Born in a teen-oriented series, the KathNiel magic has been around for a decade and it shows no signs of waning down. Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla are getting more solid as a reel and real-life tandem, as attested by how their fans went crazy ever since it was announced that they’ll be working on their new series, which is now apparently in the pre-production stage.
To celebrate their 10th anniversary, gear up for the ‘riot’ and ‘kilig’ with a quick refresher on KathNiel’s triumphant television journey!
Growing Up (2011-2012)
Here’s to experimental love teams that proved to be destined! Kathryn and Daniel first became a loveteam in the Sunday afternoon teen-oriented series, Growing Up. Kathryn played Ella Dimalanta while Daniel played Patrick Rivero. They were classmates who always fought and had little quarrels but eventually, they fell in love with each other. Their team-up became so successful and the show made them superstars. The series also starred Julia Montes, Diego Loyzaga, Kiray Celis, Neil Coleta, EJ Jallorina, and Yen Santos. It was directed by Lino Cayetano.
Princess And I (2012-2013)
After the success of Growing Up, their team-up was put to test on primetime television when they were given the teen drama series, Princess and I. Kathryn played Mikay Maghirang while Daniel played Gino Dela Rosa. They were schoolmates who hated each other at first but when they got closer after a series of encounters, the two fell in love. The primetime series ran for 10 months and continuously received high ratings. It paved the way for Kathryn and Daniel’s success and made them reign as the Teen Queen and Teen King. The series also starred Enrique Gil, Khalil Ramos, Gretchen Barretto, and Albert Martinez. It was directed by Dado Lumibao, Francis Xavier Pasion, and Rory Quintos.
Got To Believe (2013-2014)
Just after a few months after Princess and I, Kathryn and Daniel were given another primetime series that was a game changer, Got To Believe. Kathryn played Chichay Tampipi while Daniel played Joaquin Manansala. Joaquin was a young man with a bullet in his head who fell in love with his nanny, Chichay. The romantic comedy television series didn’t only receive high ratings, but it also became a social media phenomenon and the show’s hashtags were consistent trending topics. It also became a hit in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The series also starred Carmina Villarroel, Manilyn Reynes, Benjie Paras, Ian Veneracion, and Liza Soberano. It was directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina.
Pangako Sa ‘Yo (2015-2016)
Graduating from the cute, teenybopper stage, KathNiel was chosen to play the lead roles in the 2015 remake of the iconic teleserye that started it all, Pangako Sa ‘Yo. Kathryn played Yna Macaspac while Daniel played Angelo Buenavista. Angelo was the rebellious son of a powerful politician who fell in love with Yna, a simple but beautiful adopted daughter of a retired policeman. The show received high ratings and just like “Got to Believe,” it was dubbed and aired in Indonesia and Malaysia. The series also starred Jodi Sta. Maria, Angelica Panganiban, and Ian Veneracion. It was directed by Rory Quintos, Dado Lumibao, and Olivia Lamasan.
It was at that time when Kathryn and Daniel shed off the Teen King and Teen Queen titles for their new showbiz moniker, King and Queen of Hearts.
La Luna Sangre (2017)
Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla returned to primetime television in La Luna Sangre. It is the third installment of Lobo and the sequel to Imortal. Kathryn is Malia, the daughter of Lia and Mateo, while Daniel played Tristan Torralba.
And last year, the tandem quenched our thirst for more rollicking fun and KathNiel magic as they brought “The House Arrest of Us!” despite the pandemic. The rom-com follows the story of couple Q (Kathryn) and Korics (Daniel), whose engagement plans create hilarious conflicts between their families. In the middle of the “pamamanhikan,” everybody was forced to stay in one house due to the sudden announcement of total hard lockdown. The soon-to-be weds and their families must live with each other amid the pandemic, leading to riotous comedy, mellow family moments, and an overdose of kilig!
While keeping a solid, genuine, and lasting relationship in world of showbiz is deemed impossible, KathNiel is a living proof that it’s indeed achievable as long as you are with the right person. Happy 10 years Daniel and Kathryn!