Upcoming series ‘Online in Love’ gives us a glimpse of social stardom
Contributed by Sandy Cagurangan
Prepare to immerse yourself in the captivating world of social media superstars as we explore the fine line between fame and reality in the upcoming series, “Online in Love,” directed by Jag Cruz.
Lead stars Daniel Bautista and Gab Rosales
“Online in Love” introduces us to Thadz, Lance, Hannah, and Aira, the pioneering contestants of “The Influencer Academy,” a groundbreaking reality competition in search of the next big social media sensation in the Philippines. Each contestant competes for the grand prize of Php 10 million, unaware that this journey will not only test their skills but also their emotions.
Photos by Joel Maniquis
Thadz, a gifted composer, reluctantly joins the academy due to the relentless insistence of his overbearing celebrity mother, Madam Pink Rose. Despite his reserved and aloof personality, Thadz longs to make authentic connections and hopes to discover them within the academy’s walls.
Lance, with impressive dance skills and a carefree outlook on life, is determined to make his absent mother proud by becoming an influencer and achieving success on his own terms.
Hannah, nursing a broken heart, is determined to showcase her singing prowess and prove her ex-partner wrong as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery through content creation. Meanwhile, Aira envisions stardom as she becomes part of the academy, attempting to outrun the real-life issues that ominously threaten to undermine the image she projects.
Within The Influencer Academy, participants reside in the Viral Villa, equipped with cutting-edge content creation tools like cameras, ring lights, and various backdrops. Their primary goal is to accumulate i-points, which serve as the social currency fans can purchase to support their favorite influencer. Each episode features a unique challenge led by a guest artist who serves as a facilitator and mentor. After each challenge, fans have the opportunity to award i-points to their preferred contestants. Meanwhile, the enigmatic Headmasters remain behind the scenes, wielding the power to both add and deduct i-points, constantly reshaping the dynamics of the leaderboard.
The winner of “The Influencer Academy” receives Php 5 million in cash, Php 1 million worth of gadgets, and a one-year contract valued at Php 4 million.
The cast includes Gab Rosales as Thadz, Daniel Bautista as Lance, Jassy Calupitan as Hannah, Jewel Gines as Aira, Marissa Joelle as Elizabeth Aragon, and Pink Rose Santiago as Madam Pink Rose.
Special guests include Oreo Libios as Game Master Kent Roldan and Elsa Droga as herself, offering guidance and challenges to the contestants.
Produced by MJ in partnership with Mabuhay PH Media Production, the “Online in Love” story was conceptualized by the series director, Jag Cruz, and was written by Eldrin Veloso.
This intriguing series is set to premiere in November 2023 on YouTube and various streaming platforms, offering viewers an exclusive glimpse into the lives of aspiring influencers.
