When an actor takes on the Filipino adaptation of one of Korea’s most beloved dramas, you’d expect them to binge-watch the original for reference. But Carlo Aquino made the surprising decision to avoid watching It’s Okay to Not Be Okay entirely.

During the media conference for the Philippine remake, Aquino revealed that stepping into the shoes of Matthew “Matmat” Gonzales, the local counterpart of Moon Sang-tae (originally portrayed by Oh Jung-se), required more than just mimicry — it needed genuine emotional truth.

“He didn’t want to copy,” said director Mae Cruz Alviar. “He was fully aware of how brilliant Oh’s performance was — the intensity, the nuance. But Caloy wanted his portrayal to come from within. He built Matmat through immersion and research, not imitation.”

In the original K-drama, Moon Sang-tae is a man on the autism spectrum with savant traits and a deep fear of butterflies, tied to the traumatic death of his mother. The Philippine version follows similar emotional beats, with Matmat also grappling with autism and the haunting memory of losing his mother.

But even without the original as reference, Carlo Aquino went deep. He spent three days immersed in a school for special needs, observing students with varying levels of functionality. He underwent intensive workshops with acting coach Anna Feleo and worked closely with the actor playing Matmat’s younger self to ensure continuity in their behavior and mannerisms.

“I had my doubts,” Aquino admitted. “At first, I was afraid of this character. I questioned if I could do it justice. But I realized that sometimes, you have to face what scares you most.”

The emotional weight of the role was not lost on him — or his co-stars.

Veteran actress Rio Locsin, who stars alongside Aquino, confessed she felt nervous watching him work:

“He doesn’t just rehearse. He breaks down in rehearsals. He goes all out — every time. First take, fifth take, seventh take — he’s always there. Once Carlo is in the zone, you don’t disturb him.”

Despite his own doubts, the production team had no hesitation casting Aquino. His chemistry with co-star Joshua Garcia — who plays his brother and caregiver — was immediate and raw. Aquino even shared personal stories with Garcia on day one of rehearsals, which helped break down emotional walls and forge a deep connection between the two.

“I knew then that it would be okay,” Aquino said. “It didn’t feel like acting. It felt real.”

 

The Filipino adaptation of It’s Okay to Not Be Okay promises to be more than just a remake — it’s a reimagining through Filipino eyes, with a cast ready to explore the fragile, painful, and ultimately hopeful layers of mental health and sibling love.

The series also marks the much-anticipated return of Anne Curtis to primetime television, adding even more excitement to a project already steeped in expectation.