After keeping us really, really excited, we’re finally getting to follow the lives of Mia (Anne Curtis), Patrick (Joshua Garcia), and Matmat (Carlo Aquino) in the Philippine adaptation of "It’s Okay to Not Be Okay."
And while the story might already be familiar to OG fans of the K-drama version, there’s just something about seeing it unfold with that distinct Pinoy flavor that hits different, especially when the characters start navigating their pain and healing in a way that mirrors how we love, grieve, and grow in our own messy, beautiful ways.
Now that we’re fully immersed in their world, we're too obsessed not to find out what also goes down in between those jaw-dropping takes. So here’s a gallery of behind-the-scenes moments that prove the magic doesn’t stop rolling when the cameras cut—it just gets even more wholesome, chaotic, and kilig.
The chemistry between Joshua and Carlo, who play the brothers Patrick (a psychiatric nurse) and Matmat (his older brother with autism), is honestly one of the biggest wins of the show so far. It's not easy to pull off that kind of delicate dynamic, but because they’re both such solid actors and share a good bond off cam, every scene just hits harder. If you're wondering where all that sincerity comes from, just look at their behind-the-scenes moments—sticker props in hand, smiles all around, and that unspoken sense of ease that proves they genuinely enjoy working with each other.
Of course, we're naturally drawn to the spark between Patrick and Mia (a famous children's book author), which just keeps blooming stronger episode after episode.
You'll appreciate the actors even more knowing how much they care about painting this adaptation the right way. There are photos of them carefully reviewing the scene they just shot, as well as candid snaps where they’re caught laughing in between takes.
Fans are also loving the goofiness of Enchong Dee and Xyriel Manabat, who play the manager Vincent and his assistant Madeth. These two just sprinkled some silly energy in the gallery. Francis Magundayao also deserves a moment as Jason, Patrick’s ride-or-die friend who joins the brothers every time they move houses during the rainy season. He brings just the right mix of comic relief and warmth. Check out that BTS snap of him posing beside his own “Jason’s Paresan” poster!
And as with any good ensemble, off-cam camaraderie really helps make the scenes work. One photo shows Joshua and Enchong hanging out with Kaori Oinuma, who plays Nurse Gemma. According to Enchong, this was actually one of their first bonding moments with her. They made an effort to get to know Kaori since she was still new to the group at the time.
Major kudos to the production team as well. From the props to the spot-on wardrobe and fully fleshed-out set design, those thoughtful details ground the story and make this adaptation feel extra worth watching.
Catch “It’s Okay To Not Be Okay” on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), A2Z, and TV5, weeknights at 8:45 PM. Watch it in advance on Netflix and iWant.