess kami, naglalaro ng dama at kung ano ano pang kuwentuhan,” he added.

Bianca, who plays a key role in the series, fondly recalled the group’s karaoke sessions.

“Kantahan moments. Talagang lahat kami. Kapg rest day, nagrerent sila ng karaoke machine and then talagang lahat kami kumakanta at bumibirit, lahat. That’s very special to me,” she remarked.

For her first time acting in this kind of role, Bianca also expressed gratitude for her supportive co-stars. 

“Ang pinaka-heartfelt moment ko is having such supportive co-stars because yung role ko kasi is my first time doing something like this,” Bianca shared with PUSH. “Since tinatackle namin yung mental health, it’s really a big part of my role and it’s not easy.”

She went on: “Ang swerte ko lang having such supportive co-actors who helped me go through every scene, who help me prepare and help me get out of every scene.”

READ: Anne Curtis returns to doing a series for ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’ PH adaptation: 'It's definitely worth it'

During ABS-CBN Christmas Special recording last December 10, an official teaser was released for the upcoming Kapamilya series starring Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino.

Anne also expressed excitement to show to the fans and viewers what they have been working on in the past months.

“It will be at par with the original. I loved the series. I loved the character. So I have to make sure that I will give justice to the character that everyone loved in the original series. Kahit naman hindi ko siya na-study, alam na alam ko na kasi I’m a fan of the series,” Anne said in an interview.

READ: Anne Curtis on starring in ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay’: ‘I will give justice to the character!’

“Ilang beses ko siyang napanuod. I just hope that when the time comes for the Filipino audience to watch It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, they’ll be happy with what we’ve come up with,” she added. 

Directed by Mae Cruz-Alviar, the series is set to air in 2025. The teaser released by Star Creatives promises "love, healing, and a little bit of chaos" for viewers.

“Love, healing, and a little bit of chaos are coming your way. #ItsOkayToNotBeOkayPH — Ready na ba ang feelings mo? 👌🦋Coming 2025,” they said in a caption. 

READ: Teaser of Anne-Joshua's 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' released