Filipinos love a good story, particularly those that fall under the romance genre. Mobile-friendly platform, Wattpad, allowed Filipinos to explore their love for romance stories by reading anywhere and anytime. Although there are other genres available to read on the platform, romantic stories are much more popular with Filipino readers. Some stories from this genre became so famous, with millions of reads and physical books sold, that a number of them were adapted into content for national television, online streaming platforms, and even big screens. Here are five Filipino Wattpad series and movie adaptations that are definitely worth watching:
She’s Dating the Gangster
Perhaps the OG in this list, “She’s Dating the Gangster” was written by author “SGwannaB” or Bianca Bernardino and was among the most popular titles on Wattpad at the time of its publishing. While the book originally has only two main characters, Athena Dizon and Kenji delos Reyes (subsequently played by Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, respectively), its film adaptation added two other main characters: Kelay Dizon and Kenneth delos Reyes, who were also played by the same actors. Prepare your tissues for this one because it has its tear-jerking moments.
Diary ng Panget
Who could forget the film that brought us JaDine? Thanks to author “HaveYouSeenThisGirl” or Denny R, we had “Diary ng Panget.” Eya Rodriguez, Nadine Lustre’s character, becomes the personal maid of the egoistic, rich, but handsome Cross Sandford, played by James Reid. While it reflects the overdone nerd-meets-bad boy trope, one can’t deny the chemistry of the actors here. If you are wondering how Cross and Eya’s love story unfolds, go watch it!
He’s Into Her
Based on a 2012 novel by Wattpad author “Maxinejiji,” Maxine Lat Calibuso, it follows the story of a spunky provincial girl Maxpein del Valle (played by Belle Mariano) who moves to an international school in Manila only to be bullied by Deib Lohr Enrile, the basketball varsity captain (played by Donny Pangilinan). However, their cat-and-dog relationship soon turns to something romantic. After the successful run of the first season of “He’s Into Her,” it now has two seasons available for streaming.
The Rain in España
“The Rain in España” is the first of the six-part University Series written by Wattpad author “4Reuminct,” Gwy Saludes. The ten-episode series stars Heaven Peralejo as Louise Natasha “Luna” Valeria and Marco Gallo as Kalix Jace Martinez. The plot tells the story of Kalix who takes up Legal Management in Ateneo de Manila University to pursue law and crosses paths with the architecture student from the University of Sto. Thomas, Luna. Despite different personalities, the two fall in love with each other. It seems like the rest of the book is in the works for their own series adaption so watch out for that!
Just the Way You Are
Starring the then-Liza Soberano as Sophia Taylor and Enrique Gil as Drake Sison, “Just the Way You Are,” is already considered to be one of the classic Wattpad stories. Based on the Pop Fiction book, “The Bet” by Wattpad author “ilurvbooks” or Kimberly Joy Villanues, the film is about the popular guy, Drake, who makes a bet with his best friend to make Sophia, the nerdy new student fall in love with him. But as soon as she admits it, Drake had to admit that everything was all a bet. Regardless of its clicheic storyline, it is one of those feel-good films you will go back to see again and again.
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