Amidst the terrible circumstances we’re currently in, there’s still indeed no stopping Kapamilya network from serving its loyal viewers with quality content that will not just entertain us, but will also teach us valuable lessons and offer us motivational stories that we highly need during these trying times. And beginning October 26, we’re going to finally see its latest offering Bagong Umaga!

Here are five cool reasons why you should definitely not miss it!

It’s the ultimate barkada drama of this generation

In the past decades, ABS-CBN has blessed us with several “barkadaseryes” or television series that focus on the stories of each character who are involved in the same clique, that we’ve definitely loved even after they aired. Among those are Tabing Ilog (1999-2003), Berks (2002-2004), Buttercup (2003-2004), Gimik 2010 (2010), Good Vibes (2011), and Growing Up (2011-2012).

Since it’s already been a long time that we’ve seen this kind of program on television, Bagong Umaga is seemingly going to be a breath of fresh air for avid teleserye viewers.

Based on its teaser released weeks ago, this features the friendship of six young adults from different walks of life and how their personal histories are going to create an impact to their bond.

Its six promising, talented headliners

Unlike other Kapamilya teleseryes that are topbilled by some of the biggest and seasoned stars of the network, Bagong Umaga is spearheaded by six fast-rising young thespians who have been in the industry for less than a decade.

Furthermore, it is said to be the biggest break for two of its lead cast, Michelle Vito and Heaven Peralejo, since this marks their very first time to headline a teleserye after landing supporting roles in most of the projects they did in the past.

Meanwhile, the other four already had done starring stints in the recent years. Tony Labrusca was among the main cast of Sino Ang Maysala? Mea Culpa (2019), and the Black Sheep digital series Hello Stranger; Kiko Estrada as one of the Mabunga children in Pamilya Ko; Yves Flores as one of the soldiers whose story is highlighted in A Soldier’s Heart; while Barbie Imperial was the leading lady in the 2018 afternoon soap opera Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Araw Gabi.

It can be also noticed that none of them are actually identified with any love team, not to mention that some of them have only worked with the others for the first time, which makes it extra exciting for us to see how they’re able to build their chemistry collectively and as new on-screen pairs.

The relatable, exciting stories of the main characters

Apart from the friendship of the six main characters, the series will all delve into their respective lives, to which viewers could definitely get inspired or relate with.

An aspiring journalist, Tisay (Heaven) grew up to a poor yet loving family who adopted her along with his adopted brother Dodong (Yves). In her journey towards finding out the truth about her birth, she will meet Ely (Tony), a young man from a well-off family who dreams of becoming a doctor and succeed in life in order for his mom and siblings to get away from his abusive father.

His budding relationship with Tisay will be resented by his childhood friend Cai (Barbie), who also came from an affluent family. She’s going to do everything to tear them apart, even though it means having to use the unsuspecting Dodong.

Tisay will also fall victim to the vengeful Otep (Kiko), a charming and simple young man to whom her beautiful and altruistic best friend Angge is going to get involved with.

 They may have come from different paths, but the trailer shows that their lives will get intertwined because of their parents’ pasts that in one way or another are going to have an impact in their present lives and their relationships, as well as to their future.

The stellar supporting ensemble

Of course, the performances of the six lead actors are not going to be sure-fire if not for its veteran and seasoned supporting cast members, which includes Rio Locsin, Peewee O’Hara, Glydel Mercado, Sunshine Cruz, Cris Villanueva, Bernadette Allyson, Nikki Valdez, Keempee de Leon, and Moi Marcampo.

This is helmed by top-caliber directors Paco Sta. Maria (Oh My G!, Ningning, and Pamilya Ko) and Carlo Po Artillaga (Halik and Langit Lupa), and under the production of Rizza G. Ebriega’s RGE Drama. Brilliant filmmaker-writer Denise O’Hara serves as its headwriter, who’s one of the brains behind Juanita Banana, Maria La Del Barrio, Mundo Man Ay Magunaw, and Be Careful With My Heart.

Superb execution of scenes despite pandemic restrictions

Filming nowadays is tremendously affected by the pandemic, compelling production companies/units to implement strict safety protocols on the set – wearing of face masks and face shields, observance of physical distancing, checking of temperature, and regular sanitation.

Apart from those, another challenge that the production should face is finding the appropriate locations for their shoot amidst the lockdown and restrictions in social gatherings. Thus, in order to resolve this, the creative team of Bagong Umaga revealed in their virtual media conference that most of the scenes were actually shot at the ABS-CBN Compound premises. They only had to let their creatives juices ooze out in order to make the setups completely realistic.

However, when it comes to the other scenes that are required to be shot in other establishments, they make sure to firmly obey the rules being employed by the government.

Catch the pilot episode of Bagong Umaga on October 26 after It’s Showtime via Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live and A2Z!