Filming for ‘The Four Bad Boys and Me’ became a nostalgic experience for Anji Salvacion. She felt like she was back to being a student again. The lead actress has been reading the Wattpad story since she was in Grade 9. ‘I’m stepping out of my comfort zone in this movie,’ she says

The ABS-CBN digital film “The Four Bad Boys and Me” was inspired by the popular Taiwanese drama series “Meteor Garden” but it was infused with a distinctly Filipino flavor. This was what the author, Tina Lata, said during a presscon of the now streaming ABS-CBN’s first original YouTube movie which was based on the hit Wattpad story of the same title.

Tina, also known as blue_maiden on Wattpad, shared that the book has over 326 million reads on the reading app. According to the synopsis, the movie adaptation follows the awkward high school senior Candice (Anji Salvacion) whose quiet life becomes exciting when she gets entangled in the lives of the most popular boys at school — Jeydon (Gelo Rivera), Troy (Dustine Mayores), Marky (Harvey Bautista) and Charles (River Joseph).

What was once a bitter relationship will turn unexpectedly sweet as the school’s heartthrobs fight over Candice when she gets a total glow-up as the “Ms. Campus” representative. Who among the boys will win Candice’s heart?

Joining the cast of the high school drama are rising young stars Brent Manalo, AC Bonifacio, Analain Salvador, Gela Alonte and Krystal Brimner.

Direk Benedict Mique (“Lolo and the Kid,” “Wild Little Love” and “MOMOL Nights”) recalled that the entire cast went through an audition. He added that what sets apart “The Four Bad Boys and Me” from “Meteor Garden” and South Korean series “Boys Over Flowers” are the actors themselves.

“It was a series of auditions and they proved na (they are the perfect fit for the roles) nakita namin na sila eh. Kaya natuwa kami. I think the difference (from other series with the same theme) are these actors,” he shared.

From left: Brent Manalo, River Joseph, BGYO’s Gelo Rivera, direk Benedict Mique, Harvey Bautista and Dustine Mayores

“The similarities, it’s both kilig and it’s both fresh. Nakakatuwa siya but they will be the ones (actors) who are gonna make it different. Actually naglalakad pa lang sila (during the presscon) natutuwa na kami ni Tina. It’s like, ‘We got a good batch.’”

The lead actress, Anji, furthered that she has been reading the Wattpad story since she was in Grade 9. “My classmate and I — abang na abang kami sa next chapter ng story. This is a good story kasi madaming makaka-relate. I’m stepping out of my comfort zone in this movie.”

“I wasn’t afraid to go out (from my comfort zone) because they made me (feel) comfortable,” said Anji on working with the four boys. “Ambilis nilang katrabaho and they are easy to work with. And then there’s this energy na parang it’s just really attractive and it’s really warm that it makes me feel na although I’m working, I’m hanging out with my friends.”

The cast members of ‘The Four Bad Boys and Me’ pose for a photo during the film’s mediacon.

Filming was nostalgic for Anji and she felt like she was back to being a student again. “Mapapaganun talaga ako like, ‘Wow these people are so kind.’ And you make me feel so warm and I’m so blessed to have them. Grabe ang bait ni Lord.”

While filming the flick, Anji got close to Gelo because they had more scenes together.

“Aside from the pressure that I felt, I’m very grateful na nakasabay ko sila in my first project as an actor. It was a rollercoaster of emotions,” stated Gelo.

(“The Four Bad Boys and Me” is now streaming on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel).