The highly anticipated Filipino adaptation of the Korean drama “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” goes beyond romance to place Filipino mental health at the forefront.
Led by Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia and Carlo Aquino, the series offers an emotional journey of trauma, healing and love — told through Filipino sensibility. Patpat (Joshua) has devoted his life to taking care of his older brother Matmat (Carlo), a person with autism. Their world shifts when they meet Mia (Anne), a successful but emotionally scarred children’s book author known for her cold demeanor.
As the trio confronts childhood trauma and emotional wounds, they embark on a path toward healing and self-acceptance — mirroring the real-life challenges many Filipinos face in dealing with mental health struggles often left unspoken.
“This is a universal story that everyone would be able to relate to. It’s a healing story and it’s a beautiful journey of love. And at the end of the day, every Filipino, whether it’s family or friends, will be able to relate to the story of healing, pain and love,” said Anne, who plays lead character Mia Hernandez, during the series’ mediacon on June 30.
Director Mae Cruz-Alviar explained the series’ intentional approach to tackling mental health for Filipino viewers.
“Kailangan natin i-ayon sa pagtanggap ng audience sa ganitong talakayan tungkol sa mental health. Kasi hindi ganun kalaki ang awareness, so kailangan namin i-handle na ‘wag biglaan ‘yung audience, na ‘wag sila ma-overwhelm. So there is careful handling in telling the story but also staying true to the core of the show,” she shared.
Joshua also found personal resonance in his role as Patpat.
“Nakaka-relate ako sa kanya kasi parehas kaming mapagmahal na kapatid at nangungulila sa nanay. Pati ‘yung pagka-burned out ng character ko, naramdaman ko rin.”
To faithfully portray Matmat, a person with autism, Carlo underwent immersions in special education settings and participated in intensive workshops to better understand the experiences of people on the spectrum.
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” seeks to dismantle stigma and spark dialog around mental health, a topic sometimes overlooked in Filipino households. It portrays the reality of many who carry emotional burdens silently, and invites viewers to recognize the power of support and love.
The series also features a powerhouse supporting cast including Rio Locsin, Bobot Mortiz, Michael De Mesa, Maricel Laxa, Agot Isidro, Enchong Dee, Kaori Oinuma, Bodjie Pascua, Ana Abad Santos, Sharmaine Suarez, Xyriel Manabat, Louise Abuel, Francis Magundayao, Alora Sasam, Alyssa Muhlach, Bianca De Vera, Aljon Mendoza and Mark Oblea.
Directed by Cruz-Alviar and Raymond Ocampo, with creative producer Henry Quitain and Star Creatives business unit head Des M. De Guzman, “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” aims to open minds and hearts to the often-silenced struggles of mental health in the Philippines.
Catch the premiere on July 21 on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z and TV5 at 8:45 p.m. Stream it in advance on Netflix (July 18) and iWant (July 19).
