TFC All Access Volume 2 Issue 5

www.tfc-usa.com/AllAccess

ERESAL FNORT FO

VO L U M E 2 I S S U E 5

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JAMES REID AND NADINE LUSTRE

FROM #TEAMREEL TO #TEAMREAL!

REAL-LIFE COUPLE ERICH GONZALES AND DANIEL MATSUNAGA

TOP BILL INTERRACIAL LOVE STORY

XIAN LIM AND KIM CHIU

REUNITE IN NEWEST TELESERYE ‘THE STORY OF US’

VO LU M E 2 • I S S U E 5 TFC ALL ACCESS IS PUBLISHED BY

ABS-CBN INTERNATIONAL 150 SHORELINE DRIVE REDWOOD CITY, 94065 USA (650) 508-600

Fresh and Hot! Who says it has to be summer for temperatures to rise? Not so with TFC All Access newest issue! Our pages are already sizzling with the hottest love teams!

Consider this: real life couple Erich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga make the perfect kilig couple in Be My Lady, a love story about Pinang a quintessential ‘dalagang Pilipina’ and Phil, the brashy and aggressive Brazilian-Japanese hunk.

Their story explores how two hearts transcend differences in language, culture and beliefs, all in the name of love.

And then there’s the much-awaited comeback of Xian Lim and Kim Chiu in The Story of Us, a new drama series about two people, Tin and Macoy, whose struggles tear them apart only to bring them back together in each other’s arms.

From reel love, there’s real love! Yes, we’re talking about #TeamReal James and Nadine! What started as friendship has blossomed into something wildly wonderful! No longer keeping their off-screen relationship secret, James relishes the freedom to openly show his love for Nadine, going out in public and holding her hand. It’s a story that ticks the boxes of every JaDine fan’s ultimate fantasy!

Hotness isn’t exclusive to celebrities! Get the hot, summer body you always wanted! Set your goal and get some fitspiration from our celebrity femme fatales as they share their workout mantras and cheat meal secrets to keep gunning for their personal best.

Feels like summer, huh? Don’t miss this issue! It’s too hot to pass up.

Your TFC ALL ACCESS Team

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“Like” us on Facebook and get special fan-only surprises!

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CONTENT S 10 THE STORY OF US

Xian Lim & Kim Chiu

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Erich Gonzales & Daniel Matsunaga 6 15 16 17 25

I Love OPM Fitspiration Get Your Booty on To the Limit Our Culinary Heritage on a Plate

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JADINE FROM REEL TO REAL James Reid & Nadine Lustre

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s e t o n t h g i r e h t ‘I Love OPM’ hits des; in first two episo s g n i t a r V T e n i p wins Philip PHOTOS BY ALLAN SANCO

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Touristars’ continue to invade the Filipino limelight

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he show, hosted by Anne Curtis with Eric Nicolas and which airs on TFC worldwide every Saturday and Sunday beat its rival programs from other networks over the weekend which only hit 11.1% and 6.1% respectively.

In the first two episodes, eight hopefuls, or called “Touristars,” auditioned but only six of them got the approval from the “Himigration Officers” composed of the Philippines’ Concert King and TFC’s first ever ambassador Martin Nievera, Asia’s Nightingale Lani Misalucha, and Ultimate Multimedia Star Toni Gonzaga.

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Among those who made the cut were German-Irish Jeena Dimaandal who captivated the crowd with her heartfelt version of Sharon Cuneta’s “Bituing Walang Ningning;” American heartthrob Ryan Gallagher who made the women scream with “Himigration Officer” Martin Nievera’s “Kahit Isang Saglit;” Russian Anna Rabtsun

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surprised the audience with her rendition of Gloc 9’s “Sirena;” Indian exchange-student Addy Raj who serenaded the crowd with Daniel Padilla’s version of “Hinahanap-hanap kita;” Korean group J Morning who made their own rendition of Yeng Constantino’s “Ikaw;” and Dio Smith, a musician from Pakistan, who made a rocking performance of Pepe Smith’s “Beep Beep.”

What OPM hits will be showcased next? Who will have the best story on how they fell in love with the Philippines and Filipino music? Which country will be able to produce the

foreigner whom can sing OPM the best?

“I Love OPM” is a first-of-itkind singing contest for 100% non-Filipinos who love OPM music and is an original concept

by ABS-CBN. Catch more ‘touristars’ excel in singing OPM in “I Love OPM” every Saturday and Sunday.

Worldwide viewers can also watch the episodes of this original ABS-CBN reality show via TFC’s official online service, TFC.tv and via its video-on-demand or VOD (Internet Protocol television or IPTV) service available in the US and Canada.

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Kim Chiu and Xian Lim reunite in newest teleserye

ABS-CBN TFC shares a story that will test the endurance of love in The Story of Us, worldwide PHOTOS BY ALLAN SANCON

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ill two people’s love and commitment endure the struggles that drove them apart in order for them to love each other again?

Find out how far a person will go in the name of love and sacrifice in ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel’s (TFC) newest drama series “The Story of Us,” which features the much-awaited and highly anticipated comeback of Kim Chiu and Xian Lim – one of today’s biggest love teams on television.

According to Xian, who expressed how he misses working with Kim, “These are more mature roles for me and Kim. It revolves around their love story and how they will keep their love despite having different priorities in their lives.”

Kim added, “It’s not a normal story that starts out with us not getting along like cats and dogs. We already love each other from the start.”

This year also marks Kim’s tenth anniversary in showbiz, even made more special by her return to television. “I’m so excited because I took a break from TV for a year, so this feels new to me again. It’s also my first time to shoot a teleserye outside of the Philippines,” she said.

Since Kim and Xian’s tandem was introduced in “My Binondo Girl,” they have become one of the most soughtafter love teams in the series “Ina, Kapatid, Anak” and movies “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo?” “Past Tense,” and “Bride for Rent,” one of the highest-grossing Filipino films of all time. KimXi also starred in “Must Date the Playboy,” the first-ever film made by ABS-CBNmobile’s StarFlix exclusively for mobile devices in the Philippines.

“Thanks to everyone who continue to support us and those who stuck with us. I give all of myself and my

soul to all of my projects, especially here in ‘The Story of Us,’” said Xian.

In “The Story of Us,” Tin (Kim) and Macoy (Xian) are childhood best friends-turned-lovers who grow up together in El Nido, Palawan (Luzon, Philippines) and dream of a better life for them and their family.

But circumstances will drive them apart when Tin goes to the United States to meet her estranged mother.

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driving them further apart until their relationship crumbles.

They meet each other five years later in New York, only to discover each other’s differences that crushed everything they had built together.

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With all the changes that happened to them as individuals, will they still be able to find a second chance at love? Will their love for each other survive despite life changing them?

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“The Story of Us,” which will be subtitled in English for non-Filipino speaking viewers, will be helmed by acclaimed director Richard Somes.

Completing the powerhouse cast of “The Story of Us” are some of the most respected actors in the country – Aiko Melendez, Gardo Versoza, Susan Africa, and Zsa Zsa Padilla.

Joining them are Bryan Santos, Mara Lopez, Alyanna Angeles as the young Tin, and Zaijian Jaranilla as the young Macoy.

Worldwide viewers can watch the premiere of the newest KimXi teleserye via livestream on TFC’s official online service, TFC.tv.

Episodes of the newest series can also be seen via TFC’s video-on-demand or VOD (Internet Protocol television or IPTV) service available in the US and Canada.

STORY COURTESY OF METRO MAGAZINE

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STORY COURTESY OF METRO MAGAZINE 16

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STORY COURTESY OF METRO MAGAZINE

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Newest feel-good drama ‘Be My Lady’ swoons worldwide viewers via TFC Real-life couple Erich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga top bill interracial love story PHOTOS BY ALLAN SANCON

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ollow the love story of certified ‘dalagang Filipina’ Pinang and modern Brazilian-Japanese guy Phil, played by real life couple Erich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga, as they find their way to each other’s hearts despite differences in language, beliefs, and culture.

Pinang grew up to a simple family with big dreams. To make ends meet, her mother Marcy (Janice De Belen) leaves for Singapore and tries her luck there in the hopes of earning money to reclaim the piece of land her husband Emil (Al Tantay) used to own and used for farming. But

things will not go as planned as an unfortunate incident gets her deported.

Phil, on the other hand, grew up in a very western and liberated environment. He is independent and lives a very comfortable life with his mother Chelsea (Priscilla Mereilles) in Singapore. A wedding

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of a dear friend suddenly brings him to the Philippines, which also gives him the much-awaited chance to find his childhood nanny whom he wants to make amends with.

As he searches for a person very dear to him in his past, Phil also finds the woman who will make his heart skip a beat. How will the aggressive Brazilian-Japanese hunk grab the eyes of the conservative and very reserved Pinay?

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Also joining the cast are Yayo Aguila, Almira Muhlach, Yves Flores, Karen Dematera, MJ Cayabyab, RK Bagatsing, Devon Seron, Karen Reyes, Mike Lloren, Ana Abad Santos, Perry Escano, Marife Necesito, and comedy trio No Direction.

“Be My Lady” is directed by Theodore Boborol and produced by the business unit led by Ruel Bayani with production manager Mavic Holgado-Oducayen, and 5

creative manager Mel Mendoza Del Rosario.

Do not miss the newest feelgood drama series that will make worldwide viewers believe in the power of love regardless of race, religion, and culture - “Be My Lady” on TFC. Worldwide viewers can also watch the series via TFC’s video-on-demand or VOD (Internet Protocol television or IPTV) service available in the US and Canada.

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Entertaining

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TRUE

STORY COURTESY OF STARSTUDIO MAGAZINE

a come

So many people wanted them to become a real-life couple. Now, James Reid and Nadine Lustre have finally taken that big step.

It’s a story that ended just the way people dreamed it would. The lesson to be learned here is that no matter how long it takes or where it leads, love always wins in the end

BY TINNA S. BONIFACIO PHOTOGRAPHY BY RIA REGINO, MELOMAGIC AND MAGIC LIWANAG

ADDITIONAL INTERVIEWS BY JANE LOPEZ AND SHARMAINE JOYCE BENEDITO SPECIAL THANKS TO DEO ENDRINAL, BILLET SANGALANG, DREAMSCAPE ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION, VIVA ENTERTAINMENT, MIGUEL LAURETA AND CARYL ANN PARAICO

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ew people in the packed coliseum were prepared for the evening of February 20.

It was the night of the JaDine in Love concert. Until that moment, James Reid and Nadine Lustre were a popular onscreen love team with a hit show and thousands of devoted followers, people whose fondest wish was for them to be a real-life couple—and then the unexpected happened.

As the show ended and the two made their way up the ramp, they suddenly paused at the top of the stage.

A few brief seconds passed. This was it.

Something big was about to happen. But no one—not James’s handler, management, or best friend—knew what was going on.

Concert director Paul Basinillo only knew that James needed about ten seconds before the elevated platform they were standing on would be lowered, signaling the end of the show.

“When we hug, that’s when you lower it,” James told the director during the rehearsal earlier that day. Aside from that, he shared no other details.

Hours later, the moment finally arrived.

Both James and Nadine were smiling, their faces just inches from each other.

Then looking into her eyes, breathless and excited, James let it out slowly.

“Nadine…” he said. “I…I love you.”

They hugged for a few seconds as loud, excited screams erupted all around them.

For the more than 20,000 people there that night, a dream had just come true.

First declaration

The stage for this happy scenario was set nine days earlier, on February 11, the date James and Nadine officially became a couple.

On that day, both were working, but not together. In the evening, they went out on a date—to a place they did not name, but which looked like a wine bar in a photo Nadine posted on Instagram (a StarStudio source identifies the place as the Barcino wine bar and restaurant at the Rockwell Power Plant mall)—and that, says James, was where and when he first told her how he felt.

“On February 11, before the concert, that’s when I told her first that I love her,” said James in the TV special OTWOL Achieved: From Reel to Real, their first full interview after the big concert announcement.

That day and date came as a surprise, said Nadine to OTWOL Achieved: From Reel to Real hosts Robi Domingo and Gretchen Ho. “Sobrang biglaan din kasi I had work pero magkahiwalay kami.”

“It was very romantic,” said James of that night.

His declaration of love surprised even himself.

He said: “Before, I can admit, I wasn’t (like this). I was never sweet to her. I said ‘I bet you didn’t know I could be like this.

It’s different when I’m in love’. And then I thought ‘Oh no, I shouldn’t have said that’ because I wanted to save it. I was supposed

to save it. And not tell her until the concert. I wanted to surprise her then. I wanted it to be special to her.”

Even Nadine seemed surprised by James’s actions. She turned to him and asked, “Why? Are you in love?”

James was quick with his answers. “I paused and I was like (thinking I’m going to say it) and then I was like, ‘Yes, I am.’”

Nadine was speechless. “She was kind of waiting, she was quiet, she was just looking at me,” recalled James.

“Wala na, hindi na ako nakapagsalita,” admitted Nadine. “Wala na, sobrang kilig, ganu’n kasi ako ‘pag sobrang kinikilig.

Hindi na ako nakakapagsalita, hindi na ako makagalaw.”

James, probably worried that his surprise profession of love caught her offguard, pleaded with Nadine to at least say something.

“She was quiet for so long, and then I said, ‘Say something.’ Then she said, ‘Kilig ako.’ I thought it was funny. I thought it was really cute. Then she said it back (“I love you”) eventually. So many people were asking, ‘Is it true, you are together?’ and I didn’t want it to be something that just got blurted out somewhere. I wanted it to be special.”

Path to love

How they fell for each other wasn’t the typical love story either.

“The way we went through it was different; I mean, it’s not like any other relationship,” said James.

Leah and Clark, the characters that Nadine and James portrayed got married for the OTWOL finale to the delight of the fans.

The serye ended its run on a high note as the finale scored a recordhigh 27.8% rating. The finale’s official hashtag, #OTWOLTheLastFlight, also earned almost four million tweets and trended worldwide.

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Photos by Magic Liwanag

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I see myself being with her for a long time. (Since) we were comfortable with each other from the start, I can see her every day, and not get tired of it. So I don’t worry about that; she is still my best friend.”

—James TFC ALL ACCESS V O L U M E

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2013 2014

FLYING HIGH The journey of the show and its stars and how it ended in a reallife love story

James and Nadine first work together in a music video of James’ song “Alam Niya Ba” in August 2013.

AUGUST →

AUGUST

OCTOBER

When Nadine got back from Korea, James surprises her on the set with a teacup maltese puppy named Clarky

NOV

On November 18, 2015 at the premiere night of WangFam, James and Nadine are caught arguing in a video that went viral online.

Many speculate it is because of Nadine’s too sexy dress that upsets James

On August 10, 2015, On The Wings Of Love airs its pilot episode. Since day one, it trended on Twitter every night and became the most viewed program on iWanTV

In a special episode entitled OTWOL Achieved! From Reel to Real, James and Nadine admit they were not on speaking terms for four days after the WangFam incident. It was in Ilocos where they finally reconciled.

James also posts a photo of Nadine in Ilocos with a caption that ends with #sorry.

Start of James and Nadine’s new adventures.

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James and Nadine release a travel video titled “Always” on January 18, 2016 featuring their California trip

OTWOL air their finale episode with a special live viewing at Ynares Center, Antipolo. James and Nadine seal the series with a kiss live on stage that is witnessed by thousands of fans.

James and Nadine have an exclusive tell-all interview.

Both share details on how they became official on February 11, 2016.

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A P R I L

James and Nadine’s first movie together is Diary ng Panget (April 2014), which earns around 120 million.

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JAN

James and Nadine, now officially a couple! Both admit their real-life romance after their Jadine In Love concert on Feb 20, 2016.

By August 2014, James and Nadine are on to their next movie project: Talk Back and You’re Dead. It earns in 10 days.

→

AU G U S T

Wansapanataym: My App Boyfie is the first television project of James and Nadine. It scores a national TV rating of 29.5% from Kantar Media

On August 26, 2014, James and Nadine officially sign a two-year contract with ABSCBN.

In July 2015, James and Nadine start taping for their TV series, On The Wings of Love. It was also their first time to travel to San Francisco together. The most memorable for them was the Napa Valley scene.

M AY

july

2015

and Nadine 2015, James On May 13, tto and h Julia Barre team up wit Hopeless a S al for Para cu as P o ig In on on its earns 8 milli Romantic. It first day.

→

F E B R U A R Y By the start of February, James begins posting more photos of Nadine, accompanied by sweet captions

On February 16, 2016 at the finale presscon of OTWOL, James said, “We have a big surprise on the ‘Jadine In Love’ concert.”

James and Nadine are spotted in Rockwell on Valentine’s day. He said they had dinner plans but they are cancelled because the restaurant was full, so they ended up shopping for computer games

→

On January 21, 2016, an intriguing tweet hints at somethin g going on between Jam es and Nadin e

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JADINE

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Photos from PUSH, entertainment.abs-cbn.com, onthewingsoflove.abs-cbn.com, @jaye.wolf, @nadzlustre, @dreamscapeph and @welovejadine

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They started out as friends and working partners. They weren’t really close in the beginning, when they got together in 2013 for the movie Diary ng Panget.

And even during the initial stages of the series that ultimately catapulted them to superstardom, the Kapamilya light romancedrama On the Wings of Love, their rapport wasn’t instantaneous.

Their director Jojo Saguin remembers how they used to treat each other. “Before, when he was done with his sequences, James would head straight for the standby area or look at his cell phone”, Direk Jojo shares.

James’s Viva handler Caryl also recalls that her alaga kept pretty much to himself in between takes.

But thrown into each other’s company practically 24/7 over a period of seven months, James and Nadine gradually grew closer.

“During the show, we just became more comfortable. I would see when she was having a bad mood, (or) upset about something, we were that comfortable with each other.”

But that closeness was temporarily threatened in November last year when they had a tampuhan at the premiere night of Wang Fam starring their friends and co-Viva talents Andre Paras and Yassi Pressman.

In a report filed by TV Patrol’s Mario Dumaual, it was mentioned that the argument was triggered by two things: first, Nadine was late, making James—already tired and sleepless from work—wait for over two hours; and second, when she arrived, he thought the white dress she was wearing was too revealing. He remarked on it, which upset her.

After that fight, said Nadine, “we didn’t talk for a few days”.

This created some awkwardness during taping. They would act sweet on the set when in character as Clark and Leah, but as soon as the director yelled “Cut!” they would go back to ignoring each other.

“It was like there was a wall,” recalls James. “We didn’t talk, at all. It was terrible. Then I realize what it was like to not have her in my life. It started creeping up on me because (by that point), I realized how much she meant to me. So when we became friends again, I appreciated her a lot more and I treasured it (the friendship) a lot more.”

A few days later, they flew to Ilocos for work, and that, said James, was when things started to return to normal.

Nadine says: “Nu’ng nasa Ilocos kami, as in, kinalimutan ko ‘yung nangyari. In Ilocos, everything was fine.”

We ranked JaDine’s most kilig photos! See kilig

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IBA ANG KILIG NG #MOSTAPPROVEDKISS SA YNARES!

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Clark and Leah’s wedding kiss at the live finale of OTWOL

ASAP GUESTING

Turning points

All couples have that point where they realize that what they have is turning into something deeper.

For James, it was discovering that with Nadine, he had someone to lean on and could be completely natural with. It meant a lot that she stood by him when he faced some tough times in 2015. Nadine helped him realize certain things.

“I went through a lot of stuff last year that I feel grounded me, and helped me realize what I really want and what I need,” said James.

“And it turns out, she is what I needed. She was always right there. I think I was blinded by a lot of things. It turns out, what I really wanted is someone I can be 100% myself with, (someone) that just understands you and makes your life easier. With Nadine, I never liked her in that way before. I never imagined us together. I was just completely weird with her. And I realized

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“JADINE SLEEPING POSITION AT THE PLANE HHWS ANG BFFS”

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WALA DAW FOREVER BUT YET I FOUND MINE.

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A day after their declaration that they are officially together, James and Nadine are free to showcase their sweetness to each other.

This innocently sweet photo of them holding hands while sleeping during a flight to Isabela ignites rumors that they are officially a couple.

James posted this photo on his official Instagram account with the sweetest caption.

Fans speculated that this was taken around the time that James started falling for Nadine.

METER how your favorite photos fared in StarStudio’s meter!

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8 James and Nadine are not only best friends in real life, they are also self proclaimed “Partners in Crime”.

This photo was the birthday greeting of James for Nadine’s 22nd birthday. A cute puppy was indeed waiting for Nadine after her trip to South Korea.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! GOT SOMETHING FOR YOU WHEN YOU GET BACK.

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PARTNERS IN CRIME

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Snippets from “Always”, the video made by Nadine during their trip to San Francisco, were posted on the couple’s official IG accounts. As of writing, the video already has 878,857 views on YouTube.

02. 11. 16 189,408

Nadine posted this photo with the simplest caption, 2.11.16 . The said date marks the date they officially became a couple.

I (was) completely being myself and I don’t have to try to be anyone else.”

In turn, Nadine, aside from being attracted to James’s sense of humor, appreciated his efforts to make her smile.

A very emotional person who is easily bothered when there are “issues” about her, Nadine started looking forward to the time they spent on the set.

If James found in her a shoulder he could lean on, Nadine found in him someone who could lighten her burdens.

“Very emotional ako na tao,” she admits. “Konting problema, konting issue, I overthink. Ganu’n kasi ako, ‘yung buong mundo, binubuhat ko sa shoulders ko mag-isa.

But he always makes me laugh, tapos laging magaan ang pakiramdam ko ‘pag kasama ko siya.”

Nadine also expressed the same thought to the press and fans at a three-in-one media gathering for the show, their concert and World Tour, which kicked off mid-March.

She said: “Last year was a big year for me. Ang daming mga nangyari, mga personal (things), and he was really there for me. He would cheer me up palagi.”

People around them also started to notice changes taking place.

On The Wings of Love director Antoinette Jadaone said that while working on the show, she observed a progression in the way the two of them related to each other. “(Parang nagiging) closer sila than before. Parang happier sila,” she shares.

Direk Jojo also describes what was happening as a gradual process in which the two got to know each other first as characters, then as people.

“Nag-iba ‘yung dynamics,” observes Direk Jojo. “Kasi before, siyempre kinakapa pa lang ‘yung characters, silang dalawa as Leah and Clark. After seven months of being together every day, siyempre nandoon na ang closeness, ang sweetness, given naman na ‘yan, on and off (camera).”

But it wasn’t just people at work who saw how close James and Nadine were becoming.

There were a lot of little signs: Nadine changed the wall paper on her mobile phone from a solo photo of her to one of her and James hugging. Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition 2 Big Winner Myrtle Sarrosa, one of Nadine’s good friends, says that when they would go out, Nadine would see some item in a mall and remark on how much James would probably like it.

“Out of nowhere, maiisip niya, ‘Ay, gusto ito ni James,’” Myrtle would recall.

She had always been sweet with her friends, but this time, says Myrtle, she became even more so. She also became demonstrative when in the company of friends. “Ang sweet pa nila minsan sa harap ko!” laughs Myrtle.

Bret Jackson, James’s best friend and former PBB Teen Clash housemate, also realized that things were changing between James and Nadine.

“First off, I noticed that they were spending more time with each other outside work,” says Bret. “Nadine was with us a lot more when James and I would hang out. James was also becoming happier each day.”

At that point, Bret was certain that aside from James’s

Photos from @nadzlustre, @jaye.wolf, @isayasena, @vivaartistsagency

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father, he was the only other person in James’s inner circle who knew what was really going on.

He was also one of the first to know that they were officially ‘on’.

The way James dropped the bomb was like any other piece of everyday news.

“James said it in a casual way to me,” recalls Bret. “(He said), ‘By the way, bro, Nadine is my girlfriend.’”

And now, the whole country knows as well.

#TeamReal

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Photos by Ria Regino

Now that the secret is out, James has never felt more free. He loves that they can now go out in public, and he can hold Nadine’s hand without worrying about people seeing them or reacting negatively.

The feeling, he says, is very liberating.

“I didn’t want to deny it any more,” he said to explain his decision to announce it the night of the concert, in front of thousands of people.

By contrast, Nadine—who says she’s still on Cloud 9—took a while before she agreed to share the news with the public.

“Kasi ako, ayoko talaga,” she said. “Ang daming nagtatanong when we got back from the States pa lang (where they shot some scenes for OTWOL, the second time with Paulo Avelino, who played Leah’s boss Simon), (if kami na), na parang I got really worried kasi ayoko talaga. I want us to be private as much as possible, para tahimik, walang gulo, ganu’n.”

But James believes that if he hadn’t done that, the questioning would not stop—and now Nadine sees the wisdom in that decision.

“After niyang sabihin ‘yon, du’n ko na-realize na parang gusto ko ‘yung feeling na we don’t have to hide anymore,” said the 22-year-old actress.

James’s father Malcolm, who’s a very private person, has so far been able to successfully dodge press interviews on his son’s relationship with Nadine, but is supportive of it.

Nadine’s family has also been supportive; according to Nadine, “Sa Daddy ko, isa lang ‘yung importante sa kanya—as long as I’m happy, (he’s okay).”

Not everyone is happy, though: there were some who doubted how genuine the relationship is, and felt that James and Nadine getting together was nothing more than a publicity stunt for On the Wings of Love, the concert and the World Tour.

But James and Nadine know better. Because they fell in love slowly and gradually, there was more time for him to really get to know Nadine inside and out, and to become friends first before they became boyfriend and girlfriend. This has given them a strong foundation that will, hopefully, ensure their relationship goes on to survive and last.

One way James hopes to do that is by prioritizing what he now knows to be the important things.

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LOVE A-PAIR!

(FLOWER) POWER COUPLE. JaDine dressed down in floral printed tops.

James matched his with a checkered button-down and black skinny pants, while Nadine wore hers with a white cover-up and maroon skater skirt.

5 TIMES JADINE GAVE US THE ULTIMATE #COUPLEDRESSING ENVY

“

I went through a lot of stuff last year, and she helped me realize what I really want and what I need. And it turns out, she is the one I need.”

—James

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EARNING THEIR STRIPES. For their firstever contract signing with ABS-CBN, they wore outfits with bold stripe prints. James layered his black, white and gray striped roundneck shirt with a gray blazer and paired them with navy pants. Nadine, meanwhile, donned a matching ensemble—a collared, 3/4-sleeved top and shorts in blue, white and pink stripes.

TOUGH LOVE. For their On the Wings of Love taping in San Francisco, James and Nadine both looked stylish in classic black leather jackets which they wore with plain tees.

FASHION BLUES. JaDine’s fashion game was on point for an ASAP guesting. Nadine was a chic and sophisticated lady in her blue halter dress with a front slit, while James went for a pretty preppy boy kind of style in a textured pullover, layered with a collared chambray button-down underneath, and black skinny pants.

MAKING A STATEMENT. JaDine starred in the latest summer campaign of Bench in matching two-toned statement tees (“You” for James and “Me” for Nadine), which they wore with casual pants and white sneakers.

In his previous relationships, he went James’s friend Bret is of a similar mind.

“Sabi ko lang, enjoy every moment,” said about things differently.

“I know they have a strong connection,” he Bianca in a push.com.ph interview. “Huwag “I’ve always picked looks over personality, says. “I see a real relationship in front of magpapaapekto. Kapag trabaho, trabaho. then I would get to know her (the girl) them, ups and downs, in good times and Pero kapag nagtrabaho, ‘yung away, iwan sa afterwards, but then I realized it doesn’t bad.” bahay. Hindi puwede magpa-affect kasi sa work that way, and with Nadine, I got to paligid, hindi maganda tingnan.” know her inside and out, before I fell in love Friend Zone Cherry Pie Picache, who played Clark’s with her.”

Their friends are confident that the gay aunt Tita Jack, also told Push that she was For Nadine, the most important lesson relationship of James and Nadine will last, happy James came out and admitted he and she has learned—over the seven months that but they still have advice to give to the Nadine were a couple. she and James spent together as working couple.

“We’re very happy for them and we wish partners and friends in On The Wings of OTWOL co-star Bianca Manalo, who them all the best,” she said. “Nagkatotoo Love—has to do with the value of open played Leah’s elder sister on the show, urged from reel to real. Imposible na hindi rin communication in a relationship. them to protect what they have. If they have (sila) di ba? Kasi they were working together “Ako, the problem with me kasi is I have to fight for it, then fight. They didn’t grow the everyday, magkasama sila araw-araw and I issues na ako lang ‘yung bumubuhat, parang friendship over several months just to lose it think they share the same passion, they care Clark and Leah lang. I’m not strong. At in the end. for each other, so it’s just fitting they end up natutunan ko the reason why Clark together.” and Leah (are strong together) is Yassi Pressman, who got the because sa kanya mo shina-share news on the very day they became a ’yung problems mo. Ngayon, it’s couple, straight from Nadine herself like I want to be totally open with via a phone call, remembers how the everything.” latter sounded.

They feel really lucky that they got “Hinanap niya ako nu’ng mismong to be friends first. Because of this, (February) 11,” says Yassi. “That time, confessed James, he does see their she was calling me, and then she relationship going the distance. made kuwento. She was so kilig and “I see myself being with her for happy.” a long time,” confessed James. “I Myrtle, who had a front row seat to know people when they get into the concert, cried when James said ‘I a relationship, they fall into this love you’ to Nadine. comfortable stage. But (since) we “Grabe, naiyak talaga ako!” When were comfortable with each other they met backstage, Nadine said only from the start, I can see her every two words to her: “Kami na.” day, and not get tired of it. So I don’t But she admits she couldn’t worry about that; she is still my best believe the news at first. friend.”

“Kasi I knew na hanggang doon na Now that Nadine is a part of his lang muna, as friends. So for them to life, he has someone to share things make it official, it’s big. Kasi mahirap with. ‘yun sa showbiz. Super hanga ako sa “I have ambitions. I have drive, so kanila.”

I want someone to do that with,” said But now, like all their other James. friends, she is convinced that this That is what he wants to thank relationship was meant to be. It’s Nadine for. “I guess my message to perfect because it came into its own her is to never lose her passion and slowly, all in good time. never lose that drive and always love “Nakaka-inspire sila. It took them herself.” a long time to realize na ‘yung isa’tNadine also has a special message isa pala ang kailangan nila. (I think for her real-life Clark. they’re going to last) kasi they never “I wanna say ‘Thank You’ for rushed it. At mahal na mahal talaga everything because there are times nila ang isa’t-isa.” talaga na sobrang wala ako, kasi I Right now, the relationship is James got a bit nervous after he told Nadine he have issues talaga, and he knows young and fresh and has so much loved her. “She was quiet for so long, and then I that, and he’s always been there to potential. Almost everyone around said, ‘Say something.’ Then she said, ‘Kilig ako.’ I make me happy, to make me smile and them is convinced that this is a thought it was funny. I thought it was really cute. look forward to taping because I get to young love meant to last for what will see him and I’m happy because he’s hopefully be a long time.

Then she said it back (“I love you”) eventually.” always pulling me up.”

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