Among ABS-CBN’s historic collaborations is with TV5, as they are co-producing not just one, but two teleseryes for the first time that we’re about to see really, really soon. One of them is the much-awaited Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin, which is expected to set our afternoons on fire as it marks the return of Kapamilya Gold. But, just in case you’re still having on whether it’s going to be worth binge-watching once it premieres this coming July 25, here are five burning reasons that could probably make up your mind.

Jane Oineza in her first lead role in a teleserye

Avid Kapamilya fans since time immemorial have arguably witnessed the outstanding journey of Jane Oineza as an actress in the past two decades that she’s been in the industry. From being that adorable and talented child star who charmed us in her appearances, usually as young counterparts of Kapamilya actresses, in series and movies and in Goin’ Bulilit as one of its pioneer cast members, we have watched her grow and flourish into becoming one of the most sought-after and versatile actresses of her generation at present.

Among her remarkable stints are Cattleya Killer (2023), The Broken Marriage Vow (2022), Huwag Kang Mangamba (2021), Precious Hearts Romances Presents Los Bastardos (2018), and in the notable Maalaala Mo Kaya episodes, “Kotse-Kotsehan” (2017), “Picture” (2017), and “Manika” (2012), wherein she got nominated for the Best Performance by an Actress category in the New York Festivals – International TV and Film.

And after waiting for so long, she is finally reaping the seeds that she had sown in the past years as has finally attained her biggest breakthrough to date via Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin, which marks her first-ever lead role in a Kapamilya teleserye.

When asked how she feels about it during her most recent Kapamilya Chat guesting, she related, “I’m really excited kasi I’m very proud of this show. I’m happy to be working with people with the likes of JC de Vera, Ria Atayde, Tony Labrusca, [and] Direk FM Reyes. Sobrang suwerte ko rin na sa akin ibinigay itong opportunity na ‘to.”

In this series, Jane will astound us with her portrayal of not just one, but two characters. Based on the trailer, she will initially play Olivia, the loving and dutiful wife of Atty. Lucas Buencamino. However, she will eventually become Claire, the endearing Mrs. of Dr. Philip Salazar, as the narrative reaches a drastic turning point.

We’re definitely excited to witness how Jane is going to compel us with her sure-fire portrayal of her characters!

 

First team-up of the lead stars

Aside from Jane, Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin is also headlined by three of the most bankable thespians in the country today, namely, Ria Atayde, JC de Vera, and Tony Labrusca.

Even though it can be said that her mother Sylvia Sanchez and brother Arjo Atayde have paved the way for her, Ria is able to somehow step out of their shadows and prove that she’s indeed a star in her own right. In the past years, we have seen her flourish from being a supporting actress to becoming a lead star, through which she’s able to showcase her acting prowess. And in this series, we’re are going to see her in a different light as the sultry and fierce Melinda, who’s going to be the eventual partner of Lucas after losing his wife Olivia. Thus, we are now looking forward to watch her intense showdowns with her real-life best friend Jane, who she got to work with the first time in the digital series Cattleya Killer. 

JC might have only started his Kapamilya journey in 2013, but he has proven in the past 10 years that he’s indeed one of the most bankable leading men of ABS-CBN. And in this series, he’s going to astound us anew with his depiction of Dr. Philip Salazar, whose intense wrath against the Buencaminos will fuel him to exact revenge to them by using Jane’s character Olivia.

Meanwhile, we have seen Tony shift from being an aspiring singer and boyband member to becoming a promising actor. Even though he’s quite new in the industry, he’s able to showcase his versatility and range as an actor. And here, we are about to see his more ferocious and daring facet as Atty. Lucas Buencamino, who’s yearning to attain justice for his father’s death.

While some of them had the chance to work with one another in past projects, it’s the first time for Jane, JC, Tony, and Ria to work together. And one of their directors, Benedict Mique, deems it exhilarating, as he stated in “The Making” video, “What’s more exciting here is the characters and the actors that will portray it. They’re very young, good-looking, vibrant. It’s very aspirational and very exciting to watch.”

 

Stellar ensemble cast

Of course, the story of the four main characters will not be more electrifying without the supporting characters joining the fiasco.

Veteran thespians Maila Gumila, Joko Diaz, Carla Martinez, and William Lorenzo will play significant roles in this series, as well as younger generations of stars, namely, Kim Rodriguez, Nico Antonio, Aya Fernandez, Jef Gaitan, and Elyson de Dios.

Maila is going to be part of “Team Lucas” as she portrays his cunning and tenacious mom Victoria, while “Team Philip” will be comprised of Joko as his father’s friend and colleague Joaquin, Carla as his caring nanny Loleng, and Nico as his best friend Emil. On the other hand, we’re looking forward to see how the characters of Kim (as Sofia), Aya (as Sabrina), Elyson, and Malou are going to put different twists and flavors to the narrative.

Seasoned character actors Richard Quan, Jeffrey Santos, and Lovely Rivero are also going to have short yet special participations, with Richard portraying the role of Lucas’ stern father Javier Buencamino, and Jeffrey and Lovely as the doting parents of Philip named Severino and Elena.

Exciting storyline

Just hearing the title and seeing the full trailer of Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin, we can immediately deduce that this is going to be a narrative filled with revenge, showdowns, intense emotions, and clashing of power and ego.

It will follow the story of four people, whose lives are going to be immensely impacted and drastically change by the tragic death of Javier Buencamino during his failed surgery in the hands of his best friend, Dr. Severino Salazar. The Buencaminos assume that there’s foul play in it and accuse Severino and the hospital of doing it due to personal and business interests.

His parents’ deaths will fuel Philip’s desire to exact vengeance against the Buencaminos, making one of the most important people in Lucas life as collateral – his wife Olivia. He plots her accident that caused her major injuries and memory loss, and uses his skills as a doctor in order to completely change her. As soon as she gains consciousness, he would tell her that she is his wife Claire Salazar, and that would mark the beginning of a brand-new life for both of them.

On the other hand, Lucas would also have a romantic affair with one of their family’s staff Melinda, who’s seemingly going to be his new partner after losing his wife.

The two pairs will eventually cross paths again after a few years, revealing the secrets, lies, and truths that have completely ruled their lives. This series promises to not just set our afternoons ablaze, but will also make the viewers think, and even question themselves if they really know the people who they’re with or who they surround themselves with.

 

Another masterpiece of brilliant directors FM Reyes and Benedict Mique

And lastly, another important reason why Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin is worth watching is because of the two exceptional people helming it – Directors FM Reyes and Benedict Mique.

In the decades that he has been in the entertainment scene, Direk FM is considered as one of the most prolific and brilliant directors in the country. His most notable works include Kapamilya teleseryes Recuerdo de Amor (2001), Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas (2003), Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin (2005), Maging Sino Ka Man (2006), Lobo (2008), “Bud Brothers” series of Precious Hearts Romances Presents (2009), Lovers in Paris (2009), Alyna (2010), E-Boy (2012), Apoy Sa Dagat (2013), Moon of Desire (2014), Magpahanggang Wakas (2016), 24/7 (2020), and Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin (2020).

On the other hand, Direk Benedict has already put on different hats throughout his two decades in the industry. He finally had his directorial feature debut in the 2018 Cinemalaya entry “ML,” which was starred by late movie icon Eddie Garcia, and went to helm other projects, with the TV adaptation of Mars Ravelo’s Darna starring Jane de Leon, Janella Salvador, and Joshua Garcia as one of his latest accomplishments.

Catch Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin beginning this July 25, weekdays at 3:50 PM, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, iWantTFC, TFC, and TV5!