‘On the Wings of Love’ soars high; James, Nadine thank fans for show’s success

The primetime drama “On the Wings of Love” soars high as it finishes its second month with consistently high ratings and a strong showing on social media, according to its home network ABS-CBN.

In a media event on Monday at ELJ Communications Center, ABS-CBN thanked the fans for watching the show and making each episode trend by at least a million tweets.

The Kapamilya drama registered an all-time high rating of 47 percent last week, said ABS-CBN advertising and promotions head Eric John Salut.

The stars of the top-rating drama, James Reid, Nadine Lustre, and Albie Casiño, have expressed their elation over the “overwhelming” response of the viewing public to their show.

“It’s a new feeling,” says James. “I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

Nadine, for her part, was “super happy” despite feeling giddy. “Until now, kinakabahan pa rin ako,” she said, adding she’s striving to work hard for their program.

She also promised more “kilig” (mush) in future episodes.

The onscreen couple thanked their fans, most especially the overseas Filipino workers, for supporting the show.

‘Fake’ couple

“On the Wings of Love” tells the story of a woman who agrees to a fixed marriage with a US resident so she can have a green card. The “fake” couple later on fall in love despite opposition from people around them.

“We didn’t expect it would be this big,” said James.

Nadine said she was glad that the series made people happy. “Happy kasi ang daming nanonood, like mga lola na nagsasabing feeling bata daw ulit sila.”

“It made people believe in love again,” added James.

James also promised more laughs in future episodes. “This time the joke’s on Clark,” he said. “Clark’s trying to win Leah, but Mang Sol is messing with him.”

James plays the role of Clark Medina, while Nadine plays his wife Leah Olivar. Joel Torre portrays Leah’s dad Mang Sol.

Meanwhile, Albie Casiño aka Jigs, the show’s resident “villain,” relishes his newfound “notoriety.”

“It means I’m doing my job well,” Albie said as he thanked his bashers. “Salamat sa lahat ng galit sa ‘kin,” he added.

Albie said playing Jigs was not difficult for him because he understood his character.

“Hindi mahirap yung role. Naiintindihan ko si Jigs,” he said, noting that his character was left by everyone he loved, hence the mean streak.

Better actor

In real life, however, Albie was quick to point out that he had a good working relationship with his coactors. “Everyone is having fun,” he said.

He also added that working in the series inspired him to become a better actor, that he always brought his “A-game” especially when working with his mother in the series, Cherry Pie Picache or Jack.

He also said he was thankful for this “second lease” in his acting career.

The actor had been involved in several issues in the past, the most notable of which involved his former girlfriend, Andi Eigenmann.

In a recent interview, Albie also revealed that he had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which made him leave the network.

In November, the show will come out in DVD featuring the first six weeks’ episodes, according to Deo Endrinal, head of the Dreamscape Entertainment unit of ABS-CBN.

He also said the show would run until next year so the fans would see their favorite characters celebrating the Christmas and New Year holidays as well as the Valentine’s season.

The network also announced that “On the Wings of Love” would have a grand fans day on Oct. 25, 4 p.m. at Market! Market! in Taguig City.

Arnel Nacario, the show’s executive producer, also said he didn’t expect the show would be such a hit, especially among OFWs.

The OFW storyline, he said, was backed by research from ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel, which ensured the authenticity of the issues tackled in the show.

The producer said the drama, which was initially intended to be just a love story, touched hearts because it also dealt with family issues.

“(The response) was very spontaneous,” he said. “It inspires and motivates us to do our best.”