Viva Entertainment has officially introduced the new screen pairing of heartthrob Gab Lagman and showbiz newcomer Hyacinth Callado in the latest installment of Gwy Saludes’ “University Series.” Their on-screen chemistry was unveiled last week at the Viva Cafe during the launch event for Viva One’s Chasing in the Wild.
The event brought together the love teams from the first two books: The Rain in España leads Marco Gallo and Heaven Peralejo (“Marven”) and Safe Skies, Archer’s Krissha Viaje, who, with Jerome Ponce, made up the “KrisshaRome” pair, giving support to “HyGab.”
In an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment, Hyacinth expressed her gratitude and excitement about working with Gab.
“One of the things I always say is that I’m very grateful because it’s my first love team. I’m glad that Gab is my partner because he helps and supports me a lot. We’ve already faced a couple of challenges, and I’m just thankful that he’s always there for me,” Hyacinth shared. “He’s very reassuring, and I feel safe.”
Gab, on the other hand, had nothing but praise for his new co-star. “I love how she cares about the people around her, her co-workers. And I also love how determined she is, to the point that she’s too hard on herself.”
“I always tell her to be proud because she has already accomplished so much in her first year in showbiz and is already working on significant projects,” he noted.
Chasing in the Wild is part of the highly successful “University Series,” which currently has over 650 million reads on Wattpad. Gwy, a law student at the Ateneo de Manila University, said Chasing in the Wild is the third of six books. It tells the love story of the jock Sevi Camero, played by Gab, and the cheerleader Elyse Ledezma, played by Hyacinth.
Director Thop Nazareno praised the on-screen chemistry between Hyacinth and Gab, saying, “It feels like they’ve known each other for a long time, even though it’s only been a few months. There’s already something there. Even before we started reading the script, it was already evident. That’s the natural chemistry that’s hard to find in other love teams.”
Chasing in the Wild explores the dynamic between Sevi, a simple and fun-loving engineering student, and Elyse, a rich management student. Their romance begins with playful banter and evolves into a five-year relationship filled with ups and downs.
The 16-episode series also features Dominic Ochoa and Angelu de Leon as Elyse’s parents, Alfred and Adriana Erin Ledezma. Jairus Aquino plays Elyse’s half-brother Shan, while Wilbert Ross is Sevi’s best friend Arkin. PJ Abellana, Yumi Garcia, and Keann Johnson round out the cast.
Ahead of its August premiere, fans got an inside look at the preparations for the show in Let the Chase Begin, streaming now on Viva One. This special features exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of Hyacinth’s cheer dance training, acting workshops, and pictorials.
Chasing in the Wild premieres on Viva One on Aug. 16, with new episodes released every Friday.
