WE HAVEN’T SEEN anything like this in prime time TV recently. The new onscreen partnership of Dennis Trillo and Heart Evangelista, ‘Juan Happy Love Story,’ is as relatable and engaging as it is sexy and naughty, and it will surely hit the right spot.

This may be for adults, especially married couples at any stage, but everyone can relate, so tune in starting Monday, May 16, after ‘Once Again‘ on GMA Telebabad.

We’re telling you this because we got the privilege of watching the first two episodes earlier this week with a few blogger friends at La Madera Gastronomic Pub along Tomas Morato in Quezon City. Director LA Madridejos and program manager Hazel Abonita joined us and answered our questions about this new GMA Network offering.

Both Abonita and Madridejos promised to satisfy late-night TV viewers, but instead of giving them heartaches, as heavy drama series often do, they want viewers to sleep soundly with a smile. ‘Juan Happy Love Story‘ is light, funny, and something Filipinos can relate to, minus the drama.

The First Two Episodes

The first two episodes are introductory to the married life of Juan (Trillo) and Happy (Evangelista), the focal point of the series, but they already promise an above-average show. Story-wise, it’s very Filipino, and the natural images of a typical Filipino family are evident in the first two parts, so we can expect high viewer engagement. Investing in good social media management is a must for the network now, since people will definitely turn to Twitter and Facebook to rave or comment about each episode.

What makes it more interesting is the creative side. In his first TV series as a director, Madridejos did a good job inserting unique ideas and challenging the norms by injecting new elements different from what we normally see in Filipino TV series. Here’s hoping they can maintain or even improve it as the show starts airing this week.

As for the acting, we couldn’t ask for more. Both Trillo and Evangelista ooze natural acting talent, and without a doubt, they will deliver.

The Leads and the Newcomer

It will be more challenging for Evangelista, who is by nature one of the elite showbiz girls, to portray a poor flight attendant. But as a best actress awardee for her role as a teacher in a poor community years ago, it should come easy. Based on the director’s words, Evangelista surprised them with her natural take on the character, something the masses don’t know about.

As for Trillo, we don’t think he needs to prove himself as an actor, and his role here should be his most natural state. Fans have only one wish: a half-naked Trillo per episode. The first two episodes would definitely treat you to the actor’s abs and hunkiness, but never discount his acting, okay?

And oh! This post can’t end without mentioning newcomer Rob Moya, whom we found very sexy and gorgeous in the first two episodes, and we can’t wait to see more of him. Moya plays Kyle, Trillo’s best friend in the series.

The Synopsis

From GMA Network: This primetime show will allow viewers to appreciate their own love stories through Juan and Happy’s journey, how a man and a woman who are worlds apart in their views about life and love find themselves in a whirlwind romance.

Juan is a responsible, go-getter businessman who is also a certified “chick boy.” He meets Happy, a feisty, family-oriented woman who relies on signs to find her The One.

Their life will be tested when they find out they cannot bear a child. As their solution, they decide to adopt a child. The lovers then find Katkat, a 6-year-old bubbly girl. They have a whirlwind romance and eventually marry.

They start having marital problems and decide to separate. But because it will be easier for two parents to adopt a child than a single parent, Happy asks Juan to live with her again so the DSWD will grant their application for adoption. Juan agrees, vowing to win Happy back.

Agatha and Bob will try to intervene. Agatha, played by Kim Domingo, has started falling in love with her business partner, Juan. Bob, played by Joross Gamboa, is hoping to win his high school best friend, Happy.

With Bob and Agatha’s plan to break up Juan and Happy’s marriage, will they be able to legally adopt Katkat? Will they be able to create the family they have both longed for?

The Rest of the Cast

Also part of the series are Ms. Gloria Romero as Lola Mameng and Mr. Nick Lizaso as Lolo Caloy, Juan’s grandparents; Gardo Versoza as Boyong and Lotlot De Leon as Isay, Happy’s parents; Ericka Padilla as Joy, Happy’s older sister; Joross Gamboa as Bob, Happy’s childhood best friend; Dominic Roco as Henry, Happy’s brother-in-law; Kim Domingo as Agatha, Juan’s business partner; Vincent Magbanua as Lucky, Happy’s youngest brother; Rob Moya as Kyle, Juan’s best friend; Leanne Bautista as Katkat, Juan and Happy’s adopted child; Arianne Bautista as Sally, Happy’s friend; Koreen Medina as Lorriane, Kyle’s wife and Happy’s friend; and Vince Gamad as Glenn, Juan’s friend.