TV

GMA Network interweaves romance and psychology in Afternoon Prime series 'Ang Dalawang Ikaw'

How well do you know your significant other? Is true love enough to endure the trials of choosing to be with someone who switches personalities and lives in a world outside of yours?

GMA Network brings forth another progressive and advocacy-driven story involving the life of a married couple and the challenges they face brought about by a mental disorder in the Afternoon Prime series, Ang Dalawang Ikaw, premiering on June 21.

The original series features the much-awaited return to the small screen of the well-loved tandem of Ken Chan and Rita Daniela, taking on their most mature roles yet, along with promising Kapuso actress Anna Vicente who is ready to spice up the series.

Notable for his wide-ranging and challenging roles, Ken is all set to showcase his remarkable acting prowess as he breathes life into the characters of Nelson Sarmiento, Mia's dutiful husband who is a senior graphic artist, and his alter personality, Tyler Franco, the hot-headed gun dealer and fiancé of Beatrice. Rita plays the strong-willed and family-oriented wife of Nelson, Mia Perez-Sarmiento; while Anna portrays the role of Beatrice Ilustre, a two-faced gun dealer who goes to great lengths all for the sake of love.

Ken, who underwent a series of intensive workshops and consultations for his role as a person with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), believes that their show is a step towards spreading awareness on mental health issues in the country.

“Naniniwala ako na ang serye namin na Ang Dalawang Ikaw ay magiging instrumento para ipaintindi sa viewers kung ano ba ang tunay na pinagdadaanan ng mga taong may DID. Nais naming iparating sa kanila na huwag tayo agad-agad manghuhusga ng mga tao. Hindi natin alam na ang mga taong ito ay may pinagdadaanan o kaya naman ay mayroon na pala silang DID hindi lang natin alam o hindi rin nila alam dahil wala silang proper diagnosis dahil sa kakulangan sa pera. Huwag tayo manghuhusga ng tao. Intindihin, unawain at suportahan natin ang bawat isa. Leave no one behind,” he shares.

Rita, in turn, reveals what is the secret behind RitKen's successful on-screen chemistry, “We're so comfortable with each other and we always give our 100% in everything we do, mapa-acting, hosting, or performing. I believe na Ken brings out the best in me and the same goes with him. Sa tagal na namin magkasama sa industriya, alam na namin kung paano namin aatakehin 'yung roles namin both as individuals and as a tandem. I'm really happy and excited to be working with him in a series again.”

Meanwhile, Anna expresses her gratitude to the Kapuso Network for entrusting her this TV project, “It is really a blessing for me na pagkatiwalaan ako ng GMA na mapabilang sa isang napakagandang proyekto na ito. I am really thankful to them for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent and to grow and learn more as an actress.”

Completing the highly talented roster of stars are Jake Vargas as Lucas Javier, a psychiatrist's assistant and Mia's friend who will eventually fall for her; Dominic Roco as Greg Perez, Mia's protective and paraplegic brother; Lianne Valentin as Jo Escobar, Mia's close friend who wants what's best for her; Joana Marie Tan as Lani Delgado, Beatrice's supportive and rational friend; Jeremy Sabido as King Bautista, Nelson's friend who is a submissive husband to his wife.

Ang Dalawang Ikaw dwells on the life of Nelson (Ken), a loving husband with Dissociative Identity Disorder, and his wife, Mia (Rita). The couple struggles to keep their marriage intact as they deal with the challenges brought about by the existence of Tyler (Ken), Nelson's alternate personality, and Beatrice (Anna), his lover.

Will Mia agree with Beatrice's offer to share Nelson and Tyler? Or is Mia ready to let go of Nelson and accept Lucas in her heart? Will Nelson be able to fight for their marriage especially when Tyler is slowly taking control of his entire being?

The engrossing drama is under the supervision of the GMA Entertainment Group headed by SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable, FVP for Drama Redgie A. Magno, SAVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Program Manager Dennis Joi K. Bentulan, and Executive Producer Arlene D. Pilapil.

Together with the guidance of Dra. Bernadette Arcena as Ken's Consultant Psychiatrist, the series is a product of the visionary minds of GMA's award-winning creative team - Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Creative Head Suzette Doctolero; Creative Consultant Denoy Punio; Concept Creator Geng Delos Reyes-Delgado; Head Writer Lobert Villela; Writers Geng Delos Reyes-Delgado and Jake Somera; and Brainstormer Cynthia Paz.

Catch the world premiere of Ang Dalawang Ikaw - produced by the Drama Unit of the Entertainment Group of GMA, under the helm of esteemed director Jorron Lee Monroy and associate director Ralfh Malabunga - beginning June 21, Mondays to Fridays on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA's flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV.

For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit www.GMANetwork.com.