With a Smile (TV series)

Christian Bautista portrays Aston Martinez.

Jak Roberto portrays Jak.

Lead cast

• Andrea Torres as Patricia "Isay" Asuncion[1][2]
• Christian Bautista as Aston Martinez[3][4]
• Mikael Daez as Dean Vicencio[5][6]

Supporting cast

• Marnie Lapuz as Mama Lena[7]
• Soliman Cruz as Tomas "Tom" Asuncion[8]
• Gilleth Sandico as Verci Asuncion
• Vince de Jesus as Teh[9]
• Mikoy Morales as Mikoy
• Kimpoy Feliciano as Kimpoy
• Jak Roberto as Jak[10]
• Shelly Hipolito as Sahsah[11]
• Bryan Benedict as Athan[12]
• RJ Padilla as Onyx
• Miggs Cuaderno as Budot[13]

Guest cast

• Max Collins as Patricia
• Sam Pinto as Maricar

The idea for the series first came from screenwriter Ma. Acy Ramos, who initially had the idea to create a light drama/romantic comedy series for GMA Network's Afternoon Prime block, which usually dominated by traditional "tearjerker" telenovelas. When she presented and discussed the idea to the management (GMA Entertainment TV Group), they immediately approved the project but decide to put it on morning time slot, instead, since they thought "it would fit best there." Director and screenwriter, Don Michael Perez began writing a script for a show now titled With a Smile, which somewhat patterned from the Korean television series Lovers in Paris but with a different angle—two men are fighting over a girl.[14]

The network assigned Louie Ignacio to direct the series. The director described the show as "a mix of light drama, humor, charm and romance". Ignacio also regarded his main actors as part of the reasons he green-lighted directing the series.[15] The casts were all announced during the series' story conference, with the main cast being Andrea Torres, Christian Bautista and Mikael Daez. The three actors were cast based on their auditions. Torres was chosen to play Isay Asuncion from more than 10 women who auditioned for the role. Torres shares certain similarities with her onscreen persona Isay, as they are both close to their families and determined to realize their dreams.[16] Bautista, who played Aston Martinez, originally auditioned for the role of Dean Vicencio. Daez originally auditioned for Aston, but ended up portraying Dean Vicencio.[17] Supporting casts include stage and TV actors Soliman Cruz, Gilleth Sandico and Marnie Lapuz; composer and comedian Vince de Jesus; and Protégé: The Battle For The Big Artista Break alumni Mikoy Morales, Shelly Hipolito and Bryan Benedict.

The production began in May 2013. Most of the scenes were shot on location in Quezon City. Some portions were shot in the town of Pampanga. The series' premiere was planned for June 17, but because programming-related problem, delayed until June 24.[18][19]

According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Mega Manila household television ratings, the pilot episode of With a Smile earned an 8.4% rating.[20] While the final episode scored an 8.3% rating.[21]

• With a Smile at IMDb