Jillian Ward, Michael Sager proud to showcase Iloilo in 'My Ilonggo Girl'

Aside from the romance and comedy it will offer viewers, "My Ilonggo Girl" starring Jillian Ward and Michael Sager will also highlight the colorful Ilonggo culture.

During Thursday's media conference for the series, Michael said it is also about "the pride of Iloilo."

"It's actually great that we're highlighting our beautiful country. I mean, the Philippines has many islands and many different cultures," the Sparkle star said.

Michael added that he fell in love with Iloilo because of its people's love for one another, their food, and their simplicity, adding that these qualities are just contagious.

During their filming days in the city, Michael also learned the value of enjoying life and not taking things for granted.

"That's what Iloilo is all about. So in this show, I think it's one of the first that we get to highlight ang talagang pride and the culture, the festivals, the music, the people talaga. And we're proud and honored to be doing this show for the Ilonggo people," he said.

Jillian agreed, adding that their goal is for the series to showcase Iloilo's beauty.

"So 'yun po ang abangan nila kung paano ba ang culture ng mga Ilonggo. And siyempre, dahil rom-com po ito, magaan lang siya," she said.

The Star of the New Gen also hopes to make people happy through her new project.

"Lalo na po ngayon, ang daming mga nangyayari na mga negative, so kahit papaano [ay] maging hingahan po nila 'to every day. 'Pag pinapanood nila 'to, ang goal po namin is makapag-relax lang sila, na matutulog sila na may ngiti sa mga mukha nila," Jillian said.

Aside from Jillian and Michael, "My Ilonggo Girl" will also star Arra San Agustin, Lianne Valentin, Empoy Marquez, Teresa Loyzaga, Arlene Muhlach, Richard Quan, Andrea Del Rosario, Vince Maristela, and Geo Mhanna.

It will premiere on January 13 at 9:35 p.m. on GMA Prime after "Widows' War."

—MGP, GMA Integrated News