In its first week of airing, Unbreak My Heart presents the complex connections of characters, making you root for more than just one pairing
This week, ABS-CBN and GMA finally commenced their first collaboration with the premiere of Unbreak My Heart. Streaming on both the networks’ platforms and on Viu, the reach of the series would be bigger than ever. Indeed, so was the reception of the audience to the four episodes available on the streaming sites.
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As the pilot week forwarded the possible plot progression and pairings as the series unfolded, here are some of the notable details in episodes that you shouldn’t miss.
Breaking Rose
“There are no accidents.”
These were the first words that Rose, played by Asian Academy Creative Awards winner Jodi Sta. Maria, uttered in the first scene. Right off the bat, the juxtaposition of choice and fate were already presented as the point of conflict for her character. She traveled to Switzerland with the hopes of rebuilding the relationship between her and her estranged daughter, Xandra. Besides her child, she also had to face the wrath of Xandra’s father and her ex-husband, played by Richard Yap. But Rose’s strongest enemy was Lily, her former mother-in-law who would stop her at all costs from getting near their family again.
Jodi effectively exhibited the range of emotions that one would feel in anticipation of what would happen next. As expected from the critically acclaimed actress, she was able to showcase a certain hardness solidified by frustration, guilt, and regret from a mother who had no choice but to leave her child.
Unbreaking Renz
Although Renz, portrayed by Joshua Garcia, had his own battles to face, he would go soft for Rose. The actor was made to look older because of his character’s background. Forced to face the realities of life at a young age, Renz was often caught between his parents.
While both Jodi and Joshua registered the age gap on screen, their shared brokenness established and solidified their connection in a comical meet cute. There was a lot of anticipation for their chemistry from the viewers, yes—but their prowess as actors, the sensuality workshops, and the direction definitely paid off. The expressive playfulness of Renz and the reserved hopefulness of Jodi developed an effective portrayal of sexual tension between the two. Indeed, this would be the project that would take Joshua to more mature roles.
Alex’s breakthrough
After a forceful separation between Rose and Renz, an eight-month time jump ensued. Opening the transition was Gabbi Garcia’s character Alex in the market. In her first appearance as in Unbreak My Heart, she would already charm her way on screen with her warmth.
Fans would already figure out how Renz and Alex would cross paths through the same restaurant they were both working in. In a wedding proposal that Alex herself initiated, Renz would watch her with wonder. The last episode would cut to Gabbi’s first portrayal of conflicting emotions as Alex when Franco, played by Jeremiah Lisbo, rejected her proposal.
Just like Joshua and Jodi, Gabbi’s acting established the actress’ dynamic portrayal of emotions right off the bat. Her first appearance in the series already had a message that she would also be a force to reckon with.
Call it intuition or an audience’s trope observation, but there could be a possibility of Alex and Xandra being the same person. If that would be the case, then fans and viewers alike would surely have to stay tuned to the complex connections between these characters in Unbreak My Heart.
Photos: VIU
