Attention, 'FiLay' shippers: 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' is getting extended
Hold back all the feels, 'FiLay' shippers. Just when you thought you'll see the last of the love team this week, Maria Clara and Ibarra stars Barbie Forteza and David Licauco announced that the hit show is getting extended.
The stars behind the popular TV show couple broke the news during GMA Network's 24 Oras program on Monday, Feb. 13. The announcement, according to Barbie and David, is the hit show's Valentine's surprise for its fans.
"Hindi talaga namin ine-expect itong level ng pagmamahal sa amin ng mga viewers, ng mga Kapuso so sino ba naman kami para hindi dinggin ang kanilang mga hinaing? So pagbibigayn namin sila," Barbie said.
She proceeded to share the good news: "Mae-extend po ang 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' kaya sana ay tutukan ninyo 'yan."
David added, "For the fan,s ito 'yung Valentine's gift ng lahat ng buong cast at bumubuo ng 'Maria Clara at Ibarra.' So I'm just super happy na mae-extend."
The historical fantasy drama, which premiered on GMA on Oct. 3, 2022, is initially set to end with its 100th episode on Feb. 17 this week.
With Barbie and David's recent announcement, fans can expect to see the love story of their respective characters, Klay and Fidel, develop further after the two recently reunited from being apart for 13 years.
To recap, Klay is a nursing student from modern times who was transported to the world of Dr. Jose Rizal's novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo to learn more about Philippine history. Meanwhile, Fidel is a businessman and a friend of Crisostomo Ibarra. Both characters only appear in the novels' TV series adaptation.
Klay and Fidel's love story has been bringing kilig to viewers, with the two of them starting as total opposites before Fidel starts developing feelings for the Gen Zer and pursuing her in old-fashioned ways.
"Thirteen years na hindi nakita ni Fidel si Klay. Parang ang sasandaling panahon lang nilang magkakasama. Parang ang unfair naman nun for Fidel. So let's give him more chance to spend time with Klay," Barbie continued.
"Mai-inlove 'yung mga fans, 'yung mga supporters of FiLay kasi s'yempre 'yung mga scenes na ginawa namin was really sweet," David said. "maraming roller coaster of emotions, biglang sasaya, tas biglang mai-inlove, tas biglang malulungkot, iiyak so 'yun kailangan nilang maabangan 'yun."
Maria Clara at Ibarra's cast, which includes lead stars Deniss Trillo as Ibarra and Julie Ann San Jose as Maria Clara, finished filming the show last Feb. 7.
The series airs every weekday at 8 p.m. on GMA and 9:40 p.m. on GTV. Episodes are also available for streaming on GMA Network's YouTube channel.
