What drew seasoned director McArthur C. Alejandre to I Love You Since 1892?
During the recent cast reveal of the upcoming Viva One series, adapted from the widely read Wattpad novel of the same name, Alejandre shared that, apart from the cast that he was “extremely excited” to collaborate with, it was the emotional complexity of the story that made him say yes.
“More than the visuals, I wanted it to be emotionally sweeping,” he said. “I wanted to explore the emotion of love, especially among the three main characters. The way love is expressed may seem similar, but it differs in nuance, different shadows, shades, hues, and impact.”
“And that was clear in the novel, and that’s what inspired me, the exuberance, the energy, and the nuancing of the characters’ individual love. Emotional sweep for me is more important than visuals because that’s what lifts your spirit as an audience,” he carried on.
Written by Binibining Mia, I Love You Since 1892 was first published on Wattpad in 2016 and has since built a loyal following. It tells the story of a rebellious teenager who time-travels to the year 1892 and takes the identity of her ancestor to stop a tragedy. Along the way, she uncovers what it means to love selflessly, across timelines and impossible odds.
Heaven Peralejo plays Carmela, a modern-day girl who finds herself in the past, stepping into the life of Carmelita, her great-great-grandmother. Taking on both roles in one story, Peralejo is set to portray two versions of the same woman, each facing different expectations in love and duty.
Jerome Ponce joins the cast as Juanito Alfonso, a man from a noble family whose life is turned around after meeting Carmela. Joseph Marco plays Leandro Flores, Carmelita’s first love, who returns from overseas determined to win her back.
The series will also feature families and communities who shape the characters’ lives, with a mix of seasoned and rising actors rounding out the cast.
While the story is rooted in romance and historical drama, Alejandre is clear about what matters most to him as director: emotion.
“Expressing love sometimes is the same, but they differ in nuancing, different shadows, different shades, different hues, and different impact,” he said.
