Jak Roberto to portray character with bipolar disorder in ‘Magpakailanman’ episode

Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Jak Roberto is set to tug at viewers' heartstrings this Valentine’s Day. 

As seen in Aubrey Carampel’s report on “24 Oras," Thursday, the Kapuso actor will star in the upcoming “Magpakailanman” episode “Sa Kabila ng Lahat,” which will be aired on February 14.

Per Jak, he considers his upcoming role as the most challenging one he has ever portrayed.

“Grabe, ito na yata 'yung pinaka-challenging role na nagawa ko sa buong 'Magpakailanman' episode ko. Tinalo pa nito 'yung isang buong teleserye, 'yung emosyon, lahat-lahat and preparation,” he said. 

Jak will play the role of Joshua, a teacher suffering from bipolar I disorder triggered by his anxiety and depression.

According to the Mayo Clinic, bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes severe or extreme shifts in one's mood and energy. These include emotional highs like mania or hypomania and lows like depression.

Bipolar I disorder is a type of bipolar disorder where the patient has had at least one manic episode that may occur before or after episodes of hypomania and depression. 

Per Carampel's report, the upcoming "Magpakailanman" episode aims to inspire and spread awareness about mental health.

“Mahalagang issue 'to sa nangyayari sa panahon ngayon, medyo sensitive pero ipinakita namin dito kung paano nareresolba ang bawat problema at ang bawat karamdaman kagaya nito,” Jak said.

Aside from drama, however, the episode will also send kilig to viewers. 

“Interesting 'yung storya kasi despite dun sa condition niya, merong isang babaeng tumanggap sa kanya at nagmahal nang buong puso, unconditionally.”

Jak recently starred in “My Father's Wife” alongside Kylie Padilla, Gabby Concepcion, and Kazel Kinouchi.

He is set to star in the upcoming Kapuso action series, "Task Force, Firewall." 

“Magpakailanman” airs Saturdays on GMA Network at 8:15 p.m.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News