EVEN though it’s been airing for only less than two weeks, Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin has got me hooked. Airing before ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime, Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin is an ambitious and sympathetic dive into the world of struggling athletes. It explores themes of love, sportsmanship and, most especially, family—and how one has to make sacrifices for them.
Why shouldn’t I be hooked? The show marks the reunion of Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson, a love team I was and actually still am a fan of. I think, I’ve seen all their movies and TV shows. While I’m glad the two have achieved success individually, the fan girl in me is in ecstasy because they have found each other again…on TV, at least.
Then there’s Jake Cuenca. Jake has played the third wheel to the Kimerald a number of times, most notably in the phenomenal Tayong Dalawa to much aplomb. His addition to the cast makes the show even more exciting. Kim and Gerald play Bianca (Kim Chiu) and Gabriel (Gerald Anderson), childhood friends who are both determined to give their families a bright future. With her dreams for her family, Bianca aspires to become a triathlete to provide for their needs. Gabriel also carries the same aspirations, facing life’s struggles head-on for his family. As they reach for their dreams, they also experience love for the first time together.
However, they will ultimately part ways when Bianca leaves their province to save her father from a life-threatening illness. As they live their separate lives, they will take on different journeys that will keep them away from each other. But love will reunite their paths as they once again see each other in a triathlon event of TigerShark, headed by Carlos (Jake Cuenca), the man who will come between their love.
Being the No. 1 triathlete in the country, Carlos isn’t used to failure and always seeks the approval of his father. To further ensure the success of his company, he hires Bianca as an endorser, but later on falls for her despite the machinations of his ex-girlfriend Isabelle (Coleen Garcia).
This sparks the battle between Carlos and Gabriel—not only in triathlon but also for Bianca’s love. The fight for their love and their dreams also gets even more complicated as secrets from the past threaten to destroy everything.
Will Gabriel and Bianca still be able to reach their dreams together? Can Carlos succeed in destroying the love between Gabriel and Bianca? Will Gabriel and Bianca be able to fight for their love and dreams?
The first two weeks so far have been enthralling. The characters are fully fleshed-out. They are not the archetypes typically found in soap operas.
Most important, while the show has plenty of the emotional nuance that marked the previous heavier and more serious outings of the Kimerald tandem, the narrative is light and offers a lot of the romantic kilig moments that I live for.
Also part of Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin are Gina Pareño, Bing Loyzaga, Ayen Munji-Laurel, Michael de Mesa, Daniel Fernando, Dante Rivero, Nicco Manalo, Ivan Carpiet, Andrea Brillantes and Grae Fernandez. It’s directed by Dan Villegas and Onat Diaz, and written by Noreen Capili and Anton Pelon.
Indeed, Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin is a must-watch show. Don’t miss the series that will show how people can fight for their love and their dreams—and, who knows, it might inspire you, too.