Wattpad has taken the world by storm with its vast collection of user-generated stories. In the Philippines, this platform has not only become a hub for aspiring writers, but also a source of inspiration for many popular films and TV series. So if you’re a fan of Filipino Wattpad movies and series adaptations, you’re in for a treat! Let’s dive into how these Wattpad stories have made their way from the digital pages to the big and small screens, capturing the hearts of viewers across the country.
What’s Inside
- She’s Dating the Gangster
- Diary ng Panget
- Just the Way You Are
- Talk Back and You’re Dead
- Ex With Benefits
- This Time
- The Rain in España
- He’s Into Her
- Teen Clash
- Luv Is: Caught In His Arms
- Safe Skies, Archer
1. She’s Dating the Gangster
Originally a Wattpad story by Bianca Bernardino, also known as SGwannaB, She’s Dating the Gangster became a hit film starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. The story follows Athena Dizon, who plays a trick on the campus heartthrob and gangster, Kenji Delos Reyes, making him arrange a pretend relationship with Athena to make his ex-girlfriend jealous. The turn of events lead them to eventually fall in love with each other—for real. Directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana, the film’s success is a testament to the strong connection between the story’s fans and its adaptation.
Related: 16 Filipino Rom-Com Films That Will Make You Swoon and Laugh
2. Diary ng Panget
Directed by Andoy Ranay, Ang Diary ng Panget is a popular Wattpad story by HaveYouSeenThisGirl that made its way to the big screen. The film, starring Nadine Lustre and James Reid, revolves around Eya, a plain girl who becomes the personal assistant or “yaya” of Cross, a handsome but arrogant guy. They clash and bicker, and eventually end up falling in love with each other. The story’s humor and relatable characters made it a favorite among fans, and its adaptation successfully captured the essence of the original Wattpad hit.
3. Just the Way You Are
Based on the Wattpad story “The Bet” by Kimberly Joy Villanueva, Just The Way You Are stars Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano. Directed by Theodore Boborol, the film follows the story of a popular guy who makes a bet with his friends that he can make Sophia, a nerdy transfer student, fall in love with him in 30 days. When he targets a shy and reserved girl, he finds himself unexpectedly falling for her, leading to complications and a heartwarming love story.
4. Talk Back and You’re Dead
Talk Back and You’re Dead is another Wattpad story turned movie with lead stars Nadine Lustre and James Reid, following their successful movie ‘Ang Diary Ng Panget’ which was also a Wattpad adaptation. Written by Alesana Marie and directed by Andoy Ranay, the story follows the complicated relationship between Samantha, a strong-willed girl, and Top, a notorious gang leader of the Lucky 13. Their love story is filled with drama, action, and romance, making it a hit among fans of the original Wattpad narrative.
5. Ex With Benefits
Ex With Benefits, written by Ruth Mendoza, was a Wattpad story adapted into a film starring Derek Ramsay and Coleen Garcia. The story revolves around two med school ex-lovers who abruptly end their relationship, then ten years later meet again. Arki (Coleen Garcia) became a pharmaceutical sales rep and is known to do anything to make a sale, while Adam (Derek Ramsay) became a sports medicine doctor with a successful blog, who now has commitment issues. Arki realizes she needs more than her usual tactics to convince Adam to endorse her product. Despite trying to keep things professional, Arki falls for him again. Their second chance at love is challenged when the reasons for their med school breakup resurface. Directed by Gino M. Santos, this mature and emotionally charged story resonates with viewers who appreciate more complex romantic narratives.
6. This Time
Based on the Wattpad story ‘That One Summer’ by Aly Almario, This Time stars James Reid and Nadine Lustre on their third Wattpad movie adaptation. The plot centers on the story of childhood friends Coby and Ava who reunite every summer. But when Ava starts college, she rethinks her uncertain relationship with Coby, and meets Aldrin, leading Coby to reassess the importance of his and Ava’s relationship. Directed by Nuel Crisostomo Naval, This Time is a romantic tale that captures the bittersweet nature of first love and the challenges of growing up.
7. The Rain in España
The Rain in España by Gwy Saludes is a Wattpad series adaptation and is the first season of the University Series, which has over 57 million reads. Directed by Theodore Boborol and starring Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo, the story centers on Luna, an Architecture student at UST, and Kalix, a Legal Management student at Ateneo. They fall deeply in love despite the pressures of their studies and family expectations. But when they break up, their lives intersect again nearly ten years later as young professionals, with a chance to rekindle their old romance.
8. He’s Into Her
He’s Into Her is another well-loved Wattpad story by Maxinejiji that got its own series adaptation. Starring Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, the series follows the life of a feisty provincial girl who moves to Manila and finds herself entangled in the lives of her elite schoolmates. This story of young love and self-discovery resonated deeply with viewers, making the series a significant success.
9. Teen Clash
Teen Clash follows Zoe, an aspiring musician who wants to redeem herself from an embarrassing past. She decides to join the school’s music jam and meets a charming songwriter who helps her overcome her struggles. Based on the Wattpad story written by iDangs, Teen Clash stars Jayda Avanzado in her first lead role, Aljon Mendoza, and Markus Patterson.
10. Luv Is: Caught In His Arms
With the former title, ‘In the Arms of Five Hot Jerks’, Luv Is: Caught In His Arms is based on VentreCanard’s Wattpad story and is part of the romance anthology series of GMA Network. Directed by Barry Gonzales, starring Sophia Pablo and Allen Ansay, the series follows the story of Florence, a teenager coming from a poor family who hopes to finish her studies and provide a better life for her parents. However, when her father falls ill, she has to step up and support her family financially. She is then given a job opportunity to take care of boys from a very wealthy family, which she thought were kids, but were actually teenagers like her— the Ferell brothers.
11. Safe Skies, Archer
Starring Krissha Viaje and Jerome Ponce, Safe Skies, Archer is another Wattpad story turned series by Gwy Saludes, and is the second season of the University Series after ‘The Rain in España’. Directed by Gino M. Santos, the story follows Yanna, a promiscuous FEU Tourism student and Hiro, a student from DLSU who also wants to study in the best flying school in Florida. Yanna and Hiro meet and agree to have a no-strings-attached relationship, but complications arise when they start to develop true feelings for each other.
Wattpad stories have undoubtedly made a significant impact on Filipino cinema and television. From romance to drama, these adaptations bring the creativity of online writers to the screen, delighting fans and introducing new audiences to captivating narratives. As the world of digital storytelling evolves, we can anticipate even more exciting adaptations that showcase the talent and imagination of Wattpad writers.