We, the loyal readers and fans of I Love You Since 1892, are heartbroken by the recent casting decisions for its upcoming screen adaptation under Viva Entertainment / Viva One.

For years, we lived and breathed Carmela and Juanito’s story. We didn’t just read the book, we imagined it, felt it, and carried it with us. And in those dreams of seeing it on screen, there were always two faces: Janella Salvador and Marlo Mortel, "MarNella".

Through their sincerity and chemistry, Marnella became the heart and soul of this story for millions of readers. They didn’t just represent the characters; they were on the covers of the published books, helping define how we saw Carmela and Juanito. Even music was created and shared by fans, inspired by their portrayal — a testament to how deeply they resonated with the story’s core.

They weren’t just a dream pairing. They were the living image of the characters we cried for, rooted for, and grew up loving. The fandom kept this vision alive for years through edits, trailers, songs, quotes, and unwavering belief that one day, the adaptation would honor what we all saw so clearly.

That’s why this casting decision feels deeply disappointing.

MarNella has long been at the center of how we connected with this story. Seeing anyone else in the roles feels like erasing the connection we’ve built, one rooted in years of passion, community, and love. They weren’t just imagined in these roles; they defined them

We are respectfully asking on Viva Entertainment / Viva One and the creative team behind the adaptation to:

-Listen to the readers who helped build this story’s legacy.
-Reconsider the casting.
-Bring back the MarNella pairing that has always lived in the hearts of fans.

We also hope that Viva will consider a collaboration with Star Magic, ABS-CBN, GMA Network, and Netflix Philippines, platforms that have consistently brought world-class Filipino stories to life.

Because I Love You Since 1892 is more than just a fiction.
It is a tribute to the history, culture, and soul of the Philippines, a story that deserves to be told with care, authenticity, and respect.

A collaboration between the country’s top creative forces could turn this adaptation into something extraordinary, a globally competitive, deeply Filipino masterpiece that honors its roots and its readers.

This is not hate.
This is heartbreak.
This is love for the story, the characters, and the artists who brought them to life in our imaginations.

Please let our voices be heard. Let Carmela and Juanito be brought to life the way they’ve always existed in the hearts of millions of readers who imagined and loved this story through the years.

It’s not just fiction to us.
It’s #MarNellaOrNoOne.