Under Love, Siargao’s Spell: The Story Finds Heart in the Midseason Arc

Editor’s Note: 

Having been invited to Love, Siargao‘s exclusive midseason screening on July 26, PARCINQ had front-row access to the series’ latest chapter as it draws closer to its midpoint. With her phone, notebook, and pen in hand, Jhezca, one of our writers, joined the cast for a special viewing of Episodes 11 and 12. In this article, she takes us through the emotions, moments, and surprises that unfolded on and beyond the screen.

I entered Robinsons Galleria not knowing I’d leave the venue completely invested in the twists of Love, Siargao.

An hour before the registration for the exclusive screening began on Sunday, the energy from fans had already filled Robinsons Galleria’s cinemas. Fan clubs gathered around the venue to cheer on their favorite artists. The loudest? You probably won’t be surprised, but they were for the one and only phenomenal box office king, Alden Richards.

When the clock struck four in the afternoon, the host, VJ Ai, started introducing Love, Siargao’s cast, and screams from the crowd shook the floor even more.

Then came the introduction of the romantic drama’s lead stars, Alden Richards and Nadine Lustre, dubbed by their shippers as AlDine.

As someone who grew up watching JaDine—Lustre’s former reel and real love team with actor-singer James Reid—and is seeing AlDine for the first time, I was quite taken aback by how their chemistry radiates in person. And maybe that explains why their supporters are so captivated by their tandem. Although they originally come from different pairings, watching them together somehow gives me the illusion that they’re still in character as the on-screen lovers Kara and Jao. It’s so enticing that it just feels completely natural.

Since I came to the exclusive screening to represent PARCINQ, I was all set to meet the cast—and probably ask them questions—and explore the story yet to unfold in Love, Siargao. But when the lights dimmed inside the movie theater and the series began playing on screen, for a second, I felt more like a fan than a member of the media, not because I forgot why I was there, but because I was completely carried away by the moment.

Minutes before the midseason arc ended, I was already gagged and left wanting more. The gasps, laughter, and giggles, followed by expressions of awe, perfectly captured what Episodes 11 and 12 brought: unexpected revelations, humorous banter, and questions that kept me, along with the audience, intrigued as the anticipation built toward each new realization.

Dare I say, the series is worth the watch, whether you’re a longtime fan or a casual viewer. Even Iyah, a young member of the audience who was simply tagging along with her mom to see Richards, was entirely mesmerized and enchanted by the series after watching just two episodes.

Perhaps that’s the magic of Love, Siargao. Aside from its story, the production itself is next-level — and I can vouch for that. Though, for me, it was the message that proved most enthralling. 

Love, Siargao speaks of the island’s true spell: that beyond its beauty, the human connections, friendships, and commitments formed there are what ultimately give it heart and make people feel at home.

My advice for viewers? Brace yourselves for surprising, never-before-seen AlDine scenes, the introduction of one or more mysterious new characters, and just the irresistible beauty of Siargao that will leave your jaw dropping (if it hasn’t already).

Love, Siargao’s midseason episodes stream this Friday and Saturday on Viu Philippines.

Words by Jhezca Joie Brigola