2 Mar – ABS-CBN primetime series “On the Wings of Love” may have launched the careers of its love team Nadine Lustre and James Reid to another height, but according to PEP News recently, the drama was originally set to star Coco Martin instead.

Martin confirmed the story recently, saying that he was the one who formed the original concept of the drama, which he said was based on his experience as an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) in Canada a while ago.

The movie reportedly was supposed to feature a mother-son storyline, with the mother being played by superstar Nora Aunor. It was also noted that Martin was supposed to play the male version of Lustre’s character Leah.

The project didn’t materialise, after Aunor was unable to do it due to other work obligation.

Martin stated that he and the producer then thought about tweaking Aunor’s supposed role and choosing a younger actress to play it.

The first two picks were Judy Ann Santos and Sarah Geronimo. However, both stars were also busy.

By then, Martin said that he accepted the role in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”, leaving the roles to be filled by James Reid and Nadine Lustre, who already made their names starring in several movies.

Both Lustre and Reid stated that they are grateful that the network trusted them with such a huge project.