IN recent years, book-to-screen adaptations have taken over the mainstream media. Whether in the international or local scene, books were often given live adaptations for a better experience.
The stories that once lived in words turn into a visual form. Many fans find it thrilling to see the characters come alive. However, it comes with expectations.
Every adaptation has a wave of excitement, but sometimes, disappointment enters the frame. The burning question is: Does adaptation capture the core of the book, or is it sacrificed for the sake of screen time and profit?
From Pages to Screens
We have interviewed Alex Cabañeros, 22, and Aira Carillo, 24, two avid book readers who shared their experience and thoughts on online stories from Wattpad being adapted on our local media scene.
For Cabañeros, she believes that it’s a good opportunity for her favorite stories to reach a wider audience through screen adaptations. It’s an undeniable fact that there are people who prefer to watch rather than to read. While Carillo expressed her excitement about it, as she already pictures everything in her mind.
“Talagang it’s an experience, so for me, to be able to watch it mainstream, mas exciting siya pero it also comes with– ‘yung syempre, expectations na ma-satisfy ba niya ‘yung na-imagine mo? The way you perceive the characters, the way you perceive the story itself,” Carillo told RepublicAsia.
Carillo further emphasized her support for both the book and TV adaptation of one of her favorite stories, the University Series. It was adapted and produced by Studio Viva and aired on Viva One. It shows how Carillo’s commitment to enjoying the story transformed for the screen.
For Cabañeros, who selectively watches and only reads the book version, she accepts that changes are inevitable in film or series adaptation. Changes are part of the process to fit the different medium as she desires adaptations to bring something new and compelling to the table. Reimagining stories while still staying with the narrative strikes a balance between creativity and being true to the original work.
“Ano ‘yung bagong makikita ko? And para magkaroon ng ‘wow factor’ or something to look forward sa adaptation na ‘yon. But of course, dapat ‘yung changes for me, is not very malalayo sa pinaka-essence ng story,” Cabañeros told RepublicAsia.
On Fans Managing Expectations
When expectations aren’t met, whether through changes in plot or altered casting, it somehow affects their perception of the story.
One of Cabañeros’ reading experiences was when she read a book from Wattpad entitled, ‘The Bet,’ back when it was still an ongoing story. It was eventually adapted into a movie produced by Star Cinema and ABS-CBN Film Productions, entitled ‘Just The Way You Are’. As Cabañeros’ watched the film, she quickly noticed that many elements from the original narrative had been changed. This experience underscored how adaptations can lead to varying expectations on how fans receive the story.
In the era of fan culture, these fan bases influence the popularity of the books, as well as the live-action version. Screen adaptations of local stories, especially on Wattpad, get mixed reactions from fans. Just like the recent adaptation of the online popular novel, ‘I Love You Since 1892,’ many fans were concerned whether the adaptation would do justice now that it has new casts, different from the ones on the previous book cover.
Cabañeros and Carillo believe that the voice of the fans matters. The fans were the first audience of the story, so they know it best. Despite the story being subjected to the director’s treatment, they believe that fan insights are also integral because they are the primary target audience of the adaptation.
“It became successful because of the readers, and the readers has [sic] the– sila talaga yung nagkaroon ng experience doon sa characters. So, I think ‘yung portrayal if– or ‘yung perception nila sa character, how they perceive that in their imaginations, ganoon din dapat ‘yung mangyari diba,” Carillo told RepublicAsia.
The Power of Words
Cabañeros and Carillo, as passionate fans, want to convey that there are aspects about the adaptation that they want the producers to take into consideration.
Cabañeros highlights the value of proper casting for the characters. She believes that it’s not just about the semblance to the characters, but the actors’ range and ability to bring the story to life. It’s one of the crucial parts of the story for it to be a success.
Carillo supports Cabañeros’ viewpoint by stressing the need for authenticity in adaptations. Even with the production changes, she still wants to see it as close to how the book would likely play out. For Carillo, she sees those characters as friends who share their life story with her, making her reading experience feel personal.
Together, they hope the producers will take these considerations into account to create a faithful and engaging adaptation.
In the Philippines, it has become a cultural phenomenon to adapt online novels into films or series. It reflects the growing intersection of literature and visual media, allowing stories to reach a wider audience and transform narratives across viewers. Both Cabañeros and Carillo emphasize the balance and creative freedom in adaptations. While fans have their own interpretations, what’s important is that the essence of the story will not be diminished while introducing a fresh perspective.
There’s a hope that the media industry will shift towards committed storytelling, thoughtful casting, and deeper respect for Filipino writers. A successful adaptation does not just retell the story; it imparts new lessons and gives the audience a reason to support more of our Filipino writers.
