One cannot blame Angel
Locsin if she viewed Only You as a
welcome break away from the usual roles she's commonly known for.
Since her career took off in 2004 via the primetime hit, Mulawin, Angel has been a regular fixture in the so-called "fantaserye" genre, gracing Darna (2005), Majika (2006), and Lobo (2008) in quick succession.
Playing the role of Jillian in Only You, Angel finds herself portraying a simple lass whose passion for cooking unknowingly led her to discover the pain and joy of love.
Angel said on her newfound role, "Super excited ako dahil iba naman ito dahil nasanay ako na fantaserye yung mga ginagawa ko."
Only You is an adaptation of a popular Korean television series of the same title.
ONSCREEN CHEMISTRY. Playing Angel's leading men in the series are Diether Ocampo and Sam Milby.
Diether will portray Jillian's childhood friend, Jonathan while Sam will assume the role of a rich hotel and restaurant scion, TJ.
The onscreen chemistry between the three lead players was undeniable. Even director, Rory Quintos, was surprised to see how good Angel, Sam and Diether registered on screen in playing their respective roles.
"We had workshops," said Direk Rory. "We had a bonding workshop and then we had acting workshop.
She added: "When the project was given, sabi ko, ‘Naku, we have to work hard sa chemistry.' But for me as a director I didn't really have to do much kasi right away, nakita ko na meron yung dalawang leading men with Angel."
COOKING AND KOREA. Aside from the acting workshop given, Angel along with some of the cast members, had to spend time in the kitchen to learn and hone their culinary know-how.
Angel, for one, discovered a new passion. "Nagsisimula pa lang po talaga ko matuto magluto. Nagulat ako kasi natagpuan ko ang isang panibagong passion. Actually habang ginagawa po namin yung Only You nagpa-plano po talaga ko na dire-deretso po yung training ko sa pagluluto, sa culinary."
The cast travelled to Korea to shoot some of the scenes. For most of the stars, it was also an opportunity for them to learn and enjoy a different culture.
"Halos inikot po namin ang Seoul," Angel excitedly revealed, who also couldn't get enough of Nami island, describing it as "napakaganda."
The element of food only serves as an enticing ingredient to Only You's overall plot and appeal. According to Direk Rory—who described Only You as a love story—food reference used in the show bears a more profound meaning.
"Everybody loves food," she said matter-of-factly, "So siguro lang yung food talaga. We need it to live. Parang love, which is something that we all need in our lives. Everybody needs love and be loved back."
Only You, which also stars Tirso Cruz III, Al Tantay, Dimples Romana, Iya Villania, Irma Adlawan, Candy Pangilinan, Bing Pimentel, Ella Cruz and Dick Israel, will premiere this Monday, April 27, on ABS-CBN. It will air right after May Bukas Pa.