Television director Jorron Lee Monroy had to thoroughly understand the origin, experience, and treatment of dissociative identity disorder (DID) before he got onboard in Ang Dalawang Ikaw, an afternoon series premiering on GMA 7 tomorrow.
“As a director, my process for this series began by watching series and documentaries that tackle DID. As for the process of writing the show, we had a psychiatrist who guided us in creating the story,” the director told Manila Standard Entertainment in a virtual interview.
“The inspiration of the story was actually Rodora X that starred Jennylyn Mercado. But this time, we wanted a male character and discuss other aspects of the disorder. The story was also inspired by Dalawang Mrs. Real. So, you can imagine how interesting the story would run. It asks the question, what would happen if your husband had an affair, but technically your husband had no idea about the other personality that he has and the affair he’s involved in,” a member of the creative team added.
The original series features the much-awaited return to the small screen of the well-loved tandem of Ken Chan and Rita Daniela, taking on their most mature roles yet, along with promising actress Anna Vicente who is ready to spice up the series.
Ken is Nelson Sarmiento, Mia’s (Rita) dutiful husband who is a senior graphic artist, and his alter personality, Tyler Franco, the hot-headed gun dealer and fiancé of Beatrice (Anna).
Ken, who underwent a series of intensive workshops and consultations for his role as a person with DID, believes that their show is a step towards spreading awareness on mental health issues in the country.
“We believe in this series. We wanted to educate people and encourage them not to judge others based on what they see. Everyone has a different struggle and we would know if the person was already suffering from the disorder. Huwag tayo manghuhusga ng tao. Intindihin, unawain at suportahan natin ang bawat isa. Leave no one behind,” he shares.
Rita, in turn, reveals the secret behind RitKen’s successful on-screen chemistry, “We’re so comfortable with each other and we always give our 100 percent in everything we do, mapa-acting, hosting, or performing. I believe that Ken brings out the best in me and the same goes with him. Sa tagal na namin magkasama sa industriya, alam na namin kung paano namin aatakehin ‘yung roles namin both as individuals and as a tandem. I’m really happy and excited to be working with him in a series again.”
Meanwhile, Anna expresses her gratitude to the Kapuso Network for entrusting her this TV project, “It is really a blessing for me na pagkatiwalaan ako ng GMA na mapabilang sa isang napakagandang proyekto na ito. I am really thankful to them for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent and to grow and learn more as an actress.”
Completing the cast are Jake Vargas as Lucas Javier, a psychiatrist’s assistant and Mia's friend who will eventually fall for her; Dominic Roco as Greg Perez, Mia's protective and paraplegic brother; Lianne Valentin as Jo Escobar, Mia's close friend who wants what's best for her; Joana Marie Tan as Lani Delgado, Beatrice’s supportive and rational friend; Jeremy Sabido as King Bautista, Nelson's friend who is a submissive husband to his wife.
The drama is under the supervision of the GMA Entertainment Group headed by SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, FVP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, SAVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Program Manager Dennis Joi K. Bentulan, and Executive Producer Arlene D. Pilapil.
Together with the guidance of Dr. Bernadette Arcena as Ken’s Consultant Psychiatrist, the series is a product of the visionary minds of GMA›s award-winning creative team – creative director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head Suzette Doctolero; Creative Consultant Denoy Punio; concept creator and writer Geng Delos Reyes-Delgado; head writer Lobert Villela; writer Jake Somera; and brainstormer Cynthia Paz.
Ang Dalawang Ikaw, produced by the Drama Unit of the Entertainment Group of GMA, under the helm of esteemed director Jorron Lee Monroy and associate director Ralfh Malabunga – airs Monday to Friday on GMA Afternoon Prime. The show is also available on iQiyi app and iQ.com starting June 22.
