Viva One’s much-anticipated series, “Ang Mutya ng Section E,” has set social media abuzz ahead of its January 3, 2025 premiere.
The adaptation of Lara Flores’ (Eatmore2behappy) Wattpad sensation, which garnered over 348 million reads across three books, is bringing the heartwarming story of high school antics to life in a 16-episode series.
Director Ted Boborol, known for his previous success with “University Series Book 1: The Rain in España,” expressed his satisfaction with the cast. Although it was a challenge handling a lot of fresh faces, he said he was happy that everyone was eager to learn. Direk Ted praised the chemistry that developed among the lead actors during the preparation phase.
Before the cameras rolled, the cast of “Ang Mutya ng Section E” underwent extensive workshops to perfect their performances. Ashtine Olviga, who plays Jay-Jay Mariano, the new student struggling to survive in Section E, shared her experience. “Nagkasama na po kasi kami sa work before [ni Rabin], so hindi na po ako ganun nahihirapan, pero medyo kay Andres nung una nahihiya talaga ako. Hindi ko po alam kung paano siya ia-approach kasi natatakot ako.”
Ashtine initially felt intimidated by her co-star, Andres Muhlach, especially because of his towering presence and legacy as part of the famed Muhlach family.
“Pero hindi sya ganun. Sya pa unang nag approach sa’ming lahat, tapos pinakilala niya pa ‘yung sarili nya… Sobrang natural na lang, hindi nya pinipilit.”
Rabin Angeles, who portrays Yuri Hanamichi, Keifer’s best friend, also shared his initial nerves. “Nung una ko siyang nakita nagulat ako. Siyempre Muhlach – ang gwapo, ang tangkad, parang kinakabahan ako makipagtrabaho sa kanya,” Rabin confessed.
But just like Ashtine, Rabin soon warmed up to Andres, who invited the cast to play basketball together, helping them break through their awkwardness. “After the workshop, nag-aaya na siyang lumabas, magbasketball kami. Na approach ko na si Andres, nawala na yung hiya ko sa kanya, tapos ang ganda na ng mga scenes namin. Abangan nyo.”
The “Ang Mutya ng Section E” also introduces a wide array of colorful, engaging secondary characters. The story centers around Jay-Jay, a troubled transfer student who finds herself in the lowest section, Section E, populated by 16 unruly boys. As Jay-Jay, Ashtine brings her character to life, balancing the shy girl with the fierce survivor who won’t let anyone push her around.
Rabin’s character, Yuri, is a supportive friend who slowly begins to develop a soft spot for Jay-Jay. Over time, they grow closer.
And then there’s Andres, playing Keifer, the handsome but troublemaking class president. Keifer is brainy yet rebellious. But as the series progresses, viewers will see that Keifer’s tough exterior hides something more complex.
The ensemble cast of “Ang Mutya ng Section E” includes a mix of familiar faces and rising stars. Joining the leads are Andre Yllana as Aries, Jay-Jay’s cousin, Heart Ryan as Ella, Aries’ girlfriend, and Axel Torres as Angelo, Aries’ older brother and the CEO of Fernandez Corp. Other notable cast members include Charles Law as Ci-N, and a number of other talented actors: Frost Sandoval, Kurt Delos Reyes, Ethan David, Keagan De Jesus, Martin Venegas, and many more.
Viva One is also tapping into the talents of senior actors, such as Yayo Aguila, Katya Santos, Rommel Luna, Lander Vera Perez, and Nanette Inventor.
“Ang Mutya ng Section E: The Class Begins” will air its primer on December 27, 2024, exclusively on Viva One.
