Jairus Aquino and Nicole Omillo: It’s their turn
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What started as a viral Wattpad story evolved into a universe that welcomed multitudes of readers.
Author Gwy Saludes (4reuminct) has made her mark in youth fiction with the University Series—a six-part saga that made readers kilig with each chapter release.
With a huge following behind the series, Viva One took the opportunity to turn these works from the written word into live action.
Starting with The Rain in España in 2023, the series now reaches its peak with Our Yesterday’s Escape (OYE), marking a milestone for Viva One as the finishing act of its first successful slate of Wattpad adaptations.
Actors Jairus Aquino and Nicole Omillo reprise their roles as Shan Lopez and Kierra Ynares. But this time, they take center stage as leads.
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In an exclusive interview with The Philippine STAR, Aquino and Omillo share their thoughts about OYE and closing the chapter of a remarkable universe.
Becoming Shan and Kierra
Omillo and Aquino have played Shan and Kierra in the other adaptations of the University Series, which helped them understand their characters more deeply.
However, playing recurring characters within a cinematic universe can be tricky: timelines, settings, and characterizations differ from one adaptation to another. That is why for Omillo, it is important to be in the moment: portray Kierra as described in the particular adaptation they’re working on.
“Hindi ako puwedeng mag-skip. Ayoko ring madaliin; I never tried to jump into who she is,” Omillo explains.
In OYE, the story now focuses on Shan and Kierra.
Aquino and Omillo have made the necessary effort to understand their characters by attending workshops. After all, it’s through OYE that they’ve worked together on this scale, even though their characters recur in the book adaptations.
Aquino also underscores the importance of reading and reviewing the book and knowing the story’s core.
Omillo and Aquino also find similarities and contradictions in their characters that they can build on and use while acting.
Aquino leans into Shan’s affinity for the women in his life. On the other hand, Omillo questions Kierra’s actions to understand her motivations and decisions and to differentiate herself from the character.
They’re also actively building their rapport to deliver their roles effectively. Besides eating and work activities, they bond together by playing pickleball. They also invite and play alongside their fellow University Series actors.
A realistic and relevant story
Even before OYE started airing, fans had been anticipating the adaptation, given its noticeably heavier themes than those of previous works — depicting the darker yet realistic aspects of life.
For one, Aquino appreciates how OYE tackles mental health and how flexible the show is: parents can also watch it to understand their kids better.
On the other hand, Omillo admires how Gwy made OYE the most realistic story—she didn't sugarcoat what needed to be said.
“There are so many people who would comment about [changing things]. But this is real life. And I think that's what we have to hold on to. We can't keep pretending or keep being delulu about trying to make life perfect because it's not. But it's still beautiful,” Omillo shares.
Kierra’s story is heavy. In fact, Omillo shared that she asked her bosses to have a therapist on set during shoots. She aims to portray her properly and with respect.
Closing the universe
Endings are bittersweet—a sentiment that radiates as Aquino and Omillo know their series marks the end of an era.
While sadness lingers for Aquino, he is also proud, since their time has finally come after years of waiting.
“Exciting kasi mapapanood na nila ’yung pinaghihirapan namin… Siguro for [viewers], may sense of fulfillment din na matatapos na nila lahat ’yung six books… Kung inantay din namin ito ng apat na taon, sila rin, apat na taon din nila inantay,” Aquino says.
Meanwhile, Omillo often avoids thinking of the end—she often gets emotional at the thought of it.
“Now that we see that there are so many people who love it, it's so hard to let go… Kung sila napamahal, lalo na kaming nag-portray [at] pinaglaban talaga [sila] para maisabuhay,” she quips.
The series gave Aquino and Omillo opportunities to grow, both as actors and as people.
Overflowing gratitude
Aquino and Omillo are very thankful for the support they are receiving from the fans of OYE and the whole University Series.
“To all the fans ng University Series, maraming maraming salamat. Kasi, hindi kayo nagiging maramot sa love na 'yan, sa support na 'yan,” Aquino says.
“Salamat dahil kayo ‘yung rason kung ba’t namin naabot ’to… Thank you for believing in us and for seeing us,” Omillo adds.
The University Series will soon come to a close. But it has undeniably left a mark not only on its viewers, but also on Philippine pop culture, shaped by stories that brought kilig to many people’s hearts.
Our Yesterday’s Escape is currently streaming at Viva One.
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Editor's note: BrandedUp is designed to provide you with insightful, inspiring, and educational content created by The Philippine STAR in collaboration with brands like Viva One.
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