Kathryn Bernardo, James Reid explore dating apps in first series together

MANILA, Philippines — The upcoming ABS-CBN and Netflix Philippines series “Someone, Someday” marks several firsts for its lead stars, Kathryn Bernardo and James Reid, as they return to the small screen. Comebacking actress Maja Salvador also joins the cast of the series.

James and Kathryn, who are paired for the first time in “Someone, Someday,” admitted to feeling jitters about their teleserye comeback.

The actress particularly shared during the “Next on Netflix Philippines” event held at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig that it is also her first time working with Maja and directors Chad Vidanes and Dolly Dulu.

“A lot of firsts for me but definitely I would say after a few taping days, actually until now, it’s taking a while to bounce back and work again because my last series was back in 2022 for ‘2 Good 2 Be True’ (with Daniel Padilla). That was actually my first project with Netflix and I wasn’t able to experience all of these because it was pandemic.”

Making her way back to television, Kathryn said that while it thrilled her, it also took time for her to warm up.

“I can say that until now, I’m still warming up. I’m still getting to know the character day by day and I am just being patient with myself because I want to give myself that time to warm up and get to know the character more than anyone. So I’m just enjoying it and my directors are here, the cast and the whole staff are all here to support everyone. I’m very excited.”

For James, coming back to a series came with “a lot of nerves.” “Because it’s been seven years, or I think more, since my last teleserye,” he explained. “A lot of nerves coming in but of course, I’m excited with such an amazing cast and directors.”

He also noted that it is a “very interesting project” because it’s with Netflix and he has high hopes for it.

“I’ve connected a lot with my character, Jordan. He’s a true best friend who’s always there for you, always got your back and won’t let you down. I’m lucky to have someone like that in my life so I can super relate to this character,” he reflected.

Another way that James resonates with Jordan is their shared love and passion for music. “So throughout the show I got to inject a lot of my own music into ‘Someone, Someday,’ which I’m very excited for. I’m also writing one of the songs for the show.”

Maja, meanwhile, drew from her life experiences — particularly her recent journey into motherhood — in portraying her character in the forthcoming series.

“I’ve played strong characters before but this one is more layered and secretive, which made her more interesting and complex. I also approached her differently now maybe because of my life experiences. It helped me better understand her choices and motivations. And I thank you.”

“Someone, Someday” follows a woman scarred by her past who creates a modern dating app to help women find the right love at the right time. Through the love stories she brings together — and while navigating the challenges in her own life — she begins to rediscover what love truly means for herself.

Direk Dolly pointed out that using dating apps or meeting someone online is still considered taboo. “It is part of the situation that we are growing up with. So we’re using it to our advantage by portraying that dating or meeting someone online in the modern day is OK. As long as there are guidelines on how you are going to or go about this relationship that you’ve met online.

Maja Salvador also stars in the series.

“Yes, it’s instant. Yes, it’s easier but (real) work happens after that. So it’s really about adjusting the way people are and I think the more people see it, the more it will become more normal to them especially since we are also empowering women.”

The dating app that was created for the series was designed to empower women. As direk Dolly elaborated, “It really empowers women to make their choices, to stand their ground and to be who they are, unapologetically. I think that’s how we are handling it, in a very truthful (way) by showcasing these powerful women portrayed by these powerful characters.”

Direk Chad echoed the same thoughts, saying, “I agree that in some parts of the Philippines, it’s still taboo to tackle this type of dating or modern love. But I think for me, at the end of the day, whether it’s love for yourself or your family, romantic love, love is still love.

“For me, it’s the sincerity of love, whether it’s a modern dating app or typical love before. As long as you are sincere, that’s what I try to connect with the characters and I hope our viewers connect with the characters they portray, not just love, but their growth, struggles and be human.”

Meanwhile, the other local titles that were announced during the Netflix Philippines event include: Erik Matti’s “BuyBust: The Undesirables” starring Anne Curtis and Gerald Anderson; Rae Red’s horror-mystery series “Balaraw” featuring Janine Gutierrez and Charlie Dizon as a same-sex couple; direk Dolly’s romance film “18th Rose” with Xyriel Manabat and Kyle Echarri as lead actors; Cholo Laurel’s family drama “Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon” headlined by Jodi Sta. Maria; the Christmas anthology “Paskong Pinoy” by Mark A. Reyes V featuring Barbie Forteza, Enchong Dee, Angelu de Leon, Bobby Andrews, Rica Peralejo and Michael Flores; and GMA’s “The Master Cutter” topbilled by Dingdong Dantes and helmed by Dominic Zapata.