After spending so much time in front of the camera, it’s no surprise that many actors eventually start dreaming of sitting on the director’s chair, too. Coco Martin with "FPJ’s Batang Quiapo" and recently Gerald Anderson with "Sins of the Father" are just two of the many inspirations who’ve successfully conquered the behind-the-scenes work. So, just for fun (and maybe with a sprinkle of manifest-style fairy dust), we asked your fave stars: “If you were a teleserye director, who would make it to your dream cast list?”
Ken San Jose's concept would be a dance-themed teleserye, of course! And who better to join him in this rhythm-packed ride than his real-life dance besties—Darren Espanto, AC Bonifacio, and Gela Atayde. “Powerful performances” is the goal, and with this squad, every episode would be a full-blown stage.
When it comes to talent, Jed Madela knows exactly who to spotlight. For the younger gen, he’d tap Kyle Echarri and Alexa Ilacad, and as for the seasoned ones, Piolo Pascual, no less.
Ogie Alcasid's leading lady would be none other than his real-life love, Regine Velasquez. His dream teleserye would also bring together Piolo, Belle Mariano, and for the comedic punch, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Vice Ganda, and the iconic Nova Villa. If you’re craving drama, Jhong’s concept is giving all the vintage gravitas. He dreams of directing the likes of Gina Alajar, Christopher de Leon, and Vilma Santos. “Iba kasi ’yung take ng mga artista before,” he reflects. “Gusto ko maibalik ’yung style na gano’n.”
MC Muah's dream teleserye would bring a solid serving of kilig, and by kilig, we mean dreamboat overload. He’s casting Piolo, Donny Pangilinan, and Daniel Padilla because, in his words, he'd never run out of energy "kahit mula 7 a.m. hanggang 7 p.m. the next day." Apparently, a lot of people dream of directing Vice Ganda, so naturally, that’s Lassy Marquez’s dream, too. Why not cast the entire "It’s Showtime" fam? That would be Cianne Dominguez's teleserye pitch!
If she's going to direct a teleserye Jona isn’t holding back on the star power. Her line up of leading men includes John Lloyd Cruz, Joshua Garcia, and Piolo. And to complete the powerhouse cast, she’s choosing Jodi Sta. Maria, Kathryn Bernardo, and Maricel Soriano as the leading ladies.
Eugene Domingo, Zanjoe Marudo, and Angelica Panganiban are manifesting a teleserye where they get to direct one another. It will be anything but boring!
The future’s looking bright for Eliza Borromeo, who’s already got a fantasy teleserye in mind featuring the "PBB Celebrity Collab 2.0" housemates—Miguel Vergara, Krystal Mejes, Marco Masa, Ashley Sarmiento, and Rave Victoria. As for Marco, he’s keeping it in the family, too, naming Ashley, Rave, Eliza, Miguel, Joaquin Arce and Lella Ford as his dream cast lineup.
OG "PBB Collab" housemate River Joseph said he’d cast his batchmate Esnyr—and only her—in his teleserye. “Siya lang! Kaya niya na 'yun,” he laughed, referencing Esnyr’s online campus series where she plays literally every character. Well, Esnyr’s already directing, writing, and acting in her own content, so it only makes sense that if she’s the director... she’s also the cast. Queen of DIY productions!
Will Ashley isn’t looking too far; he’s definitely casting Carlo Aquino and Odette Khan, his co-stars from his current film "Bar Boys: After School." Same goes for Carlo, who’s keeping the vibe tight by choosing his 'Bar Boys' squad if he ever wears the director’s cape. Seems like the bond is strong, because Benedix Ramos is also sticking to the same circle for his dream teleserye, but with Sassa Gurl as his main star. Meanwhile, Sassa seems feeling nostalgic for Laida and Miggy days, so for her dream teleserye, she’s casting Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz, but adding Marina Summers and Jhong Hilario in the mix.
Vince Maristela's requirement in completing his teleserye's cast is probably: handsome icons only. Alden Richards, Dingdong Dantes, and Jericho Rosales. Solid choices.
Xyriel Manabat sounded so excited when she named Judy Ann Santos as the actress she dreams of directing one day. We'd love to see them as co-stars, too—imagine the acting showdown! Meanwhile, her childhood friend Zaijian Jaranilla would definitely include her in his cast, along with John Lloyd Cruz and Zia Grace. As for his concept, it would be a family drama with a hint of dark comedy, with Zaijian himself taking on the actor-director challenge.
If his dream of acting alongside John Lloyd Cruz doesn’t happen, Aljon Mendoza says he’d be just as happy directing him instead. The other half of the KarJon tandem, Karina Bautista, would go for a high-stakes drama and she knows exactly who to trust with that kind of intensity—Angelica Panganiban, Maja Salvador, Dimples Romana, and Gladys Reyes.
Kaila Estrada's dream teleserye cast is made up of pure acting royalty. First on the list would be her mom, Janice de Belen, of course. She’d also bring in Angelica Panganiban, Maricel Soriano, and John Lloyd Cruz as her lead actor.
If KD Estrada were to call the shots, it’s giving full romance. Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino a.k.a. KimPau are his dream team. As for Marielle Montellano, she’s letting the casting director take care of the lineup, but she has one non-negotiable; her fave Julia Barretto should be the main star.
Not only does JM Ibarra dream of working with Joshua Garcia and John Lloyd Cruz, he wants to direct them too. His fellow "PBB Gen 11" alum Kai Montinola would rather keep things close to home, and cast her "PBB Gen 11" family.
For Viveika Ravanes, casting comes down to trust and track record. That’s why she’d go with actors she’s worked with before, such as Sylvia Sanchez, Jodi Sta. Maria, Yam Concepcion, Zanjoe Marudo, Kathryn Bernardo, and Daniel Padilla.
Just in the film she recently produced, "I'mPerfect," Sylvia Sanchez would once again cast PWDs (Persons with Disabilities) if she were to direct a series, "Kasi kailangan nila ng tulong natin. Kailangan nilang makita natin. Kayang-kaya nila. Sa oras na 'to, sila ang gusto kong bigyan ng chance. Sila ang gusto kong i-direk dahil worth it silang i-direk."
Whether it’s for the kilig, the comedy, the drama, or the chance to shine the spotlight on unsung talents, these stars know exactly what kind of story they want to tell and who they want to tell it with. And who knows? With the right timing (and maybe the right pitch), these dream cast might just make it to your screen someday!