It was in April 2021 when ABS-CBN and BBC Studios announced that they have forged a new agreement for the Philippine adaptation of the award-winning British series “Doctor Foster.” Since then, fervent Kapamilya fans and those who were able to see the original and South Korean remake “The World of the Married” that was broadcast locally by the network in 2020, have been looking forward to it.

As many of us know, the gripping psychological drama, which is the sixth international market to acquire the “Doctor Foster” format after France, Russia, India, South Korean, and Turkey, follows the story of esteemed doctor whose almost-perfect life got ruined when her husband had an extra-marital affair.

After months of waiting, The Broken Marriage Vow is now set to make our primetime viewing more thrilling and scorching as it premieres tonight, January 24 (Monday). Let us enumerate five reasons why this Pinoy remake is definitely a must-watch!

High-caliber lead actors

Ever since it was announced that ABS-CBN would be doing a Filipino version of the said series, people came up with various lineup of actors they wish to portray the four lead characters. The guessing game finally ended when the four headliners were bared in May 2021 – Jodi Sta. Maria as the distressed wife Dra. Jill Ilustre, Zanjoe Marudo as the philandering husband, Sue Ramirez as the seductive mistress Lexy Lucero, and Zaijian Jaranilla as the good son Gio Ilustre.

It was indeed well-received by the spectators as each of these Kapamilya artists exude exemplary performances in every project they did over the years. Jodi has been in the industry for over two decades and has already cemented her reputation as an iconic actress through her notable stints in 100 Days to Heaven (2011), Be Careful With My Heart (2012), Sana Dalawa Ang Puso (2018), and Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin (2020), not to mention being nominated in the Best Actress category of the International Emmy Awards for her astounding portrayal of Amor Powers in the 2015 incarnation of the classic romance drama Pangako Sa ‘Yo.

From teeny bopper and supporting roles, we’ve witnessed, on the other hand, how Sue has indeed bloomed into becoming one of the rising leading ladies of her generation. She started her showbiz career in 2011 and began to get noticed through her appearance in Pangako Sa ‘Yo (2015) as Ligaya, the third party in the love story of Ina (Kathryn Bernardo) and Angelo (Daniel Padilla). It was succeeded by her remarkable stints in Dolce Amore (2016), La Luna Sangre (2017), Hanggang Saan (2017), and A Soldier’s Heart (2020). And now, she’s about to prove that she is ready to take on mature and antagonistic roles through The Broken Marriage Vow.

Meanwhile, Zanjoe and Zaijian are about to astound us with their portrayal of their respective characters. Zanjoe may have already played the role of a philandering husband in the 2016 soap opera Tubig at Langis, but his take on David is comparatively more intense as he really did his best to immerse himself to his character. On the other hand, the character of Gio is something that is close to the heart of Zaijian, who wishes to finally break away from his iconic role Santino in May Bukas Pa (2009), making his portrayal more compelling indeed.

Powerhouse cast and seasoned directors

Further spicing up this exciting narrative is the ensemble cast that will serve either as a friend or a foe to the main characters. The thespians who will play as Jill’s traitor friends are Angeli Bayani as Dra. Sandy Alipio, Ketchup Eusebio as Charlie Manansala, and Bianca Manalo as Carol Manansala. Joining them is David’s trusted secretary Grace Jimenez who also knows about her affair with Lexy, which will be portrayed by Empress Schuck.

Also part of the series are Rachel Alejandro as Nathalia Lucero, Arron Villaflor as Marlon Lucero, Art Acuña as Alfred Lucero, Franco Laurel as Atty. Dante Pugong, Jane Oineza as Diane Riagon, Joem Bascon as Enzo Tierra, Malou Crisologo as Yaya Maggie, Sandino Martin as Dr. Barry Valdicano, Vance Larena as Edwin Jacinto, Jojit Lorenzo as Ben, Kate Alejandrino as Bani, and JB Agustin as Max. New artists Brent Manalo, Migs Almendra, Avery Clyde, and Jie-Ann Romero will also be in it.

Veteran actors Ronnie Lazaro, Susan Africa, and Amy Austria are also going to have a special participation in the series, as well as promising actor Jake Ejercito.

They were guided by seasoned directors Andoy Ranay and Connie Macatuno, whose brilliance in storytelling we were able to witness through their previous projects. Among Direk Andoy’s remarkable masterpieces were Kapamilya teleseryes Love Thy Woman (2020), Sino Ang Maysala? Mea Culpa (2019), The Good Son (2018), and Till I Met You (2017). Meanwhile, Direk Connie was known for her works in the films “Glorious” (2018) and “Malaya” (2020) and in the Kapamilya series “The Substitute Bride” (2010) and “Paraiso” (2012).

Showcase of Filipino fashion and the beauty of Baguio

Aside from the superb acting and storytelling that we’re going to witness in The Broken Marriage Vow, another reason to get excited over it are the fashion pieces that the cast are going to wear. Direk Connie, who’s also the costume design head, said in an “All Access” episode in August 2020 that they’re going for an “Urban Pinoy” concept, which they’re able to pull off by “mixing the global brand and the Filipino luxe brands together and showcase a different way of wearing our Filipino roots, our culture in a different way”.

This initiative also aims to “support local and encourage people globally of what Filipinos can do”, according to the series costume designer Jilla Sara. Thus, making it as the “first Pinoy teleserye to do so”.

Filming in the chilly and idyllic Baguio City also helped in making this vision possible as the entirely local pieces indeed complemented the beauty of the province, which is known for its cold climate, picturesque views, and artistic culture and colorful tradition that the people are able to preserve through time.

Besides, who wouldn’t want to be taken to the scenic Baguio City – at least virtually – every night by simply watching the series at the comforts of our homes, right?

Women empowerment and valuable takeaways

There’s definitely more to The Broken Marriage Vow than being just another “kabit-serye.” Beyond the story of infidelity, Direk Connie also disclosed in an interview with ABS-CBN News that she aspires to convey women empowerment through the femme fatale characters Jill and Lexy.

“Ever since, when I make stories, I really want to focus on the stories of women, their struggles, and their triumphs,” she related. “I feel na, sana, maka-contribute ako kung paano maipakita ang isang empowered Filipina.”

Aside from displaying how powerful Pinays could be when it comes to confronting the challenges that come our way and in pulling ourselves up every time we fall, we’re certainly going to learn a lot from this series, to – from friendships and relationships, up to life in general – that we could apply in our lives since it’s narrative is truly relatable.

Next-level awayan and hard-hitting linyahan

Of course, what is an infidelity-themed serye without scorching confrontations between the legal partner and the paramour?

The surefire confrontations among the characters, particularly between Jill and Lexy, which we’re already able to get glimpses of through the trailers and teasers released in the previous months, are indeed much-awaited!

We may have already seen some of the exciting scenes in the original and Korean adaptation, which includes the party scene where Jill discovers David’s infidelity and the iconic dinner scene where she reveals to him and Lexy how much she knew about their illicit affair, lead actress Jodi Sta. Maria revealed in the recent media launch that there’s actually more explosive happenings to watch out for in this drama. In short, we haven’t seen it all yet.

Although they’ve remained faithful to the original narrative, Dreamscape Entertainment was able to expand and give a local touch to the version of ABS-CBN, of course, with the approval of BBC. More than the physical aspects of the drama – from the costumes and props up to the idyllic location, what makes it more exciting and more Filipino is how each actor put their own spin to their respective roles. So, we could probably expect to see altercations and catfights that many of us can relate to.

As what Direk Connie explained it, “Iba ‘yong soul ng serye na ito. ‘Yung kuwento ng ‘Doctor Foster’, napanood mo siya, pero iba naman ang hatid ng mga actors natin. Iba ‘yong kaluluwa na binigay nila sa mga character nila. Iba rin ‘yong hitsura. Iba rin ‘yong location. Iba rin ‘yong mounting. Definitely, kahit alam mo na ‘yong storyline niyan, meron pa ring excitement.”

Then she added, “I think matutuwa sila na makita ang Pilipinas, ang kultura natin, ang bansa natin, ang istorya natin bilang Pilipino in a different way – kahit na nanggagaling ito sa isang franchise.”

So, Kapamilya, are you convinced enough to watch The Broken Marriage Vow once it begins this January 24? You may catch it on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z Channel 11, TV5, and TFC!