'Mutya ng Section E’ cast tackles pressure of meeting fans’ expectations

MANILA, Philippines —  The lead cast of Viva One’s “Ang Mutya ng Section E” assured the viewers that they would live up to the expectations of the fans of the Wattpad original series.

Andres Muhlach takes on the role of Kiefer, the class president of Section E; Ashtine Olviga plays Jay-Jay, the “mutya” of Section E; and Rabin Angeles as Yuri, the “third party” who will add tension to the story.

“Ang Mutya ng Section E” is Viva One’s adaptation of the Wattpad story of the same title, written by Lara Flores, a.k.a. Eatmore2behappy. The series is helmed by Theodore Boborol.

At an earlier presscon, Andres offered that he is similar to Kiefer in real life because he is also protective of the people that he cares about.

Ashtine Olviga (center) plays Jay-Jay, the ‘mutya’ of Section E.

“And for me, I’m similar in the sense that I’m very loyal to and protective of the people that I love the most, which are my family and my friends,” he said.

More than feeling pressured, the showbiz heir-turned-acting newcomer is “more excited to start the show and experience” it as well.

He promised to portray Kiefer “in the most accurate way that I can from the book.”

Andres further told The STAR that he doesn’t want to disappoint the fans. “I wanna portray Kiefer in the best light that I possibly can. For me, ’di naman ako na-pre-pressure (I’m not pressured) because I wanna do good for the fans.”

Andres is Kiefer, the class president of Section E, while Rabin Angeles is Yuri, the ‘third wheel’ who will add tension to the story

Ashtine, on the other hand, admitted that there’s a bit of pressure on her part but in a good way. “(There’s also) kaba that drives me na gawin ko ng mas maayos at gampanan si Jay-Jay (The nervousness is what drives me to better portray my character Jay-Jay),” she said.

Ashtine added that she could relate to her role as Jay-Jay because she always fights for what she believes is right.

Completing the rest of ‘Ang Mutya ng Section E’ cast are Charles Law as Ci-N; Frost Sandoval as David; Keagan De Jesus as Felix; Ethan David as Felix; Kurt Delos Reyes as Eman; Martin Venegas as Denzel; Nic Galvez as Kit; Daniel Ong as Mayo; AJ Ferrer as Rory; Sam Shoaf as Edrix; Michael Keith as Eren; Kyosu Guinto as Josh; Yanyan De Jesus as Drew; and Derick Ong as Blaste

On his similarity to his role, Rabin shared, “Parehas po kami ni Yuri na iba magmahal ng tropa, iba magmahal ng babae (We’re the same in how we love our friends and girlfriend.”

Meanwhile, based on his learnings from the earlier TV adaptation of Wattpad’s trending “University Series,” direk Theodore asserted that they will not also veer away from the original Wattpad story of “Ang Mutya ng Section E.”

“We will not change the story. Same po yung mangyayari (same events) but maybe because the medium is visual, of course, we know that the chapters are very descriptive. Kung ano yung train of thought nila, yun na yung mababago (Whatever their train of thought is, that will change),” the director said.

“Because we have to visualize whatever is in their thoughts and, of course, because we only have 16 episodes, we also have to compress the 125 chapters of the book but otherwise, there will be minimal changes.”

Lara concurred, saying that should there be any changes, she would make sure the production secured her consent.

“If there are some changes, sinisiguro ko naman na pinayagan ko yun (I would make sure that they had my permission) and that it’s OK. Nakita ko naman at na-justify naman ng mga writers yung scene na yun (I saw the scene myself and the writers was able to justify it).”

Completing the rest of “Section E” cast are Charles Law as Ci-N; Frost Sandoval as David; Keagan De Jesus as Felix; Ethan David as Felix; Kurt Delos Reyes as Eman; Martin Venegas as Denzel; Nic Galvez as Kit; Daniel Ong as Mayo; AJ Ferrer as Rory; Sam Shoaf as Edrix; Michael Keith as Eren; Kyosu Guinto as Josh; Yanyan De Jesus as Drew; and Derick Ong as Blaster.

Meanwhile, the son of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales, Andres, is collaborating with the son of Aiko Melendez and Jomari Yllana, Andre, in the series. Aga and Aiko were a former couple.

“I get to work with Andre now and it’s an honor. And so far, he’s a great friend of mine,” Andres commented. “When I told my dad that I’m gonna work with Andre, son of Aiko, he was very excited because he knows Tita Aiko.”

“Muntik kong maging kapatid yan. Charot lang,” Andre reacted.

Aiko is aware that Andre and Andres are co-actors in the show and she was delighted about it, added Andre.

(“Ang Mutya ng Section E” is now streaming on Viva One).