Inday Will Always Love You makes ‘bonggang’ debut on pilot airing

It was indeed a “bonggang” pilot airing for Inday Will Always Love You (IWALY) as the latest rom-com series on GMA Network’s primetime block beat its rival program and dominated social media during its debut last Monday, May 21.

The GMA News and Public Affairs-produced series that highlights the unique beauty and rich culture of Cebu recorded a 42 percent overnight people share according to Nielsen Philippines TAM’s National Urban Philippines data. IWALY’s counterpart show, ABS-CBN’s Since I Found You, only managed to get 34.8 percent.

Viewers and netizens alike cannot help but be captivated by the bubbly and positive attitude of Happylou Magtibay, played by award-winning Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza.

Online, IWALY also made a buzz with the hashtag #IWALYBonggangPilot landing on the top spot of the trending topics in the Philippines which ran hours before the actual airing until morning the next day.

Praising Barbie’s character, a netizen with Twitter handle @archie_live said: “Ang lakas maka good vibes ni Happylou. Think positive lang!” Meanwhile, @reighnismsaid commended Barbie’s acting skills. “I thought this will be another trashy serye pero IT IS NOT! Barbie Forteza has grown a lot. Galing!”

Another netizen, @raziealbano, expressed her appreciation of the new romcom series: “This is the type of serye na masarap imarathon ng paulet ulet in the future”. @CaroleDevera said: “Ang saya ng #IWALYBonggangPilot maraming matutulog ng may ngiti sa mga labi,” while @Jan_RBLX, commented: “I LIKE #IWALYBonggangPilot Happylou is so cuuuuute!!! At palaban!!!Pati lechon is so cute!!!”

Fans of the Derrick Monasterio and Barbie love team (DerBie) were quick to share their happiness over the return of their favorite on-screen couple. “DerBie is back,” said Twitter user @dealwthERICA while @jennelynsamolde quipped: “First sulyap is soooo kilig. Why @derrickleander why?”

At the same time, netizens found themselves craving for Cebu’s famous lechon which plays an integral part in the series since HappyLou works in a lechon store.

“My mom will love this, she likes to eat lechon,” said @donnalee2010 while @korinhatesyou could not help but tweet: “i want to eat lechon din tuloy my goood (sic).”

They also commended the other actors who appeared on the pilot airing such as Ricky Davao, Manilyn Reynes, Nova Villa, Gladys Reyes, Kim Rodriguez, Buboy Villar, Liz Liz Simon, and Fliptop Artists Mzhayt and Price Tagg.

There is much to look forward to as more characters are introduced in the coming episodes. These include Tina Paner, Juancho Trivino, Super Tekla, Charisse and Charlotte Hermoso, and Kimpoy Feliciano.

‘Inday Will Always Love You’ airs weeknights after Kambal, Karibal on GMA Telebabad.

Kapuso viewers abroad can also catch ‘Inday Will Always Love You’ on GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.