Why This Pinoy “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” Feels Closer to Home

A Familiar Story, Told the Filipino Way: Inside the Local Adaptation of It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

When a beloved Korean drama lands in the Philippines, it comes with big expectations, and even bigger emotions. But in the Philippine adaptation of It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, viewers are getting more than just a retelling. They’re getting a story reshaped with Filipino soul,one that hits closer to home, both in heart and in truth.

Premiered yesterday, July 21 on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5, that is while everyone is busy clearing water and carrying their belongings on higher grounds because of the flood. It was also early streamed on Netflix (July 18) and iWant (July 19). This highly anticipated teleserye is led by powerhouse stars Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino. But beyond the casting, this reimagining stands out for one reason: it was built with the Filipino viewer in mind, every step of the way.

 

More Than a Remake: A Cultural Rebirth

Director Mae Cruz-Alviar and the creative team behind the show didn’t simply copy the Korean original, they transformed it. The story’s core remained: a guarded caregiver named Patpat (played by Joshua Garcia), his brother Matmat (Carlo Aquino), who lives with autism, and a successful yet emotionally scarred children’s book author Mia (Anne Curtis). Together, they wrestle with the ghosts of their past, uncovering old wounds and learning how to heal.

But this version unfolds with a uniquely Pinoy flavor. From the characters’ personalities to the backdrop of familiar landscapes, every detail was chosen to reflect how Filipinos experience pain, connection, and healing.

Instead of cherry blossoms and Korean winters, we see lush local scenery and sunlit countrysides. Filipino homes replace glass-walled hospitals. And yes, even the language shifts the tone. Where the Korean version may have leaned into restraint, the Filipino version isn’t afraid to show vulnerability, the kind that comes out during family dinners, late-night confessions, or quiet moments of prayer.

Scenes Rewritten for the Filipino Heart

Some of the Korean drama’s iconic scenes were respectfully adapted, or entirely reimagined, to match the Philippine setting and emotional rhythm. Supporting characters were restructured to reflect Filipino family dynamics, while scenes around mental health were softened and localized to better match the nation’s current awareness and openness.

“Kailangan namin i-handle na ‘wag biglaan ‘yung audience, na ‘wag sila ma-overwhelm,” said Director Cruz-Alviar. “So there is careful handling in telling the story but also staying true to the core of the show.”

Mental health isn’t an easy topic in any culture, but in the Philippines, where stigma and silence still surround conditions like depression and autism, telling this story required deep sensitivity and care. The production team partnered with advocates, therapists, and even visited special schools to portray the characters truthfully and respectfully.

A Personal Story for the Actors, Too

For Joshua Garcia, the role of Patpat hit close to home. “Nakaka-relate ako sa kanya kasi parehas kaming mapagmahal na kapatid at nangungulila sa nanay,” he shared. “Pati ‘yung pagka-burned out ng character ko, naramdaman ko rin.”

Meanwhile, Carlo Aquino underwent immersion sessions and intensive workshops to authentically portray Matmat, a person on the autism spectrum. The result? A performance that’s grounded, moving, and rooted in real-life experiences.

Anne Curtis, returning to teleseryes after years, gives life to Mia Hernandez, a role she describes as complex but ultimately healing. “It’s a healing story and it’s a beautiful journey of love,” Anne said. “Every Filipino… will be able to relate to the story of healing, pain, and love.”

An Advocacy, Not Just a Show

Beyond being a primetime teleserye, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay serves a bigger purpose. It’s an advocacy to understand and destigmatize depression, trauma, and the struggles of individuals with special needs.

At a time when many still whisper about mental health, this show speaks boldly, yet gently. It reminds viewers that it’s okay to feel broken. It’s okay to seek help. And it’s okay to not be okay.

And in true Filipino fashion, the story doesn’t end in sorrow, it ends in connection, healing, and hope.

 

Star-Studded Support Cast

The series also brings together a strong ensemble cast that includes 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.

With direction by Mae Cruz-Alviar and Raymond Ocampo, and creative leadership from Henry Quitain and Star Creatives’ Des M. De Guzman, the show is backed by a team that knows how to tell a powerful story with heart.

Watch and Feel the Difference

Catch It’s Okay to Not Be Okay starting July 21 on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5 at 8:45 PM. 

This isn’t just a remake, it’s a mirror for Filipino viewers, showing that healing is possible, love is powerful, and no one has to go through pain alone.