Joseph Marco and Rhen Escaño are winning hearts both on and off screen as they talk about friendship, trust, and the success of their hit Viva One series.
For Joseph Marco and his onscreen partner Rhen Escaño, misunderstandings at work aren’t swept under the rug, they’re talked through.
Marco added that their friendship has allowed them to communicate openly and strengthen their trust in one another.
“Mostly naman, lagi naming pinag-uusapan is about the series and some interesting topics, and very comfortable kami na pag-usapan ang mga bagay-bagay. To the point nga na may mga tampuhan, inuupuan namin, and we’re both mature na pag-usapan iyon.”
Escaño admitted that the level of comfort she shares with Marco is something she deeply values.
“Sobrang thankful ako na si Joseph ang kasama ko sa project na ’to, honestly and genuinely. Marami na po akong nakasama before na naging kaibigan ko rin, pero hindi po ako umabot sa point na naging ganito ka-comfortable,” she said.
“Hindi kasi lahat nakapasok ng ganitong personal sa life ko, and siyempre may wall pa rin, pero this time po umaabot sa point na kaya kong mag-open up sa kanya. So, I guess nasa level kami ng relationship namin na nakabuo kami ng gan’ong klaseng bond,” she added.
Marco and Escaño are quickly becoming one of the most talked-about on-screen pairings today, winning over viewers in Viva One’s hit original series “My Husband is a Mafia Boss.”
Now the No. 1 series on the platform, the romantic drama has captivated audiences with its mix of romance, comedy, and suspense, while highlighting the natural connection between its lead stars.
Directed by Fifth Solomon (“Lasting Moments,” “My Sassy Girl”), the series is based on the Wattpad sensation written by the late Diana Marie Maranan, known to readers as Yanalovesyouu.
Since premiering on April 11, the story has kept fans hooked on the unexpected romance between Zeke Roswell and Aemie Romero.
As viewers continue to follow their characters’ evolving relationship, Escaño shared that much of their on-screen chemistry comes from the genuine friendship they have built behind the scenes.
View this post on Instagram
“I guess ito ’yong glow kapag happy ka talaga. ’Di ba happy tayo?” she said, turning to Marco. “Masaya po talaga kami. Actually, galing kami sa taping—kahit late kami natapos kasi last few days na lang kami at tinatapos na ang lahat—pero ang pakiramdam, hindi nakakapagod kasi happy set talaga kami.”
That sense of comfort has clearly translated on screen, especially in the first six episodes, which have delivered plenty of kilig moments, heartfelt scenes, and laughs, many of them driven by Escaño’s standout comedic timing.
The teaser for episode seven promises even more surprises, with Aemie hilariously stepping into the role of Roswell Corporation’s acting CEO while new characters begin to shake things up.
As “My Husband is a Mafia Boss” approaches its mid-season mark, fans can expect more twists. With its growing popularity, the series has been extended from 18 to 20 episodes.
At the center is Zeke, a multi-billionaire CEO forced to marry to secure his late father’s inheritance—leading him to trick Aemie, a cheerful and clumsy college student, into becoming his wife.
The stakes rise as Zeke’s mafia ties come to the forefront. With the rival Yaji Mafia closing in on Aemie, the question is how she will react once she learns the truth—and the danger she’s in.
Longtime fans also know Zeke isn’t the only one with secrets. Alyana, Aemie’s mother, played by Ara Mina, has a past that could change everything.
Even as audiences root for Zeke and Aemie, both Marco and Escaño are already hoping to work together again.
“Movie, actually sinasabi ko sa kanya gusto ko ’yong heavy drama kasi ’yong character ko dito is too good to be true, and I want to portray something serious. I think it’s gonna be a good one,” Marco said.
Escaño, meanwhile, hopes to explore another genre.
“Gusto ko Filipino adaptation ng Korean film, more on rom-com pero may drama para mailabas pa namin ’yong side namin. Gusto lang rin namin may napatunayan pa—subukan niyo po,” she said.
I guess ito ’yong glow kapag happy ka talaga. ’Di ba happy tayo?’” Rhen Escaño said, turning to Joseph Marco. ‘Masaya po talaga kami. Actually, galing kami sa taping—kahit late kami natapos kasi last few days na lang kami at tinatapos na ang lahat—pero ang pakiramdam, hindi nakakapagod kasi happy set talaga kami.’
READ:
Joshua Garcia, Ivana Alawi get physical, and steamy, in ‘Love is Never Gone’
Marinel Cruz
April 20, 2026
Joseph Marco, Rhen Escaño team up for Viva One’s hottest Wattpad adaptation yet
Kiko Escuadro
January 13, 2026
Alexa and Gelo’s chemistry sparks louder rumors about KDlex’s relationship status online
Denchelle Castro
May 12, 2026
