We, the original readers and supporters of I Love You Since 1892, are calling on Viva One and Binibining Mia to listen to the voice of the fans who have supported this story for almost a decade.

Since the book's release, Marlo Mortel and Janella Salvador (MarNella) have been the official and emotional faces of Juanito Alfonso and Carmela Isabella. They graced the official book cover, fan-made trailers forever tying their image to the beloved historical romance that defined a generation of Wattpad readers.

But after 10 years of waiting, fans were shocked to learn that the upcoming film adaptation under Viva One will not be led by MarNella. Even more painful is learning that the author herself, who one fought for them has now distanced herself from that vision.

Why We're Hurt 💔💔💔

In 2017, Binibining Mia gave us hope. She publicly tweeted:

"WALA. pag di lang din Marnella wag na lang 😂" - Binibining Mia (@BinibiningMia_), September 12, 2017

This wasn't just a throwaway comment. It became a promise, one that gave fans reason to stay, support, and believe that one day, MarNella would bring the characters to life.

Then in 2025, Binibining Mia posted a lengthy statement saying:

"Ako'y 19 years old nang i-post iyon, wala pang ideya sa mangyayari sa hinaharap"

"Hindi ko kayang isakripisyo ang storyline ng kuwento at hindi silang dalawa ang gaganap..."

Fans understand that people grow and change. But the emotional contract was already made. To be told now that things "just didn't work out" without full transparency is heartbreaking, especially when we have proof that MarNella was still open.

MarNella Was Waiting

On September 13, 2024, Marlo Mortel and Janella Salvador appeared in Marlo Mortel's Youtube Channel with the video titled "MARLO and JANELLA in their 'I Love You Since 1892' Era" a fan asked "Is there a posibility for you to play the main characters in I Love You Since 1892?" 

Their response?

     "Kami ay naghihintay lang."

This means they never declined. They were willing. They were hopeful. And yet, they were never given the chance.

Receipts That Matter:

• 2017 Author Tweet:

                    "WALA. pag di lang din Marnella wag na lang 😂" (Screenshot of the Tweet)

• 2025 Author Statement:

                    Backpedaled on her previous tweets, saying she posted them at 19 without understanding the full process. (The Statement)

• 2024 MarNella Interview:

                    Marnella themselves confirmed they were just waiting, ready and hopeful. (MarNella Interview)

What We're Asking For:

This petition is not meant to discredit the new actors or shame the production. We respect their work.

What we ask is simple:

• Acknowledge the loyalty and emotional investment of long-time readers.
• Be transparent about the real reasons MarNella was left out, despite their expressed interest.

This Is About More Than Casting

This is about the voice of a fandom that carried this story for a decade. We were called "Sunshines" and we stayed bright even in the dark. We deserve to be heard.

"Ang Pag-iibigan natin ay muling maisusulat sa Huling Pagkakataon."  Yes but for many of us, it was already written and it had MarNella.

Sign This Petition If:

• You believe in fan loyalty and creative accountability
• You believe MarNella deserves closure
• You believe that promises even emotional ones matter
• You believe I Love You Since 1892 deserves a legacy that honors its past

#BringBackMarNella #ILoveYouSince1892 #JusticeForSunshines #SunshinesDeserveBetter #MarNellaForILYS1892