‘Dating Alys Perez’ cast weighs in: is dating your cousin’s ex okay or a no-no?
CEBU, Philippines — Embodying the on-and-off sweethearts in their teenage years in “Seducing Drake Palma” and their young adult selves in “Dating Alys Perez” has been quite the ride for leading stars Angela Muji and Rabin Angeles, who had to portray their characters at different stages of their lives.
“When we were doing Seducing Drake Palma, we were still newbies. I had to take on the challenge and I did,” Muji said at a press conference at Robinsons Galleria Cebu on August 8.
“Here in Dating Alys Perez, my journey was tough. I did my best because my role is hard. Minsan nga po iiyak at sisigaw. We wanted to translate [those nuances] properly,” she added.
“Seducing Drake Palma was my first huge role,” Angeles added. “As soon as we did ‘Dating Alys Perez’, we had to do our workshops para mas gumanda po yung aming mapakita.”
“Dating Alys Perez” picks up four years after the events of “Seducing Drake Palma,” which aired last year. Despite Alys choosing Drake, she has to move to the United States because of a promise she made to her mother.
In the sequel series, Alys returns to the Philippines as a successful pastry chef and ends up with Tripp (Zeke Polina), who is Drake’s cousin. Old feelings resurface when Alys sees Drake again, leaving her unsure of her own feelings. This also reignites the love triangle between her, Drake and Tripp.
Both series are adaptations of Wattpad stories by Ariesa Jane Domingo, known by her username “beeyotch.”
The cast was asked on their thoughts on whether it is acceptable for someone to date their cousin’s ex.
“I wouldn’t judge people who are in these relationships because we have different perceptions when it comes to love,” Muji said. “I wouldn’t do it personally, but I don’t look down on people who do.”
Mico Chua, who plays the show’s comic relief Tofer, also the cousin of Drake and Tripp, said he personally believes in the “bro code” and that it should extend to one’s extended family. He stressed, however, “It’s true that we don’t know the situation. It depends. But personally, it gets a little weird.”
Polina and Angeles agreed, stressing that such a relationship could create a problematic and potentially toxic dynamic. Polina added that while he shares one thing in common with his character, Tripp, as a “lover boy” at heart, there should still be limits. “There’s a part of him that maybe it’s too much. He needs to set some boundaries not only for himself, but for the people he loves,” he said.
Chua, meanwhile, took a more understanding approach to Tofer’s role as the cousin caught in the middle. He said, “Tofer doesn’t judge people, even if it's at times wrong. It’s their lives, and we have to be there for the people we love regardless. I think that’s one thing I want people to take away from my character: don’t be judgmental. Think positively because it helps to be optimistic,” he added.
Nonetheless, this love triangle dynamic has sent fans into a frenzy online, with the fandom divided into two factions over who should be Alys’ endgame: Team Drake or Team Tripp.
While the love triangle war has helped boost the show’s engagement online, it has also prompted fans to dissect the characters’ behavior, motivations and relationships, with viewers closely analyzing how their romantic choices shape their personalities and drive the story forward.
“It makes us happy and grateful that we have reached into people’s hearts and emotions,” Muji said. “It’s also interesting to listen to viewers’ point-of-views that are different from us actors. It’s fun and we are grateful that people are invested in the story.”
Polina added, “One of the strengths of the show is how relatable it is. That’s the point of the show, for people to talk about it, analyze, so nakakatuwa talaga.”
In the show’s ninth and latest episode, which aired Aug. 7, Alys and Drake try to take a vacation on their own following the explosive events of the previous episode, only to unexpectedly find themselves sharing the same room.
Muji and Angeles recalled how much fun it was shooting the episode over three days in Batangas, calling the experience a “core memory” as they were able to spend time together with the cast and crew. Angeles remarked, “In those three days, wala na iyak. Masaya lang kami sa buo.”
Paired as RabGel, the success of their loveteam led to their first theatrical movie together, “A Werewolf Boy,” which was released in January this year. When asked at a recent press conference about rumors that they are also dating off screen, they said they would rather not put a label on their relationship and are happy to spend time together.
The cast also had high praise for what they described as a “healthy environment” on set, led by director Crisanto Aquino, who won Best Director for “My Future You” at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.
This meant a lot to Chua, as the project marks his first on-screen role after working in theater. His most recent theater appearance was in “Bagets the Musical,” where he played Adie, the role originally portrayed by Aga Muhlach in the 1984 film.
“Yung vibe sa set, sobrang light, not only within the cast but also with the director and staff. It doesn’t feel like going to work, but rather playing. But of course, we have to focus on what we do in our scenes,” Chua said. “Direk Cris is that kind of director where he’s inclusive with his actors. He lets me do adlibs. I was able to feel my character.”
Muji described Aquino as their “father figure” on set, adding, “He always gives food and he’s always on time. I am so lucky that we are working with him because we are able to give our best as actors. He’s like family to us.”
“Dating Alys Perez” streams on Viva One with new episodes released every Friday. The series will run for 16 episodes, with its finale scheduled for September 25. — (FREEMAN)
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