While most loveteams are usually formed before they get to work in a project, there are instances when tandems are born after their undeniable chemistry is noticed, as well as when viewers start to root for them and clamor for them to be given more scenes, or even projects.

Let’s take for example the unexpected onscreen pairs included in this Kapamilya Time-List feature that were purely experimental at first, yet were able to successfully capture the admiration and support of many. Thus, their ships continued to sail along with the progress of the story of the teleseryes they belonged to. Keep on reading to find out who they are.

First on the list is the tandem of seasoned character actors Cris Villanueva and Gelli de Belen in 2 Be Good 2 Be True, fondly tagged as “MarKap” since their characters were called Margie and Kap Rosales. After getting broken-hearted in their previous marriages, they were able to unexpectedly find a second shot in love with one another, which eventually led to marriage.

Aside from them, another loveteam was born in the series, which was of Yves Flores and Gillian Vicencio. Their organic chemistry and portrayal of love from a different angle immediately gained them ardent “ReTox” shippers. For sure, there were viewers who were able to relate to their love story as their characters Red and Tox started out as barkadas until they developed mutual romantic feelings for each other when they entered into a fake relationship.

Meanwhile, it was a case of love at first sight for Mars Ravelo’s Darna supporting characters Luna and Richard, played by Kira Balinger and LA Santos, as the latter quickly got smitten by the charm of the former. The might have gotten us kilig with their adorable moments together, but we were well-aware that their romance would not prosper since they came from totally different worlds and Luna had to leave him behind to return to Planet Marte.

Even though their tandem was deemed unlikely, but viewers of The Iron Heart arguably found themselves amused by the love journey of Selene and Orcus aka “SerCus,” portrayed by Dimples Romana and Christian Vasquez. They might be antagonists, but it was quite difficult for us to hate them since they provided comic relief amidst the action-packed and heavy drama scenes of the series. Their hilarious antics and dialogues, especially Orcus’ quirky personality and quite cringe-y way of winning the affection of his one and only “baby love,” indeed didn’t fail to tickle us.

Even before words “nonchalant” and “OA” (or overacting) are used to describe or compare the personalities of two individuals in a relationship, Dirty Linen characters Lala and Max, compellingly played by Jennica Garcia and Christian Bables, already carried it out. Lala’s naughtiness and clinginess may tend to get annoying sometimes, but Max, being her best friend since they were kids, has always been patient and nice to her. While we aren’t sure about the real score between them, but we really find them cute together on and off cam.

It may have already been portrayed onscreen for a number of times already over the past years, but love-hate affairs indeed never fail to make a successful romantic-comedy. And that’s what Xyriel Manabat and Elijah Canlas had served through their portrayals of Roxy and Archie who, from being hostile, became sympathetic and friendly with one other. Senior High might be their first-ever work together as “RoxChie,” but Xyriel and Elijah were able to work on their chemistry and became one of the new well-loved onscreen pairs on TV.

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings in it, who totally got us captivated by their palpable chemistry and impressive comedic chops and wittiness as they portrayed unlikely lovers Snoop and Irene in Can’t Buy Me Love. The love journey of SnoRene might already be quite a cliché, but Maris and Anthony were able to put a different twist to it, which their fans really admired.

From the get-go, we’ve already noticed the striking chemistry between Coco Martin and Ivana Alawi in FPJ’s Batang Quiapo. It might be impossible at first for romance to flourish between them because of Tanggol’s first love Mokang (Lovi Poe), but their being partners in crime made us root for them even more. While we’re well-aware that they are just acting, we couldn’t help but get kilig with Coco and Ivana’s scenes together, especially his selos scenes.

Due to the undeniable chemistry that they exude, supporters of KimPau, as what the loveteam of Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino is called, wish for them to end up together not just on-screen, but also for real. The marriage of their characters Juliana and Victor in Linlang might not be successful, yet we could still feel the sparks flying between them whenever they’re together. Thus, there are probably viewers who are quietly wishing for them to be together again.

Last, but definitely not least, are Andrea Brillantes and Juan Karlos, who already worked with one another in a few projects before Senior High. Since the moments of their characters Sky and Gino were quite limited due to various circumstances, not to mention that she was quite hostile towards him, we’ve been looking forward now if Sky will finally let him pursue her and if they’re going to end up together in High Street.

Which of these unexpected tandems in recent years brought you the most kilig, Kapamilya?