Some shows are excellent. Some shows are fantastic. But there are some that are simply too good to be true. This ABS-CBN series, starring Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, and Ronaldo Valdez, easily fits into the last description, not because of its title, “2 Good 2 Be True,” but because that’s the perfect way the cast and crew can describe their feelings about this project.

The series was an exceptional experience for everyone involved, not only because of the friendship that blossomed between everyone on set. “Experience it not only because everyone bonded so well, but also because this may never happen again because this is a pandemic show,” director Mae Cruz-Alviar says.

The cast and crew collaborated on the series for about a year, beginning at the height of COVID-19’s Delta variant wave in the Philippines, no less! Although this presented challenges for the production team, it also allowed them to bond more, making their work lighter, smoother, and more enjoyable for everyone.

“Nakatulong din ‘yung mga lock-in tapings. Talagang magkakasama kami buong araw e… We became really close. As in nakita namin ang isa’t-isa naka-pajama, naka-tsinelas, bagong ligo, walang ayos. And it was, like, normal. And we were eating our meals together… Kaya siguro ‘pag pinapanood, nararamdaman din ng mga nanonood kung ano ‘yung nararamdaman ng cast,” explains actress Gelli de Belen, who played Margie, an online seller and Ali’s mother, at the show’s finale press conference.

Gloria Diaz as Hugo’s sister; Cris Villanueva as Capt. Rafael Rosales; Romnick Sarmienta as Eloy’s father; Irma Adlawan as Heart Borja, Eloy’s grandmother and Fred’s aunt; Alyssa Muhlach as Jillian “Jill” Agcaoili, Hugo’s granddaughter; and Leo Rialp as Atty. Bodjie Pascua as Bartolome “Lolo Bart” Panganiban; Gillian Vicencio as Concepcion “Tox” Baquiran; and Bianca de Vera as Patricia “Pat” F. Manansala Raul Montesa as Atty. Fajardo Smokey Manaloto as Badong Nolasco; Matt Evans as Ays; Yves Flores as Red; Pamu Pamorada as Gemma; Mary Joy Apostol as Queenie; Hyubs Azarcon as Tino; and Via Antonio as Chubs.

As Gelli described the cast and crew’s off-camera bonding, one could almost imagine a familiar scene that mirrored the way their viewers had spent their weeknights: bonding with family members over dinner while watching this primetime series.

Since it first aired on Netflix in May last year, “2 Good 2 Be True” has been a part of the lives of many families, with stories that truly resonate with them. It made history as the first Filipino series to premiere on the streaming platform, eventually becoming the most-watched show on Netflix in the United States. This is why the show’s finale elicits mixed emotions. How do you say goodbye to a show this good? How do you say goodbye to the characters who have entertained and comforted you for months over the course of the show’s 130 episodes?

Ronaldo reflects on the mood and energy on set, saying, “I’m so blessed na this project came along without imagining that it would be this good and this nice. Everything about it has jived. The story is cute, light. ‘Yung mga lines, ‘yung mga dialogues, ang ganda, e. Ang galing nu’ng mga scriptwriters. And then, the group—‘yung mga fellow actors, the company, they are such nice people, so ang sarap-sarap ng [trabaho]. It makes the work so much easier. Parang hindi siya work na, e. It’s fun. Of course, you’re always serious about your job, but then again, it makes it so much easier na masarap [ka-trabaho] ‘yung mga kasama—ang babait, bukod sa ang gagaling. Magagaling sila kaya ang sarap ng batuhan, masarap kasama sa eksena.”

Here are some photos in Metro Magazine: