The world of Philippine showbiz is filled with "what ifs," and few are as intriguing as the potential impact of Marlo Mortel and Janella Salvador (MarNella) leading an ABS-CBN TV adaptation of I Love You Since 1892 (ILYS1892) in 2019. Could this have been ABS-CBN's strategic counter to the phenomenal "Kalyeserye" of AlDub on Eat Bulaga? Let's dive into this captivating alternate reality.
Rewind to 2015: The AlDub Phenomenon
To understand the potential of MarNella's ILYS1892, we first need to recall the sheer magnitude of AlDub. Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza (Yaya Dub), through Eat Bulaga!'s "Kalyeserye," created an unprecedented cultural phenomenon starting in 2015.
What made AlDub so groundbreaking?
* Social Media Domination: Their daily split-screen romance, particularly events like "Tamang Panahon," consistently shattered Twitter records, proving the immense power of digital engagement.
* Raw & Real Chemistry: The improvisational, live nature of Kalyeserye, blending Alden's studio presence with Maine and the comedic trio on the streets, fostered an organic, unpredictable, and deeply relatable connection with viewers.
Credits: Eat Bulaga TVJ
* Values & Relatability: The old-school courtship, respect for family, and themes of patience struck a chord with the Filipino audience.
* Innovative Format: It was a refreshing blend of variety show, sitcom, and drama, unlike anything seen before.
MarNella's 'ILYS1892': A Counter-Punch in the Making?
Now, imagine ABS-CBN fully committing to a MarNella-led ILYS1892 adaptation in 2019. Here's why it had the potential to be ABS-CBN's strategic response to the AlDub fever:
* Established Chemistry & Built-in Fandom: MarNella already had a dedicated fanbase from their previous projects like Oh My G! and were recognized as a promising loveteam within ABS-CBN's Star Magic. Their loyal followers would have instantly rallied behind a new project starring them. More importantly, ILYS1892 itself, published by ABS-CBN Books with MarNella on the covers, came with a massive, pre-existing Wattpad fanbase. This meant a ready and eager audience, a distinct advantage over AlDub which largely built its massive following from scratch.
Credits: ABS-CBN Books / ABS-CBN Publishing
* The Allure of Historical Romance: The time-traveling, historical romance genre of ILYS1892 possesses a unique charm. It offers both the romantic escapism of a compelling love story and the intrigue of a journey through time, appealing to a broad demographic beyond just typical teleserye viewers.
* ABS-CBN's Production Powerhouse: At its peak, ABS-CBN was synonymous with high-quality teleserye production. They had the resources, talent, and experience to bring the rich narrative of ILYS1892 to life with stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and a vast reach across their numerous platforms.
* Strategic Counter-Programming: While AlDub dominated the noontime variety show slot on GMA, a MarNella ILYS1892 would likely have been a primetime or early afternoon drama. This allowed ABS-CBN to target a different, yet equally lucrative, viewing segment, potentially drawing viewers away from GMA's drama offerings and establishing their own flagship loveteam drama.
The Potential Impact and Lingering 'What Ifs'
If this scenario had materialized:
* Ratings Domination: A well-produced and promoted ILYS1892 could have undoubtedly become a ratings powerhouse for ABS-CBN, significantly boosting their drama blocks and challenging existing viewing habits.
* Social Media Rivalry: With the existing Wattpad fandom and MarNella's strong online presence, ILYS1892 would have generated immense social media buzz, vying for trending topics and online discussions, potentially mirroring or even surpassing AlDub's digital footprint.
* Loveteam Legacy: It could have firmly cemented MarNella's status as one of ABS-CBN's premier loveteams, paving the way for more projects, endorsements, and a lasting legacy.
* Narrative Depth vs. Improv: The challenge would have been to maintain the "kilig" and audience engagement over a longer, pre-written narrative, contrasting with AlDub's live, improvisational charm.
However, the biggest "what if" looming over this entire scenario is the unfortunate reality of ABS-CBN's franchise non-renewal. Even if MarNella's ILYS1892 had been a monumental hit in 2019, the subsequent shutdown of ABS-CBN's free TV operations would have dramatically curtailed its reach and long-term impact, unlike AlDub which continued to benefit from GMA's stable broadcast presence.
In Conclusion
While the actual casting of ILYS1892 went a different route, the thought of MarNella leading the adaptation on ABS-CBN in 2019 presents a fascinating alternate history. It had all the ingredients – an established fanbase, a beloved loveteam, a compelling story, and the backing of a major network – to be a formidable cultural force, potentially serving as ABS-CBN's powerful response to the AlDub phenomenon. It's a reminder of how timing, talent, and executive decisions intertwine to shape the landscape of Philippine entertainment.
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