Former sworn rivals, Philippines’ programming giants ABS-CBN and GMA Network take another step into their alternative future with "Unbreak My Heart", with Asian streaming platform Viu on board as regional streaming partner.

The fantasy romance mixes talent from both the Kapuso and Kapamilya houses in a co-production the two companies are calling “groundbreaking”, a “milestone” and “historic”.

“We unite as one team. We never imagined that this was going to happen,” said ABS-CBN’s COO of broadcast, Cory Vidanes. 

The GMA/ABS-CBN decision to join forces on this new drama is part of a sweeping effort across Asia to upsize premium drama budgets and broaden storytelling appeal beyond domestic/expatriate audiences. 

ABS-CBN’s re-direct is also part of its post-franchise make-over, which has most recently given rise to six-episode premium drama, "Cattleya Killer", produced by new international production unit, ABS-CBN International Productions. 

"Unbreak My Heart" will air on GMA Network this year and will stream on PCCW’s Viu in 15 territories outside the Philippines. 

Filmed in Switzerland, "Unbreak My Heart" stars Joshua Garcia, Gabbi Garcia, Richard Yap and Jodi Sta. Maria in the story of a woman’s search for her estranged husband and the daughter she abandoned years ago. As Rose’s search unfolds, secrets and sins of the past emerge, threatening to break the hearts that have been yearning to heal.

"Unbreak My Heart" will run to 100 episodes of approx 25 minutes each.    

The series, currently in pre-production, is produced by Dreamscape Entertainment and directed by Emmanuel (Manny) Q. Palo ("Love Lockdown") and Dolly Dulu ("Love Beneath the Stars").