These Wattpad Adaptations from Viva will tell you that ‘Romance is not Dead’

Wattpad has been a haven to millions of fictional romantic escapades for more than a decade, and they’re here once again to spice things up with these premium live-action staples.

Filipinos are always suckers for romance. It is evident with how the usual Telebabad (primetime soap opera block) and soap operas continue to thrive. They sell like hot pandesal (Filipino bread rolls), with patrons lining up daily to ask for the usual, regardless of other bread variations available. Viewers often settle on what they’re accustomed to — preferring books over their film/series counterparts,  or gravitating towards romance over more diverse genres. Viva One boldly took it as both a challenge and an initiative — to prove that these titles could level up into another art medium and receive the limelight they deserve.

Ang Mutya ng Section E by Lara Flores (eatmore2behappy)

They say that high school will be the most remarkable highlight of teenage years — a time for forging firm friendships, creating school scenarios to joke about as adults, sharing the struggle of maintaining academic performance, and, of course, the phase where young love starts to blossom and flourish.

Directed by Theodoro Boborol, the story revolves around Jay-jay (Ashtine Olviga), who transfers to Section E expecting a peaceful, and reserved relationship with her classmates and teachers. Unbeknownst to her, Section E is the polar opposite of what the common pilot Section A, notorious as the gathering place for delinquent boys unbound by the classic school rulebook. And so she’s the only girl, she becomes the target of awaiting mischief and chaos, as well as the risk of failing grades, all under the supervision of the Class President Kiefer (Andres Muhlach). 

The series doesn’t stray much from the book, and the audience can bet that the slow-burn element between the main loveteam is worth the wait. The boys’ redemption arc — from jerks into certified wingmen — offers a satisfying storyline to root for, along with the heartwarming wholesomeness and comedic relief that ultimately established the bonds that Section E is known for. The series also breaks high school section stereotypes — challenging the notion that the last section always leave a bad impression on school faculties, and showing that recklessness is simply part of youth as these teenagers navigate adolescence. The live-action cast received overwhelming praise from the netizens, with some stating that Ashtine, Andres, and Rabin were born to ‘eat up’ these roles. This series has set a premium standard for Filipino Wattpad live adaptations — by remaining loyal to the source material while also having its own charm to keep the fans wanting and expecting more. 

As of writing, Ang Mutya ng Section E has aired 16 episodes. Due to its resounding success, Season 2 is already greenlighted by Viva. 

University Series by Gwy Saludes (4reuminct)

Once a hidden gem, this teen romance series, consisting of six book installments, made waves during the peak of the pandemic era; “The Rain in España”, “Safe Skies, Archer” , “Chasing in the Wild”, “Avenues of the Diamond”, “Golden Scenery of Tomorrow” and “Our Yesterday’s Escape”. 

The adaptation follows a sequential story of Luna (Heaven Peralejo) , Kalix (Marco Gallo), Yanna (Kianna Viaje), Hiro (Jerome Ponce), Sevi (Gab Lagman), Via (Bea Binene), Sam (Aubrey Caraan), and Shan (Jairus Aquino). The series follows them as they navigate college life in prestigious Philippines universities, rekindling old romances, face the realities of diverging from their planned future, and delve into societal issues such as political scheming and media reframing. 

The first adaptation, “The Rain in España”, was also directed by Theodore Boborol.  The second (Safe Skies, Archer) and the fourth (Avenues of the Diamond) adaptation, on the other hand, were helmed by Director Gino Santos. The third one (Chasing in the Wild) was directed by Toph Nazareno.

There might be inconsistencies with the pacing executions due to different directors having different visions for each series, but the roles stayed in character, and the adaptations never toned down what was shown from the book. The running gag of Sevi being the subject of jealousy among the other University Series boys’ due to his close relationship with the female lead remains, until he settles with Elyse. The misunderstanding-to-reconciliation trope remains a classic approach in the story, even when it takes 10 years, as it did with Luna and Kalix. Sam and Cy prove that in love, what matters is who is present during times of dilemma and who is there on your side when your dreams are in shambles. The heartstrings surrounding Hiro and Yanna tightened despite their relationship starting with a “no strings attached” rule. This all gives viewers the urge to voice out their “sana alls” (“I wish that were me”) by romanticizing college life and imagining themselves in the shoes of their beloved characters.

However, mixed reactions swirled within the community across different social media platforms. raising doubts whether the casting aligned with the audiences’ taste or if the chemistry needed more work. Still, the author Gwy Saludes (4reuminct) urged readers to trust her vision and that of the directors; they delivered, successfully overcoming the audiences’ looming hesitation.

Now, with the fourth and latest live-action adaptation, “Avenues of the Diamond”, released in April 2025, the fans are even more eager and anticipate what’s next in the remaining two University Series books that are yet to be adapted.

Seducing Drake Palma by Ariesa Domingo (beeyotch)

After her best friend’s breakup with his girlfriend, Alys Perez (Angela Muji) finds herself obliged to comply with a consequential deal: seducing the campus heartthrob, Drake Palma (Rabin Angeles) — the third party in her best friend’s relationship. Tangled in a series of controversial school affairs, comedic relief, and family drama, there’s only one mistake she couldn’t afford to make — falling in love with her very own target.

Angela Muji blended in well with Alys Perez, leaving the question whether her real-life personality overlaps with the bubbly role she’s internalizing to highlight relatability. Viewers can also expect versatile acting from Rabin Angeles’ playful, Casanova image in Drake Palma – a stark contrast to his other previous Viva roles, like the sharp-witted, loyal best friend Yuri Hanamitchi of Ang Mutya ng Section E. Fangirls might deny it, but Dylan Menor’s charismatic Tripp Palma could lure them into supporting the “second male lead syndrome” trope.

Directed by Crisanto Aquino, the ongoing season is set to release the final episode of Season 1 on September 26, 2025, leaving the impression that the story itself is more complex than the usual cliché tropes suggest. It also sets the notion of whether the concepts of green flags, red flags, negotiables and non-negotiables are subjective in terms of the social structures of romantic norms. 

Due to this adaptation, the Wattpad oldies/OGs were brought on another nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminding them once more of how e-book file sharing and Wattpad made reading such a passionate experience.

The WIPs (Work-in-Progress) To Look Forward to

With consecutive releases rolling in 2025, here’s some more popular titles from Viva One that are still in production and is yet to be available for mainstream public viewing:

• Project LOKI by R.C. Musni (AkoSiIbarra)

• Hell University by Raymond Velasco (KnightinBlack)

• I Love You Since 1892 by Mia Alfonso (UndeniablyGorgeous)

• My Husband is a Mafia Boss by the late Diana Maranan (Yanalovesyouu)

• Golden Scenery of Tomorrow by Gwy Saludes (4reuminct)