STAR’s Single/Single launches second season
IT seems like millennials are stuck in the labyrinth of adulthood—figuring out a lot of things in such a fastpaced, compressed timeline. Issues like identity, career choices, personal relationships and passion are some of the things millennials wrestle with as they journey to adulthood.
The Philippine STAR in collaboration with Cinema One, was first to create a cable TV series addressing millennial issues, while advocating financial literacy, through a narrative form. An interesting mix of comedy, romance, growing up and financial talks, Single/ Single is a show reflective of the story of today’s young adults. Following the success of its first season last year, Single/
Single premieres its second season today.
The award-winning series is written by Palanca-winner Lilit Reyes, directed by internationally- recognized filmmaker Pepe Diokno and produced by Bianca Balbuena who recently joined the prestigious Berlinale Talents panel. Single/ Single’s first season received awards from Anvil and Quill for its financial literacy efforts directed toward millennials.
Out of the box
With Filipinos used to watching teleseryes, Single/ Single has a different
execution altogether. From the direction, to how the actors portray their characters and the script, the series is a “fresh” take on dilemmas of the young.
Single/ Single is the firstever mini-series on Philippine cable TV revolving on the theme of coming- of- age to adulthood. The show is known for its financial literacy advocacy which is subtlety intertwined in the script.
“When you watch the series, it doesn’t feel preachy but rather relatable. It was even taken in an entertaining angle with a mix of comedy and drama on the characters’ problems. It’s not just about financial management anymore but balancing professional and personal life,” shares Reyes.
The show stars Shaina Magdayao as Joee and Matteo Guidicelli as Joey, they admit they loved doing the series because it’s a breather from the other projects that they are used to. Sharing their experience on set, they said the camaraderie between the cast and crew is pleasant and doesn’t feel like work at all. Also joining the cast of
Single/Single is veteran actress Cherie Gil as Joey’s mom Bianca, Ana J. Luna as Joee’s career-oriented friend Ranee, and Brian Sy as their gay friend.
Merging of media
Single/ Single is a product of two traditional media platforms bridging to meet a certain audience. The series is one The STAR’s efforts to discover other terrains of storytelling and information media.
“Expanding our content is following where our readers are,” begins STAR’s SVP for Sales and Marketing Lucien Dy Tioco. “The Philippine
STAR has been featuring a lot of columns informing our readers on how to manage their finances. During the course of our project, we figured it must extend to the millennials. The newspaper having a more mature market, we felt that we should reach out to other platforms. And it would be best to do this advocacy in a storytelling format. We want it to be relevant to millennials that’s why we partnered with Cinema One for this project,” he continues.
Aside from Single/ Single, other TV shows of The STAR are Wheels TV, Modern Living TV and Let’s Eat.
Where we left off
The season of Single/ Single didn’t have first an ideal happy ending one would expect. Joey and Joee separated and started their lives as two individuals. After enjoying each other’s company in the earlier episodes, “life” happened and the two didn’t see eye to eye.
While Joey decided that he wants to continue his journey to adulthood with Joee, Joee decided that she needs to prioritize her career ( which she is yet to figure out) before sharing a life with someone.
In this new season, the timeline begins six months after the two separated. Sharing the same circle of friends, the two meeting again is inevitable. The audience is yet to find out what will be the effect of the two characters crossing paths once again after parting unhappily. Single/ Single 2 premieres tonight at 10pm on Cinema One. For those who want to catch up on past episodes, Single/ Single season one is available on philstartv.com. Each episode of season two will also be available on the website a week after it airs.
Single/ Single is sponsored by SunLife, Avida, Metrobank, McDonald’s, KremTop and Ford. Also in cooperation with Fernwood Gardens and Our Home.