5 Reasons Why You Must Watch "Lavender Fields"

From the people behind some of the most popular teleseryes in Philippine TV history comes a new drama titled Lavender Fields. Currently ranked as the #1 TV show in Netflix Philippines, this collaboration between ABS-CBN Studios and Dreamscape Entertainment has proven to be a major hit with just five episodes released so far. It premiered on Netflix last August 30, and quickly rose to the top of the streaming platform’s Top 10 TV shows list, surpassing buzzworthy K-dramas Love Next Door and The Frog. When it was released on Kapamilya Online Live last September 2, the pilot episode also earned 629,565 peak concurrent views on YouTube. 

Some of the biggest stars headline Lavender Fields, dubbed the most awaited "Powerhouse Drama of 2024." The cast includes Maricel Soriano, Edu Manzano, Albert Martinez, Lotlot de Leon, Jolina Magdangal-Escueta, Jodi Sta. Maria, Janine Gutierrez, and Jericho Rosales (who is making a comeback in the drama series genre since last starring in the ABS-CBN primetime series Halik in 2018).

I finally got to watch the episodes last night and came to understand what the fuss is all about. Here’s why everyone should check out Lavender Fields:

1. The fresh and unexpected story  

It’s definitely not what you expect it to be. From the introduction alone with the ominous musical scoring and the contrasting visuals with dark undertones, you know that this is not your typical story. There is romance but it’s also a mystery and a thriller. Like riding a roller coaster, you’re at the edge of your seat waiting for the big drop.

2. The pace

The unexpected meeting. The mysterious handsome stranger and the heroine with the golden heart and a killer jab. A blossoming romance. Missing money, betrayal, shots fired, murder, kidnapping, and a baby. And those are all seen in just the first three episodes! Once you start, you can’t stop. It’s simply that good. 

3. The amazing lead actors 

Jodi Sta. Maria as Jasmin. Who else can beautifully portray the delicate balance of a street smart but good and kind-hearted girl from the flower farms of San Remo? She radiates joy and positivity and wears her heart on her sleeve to a fault. You will love her. You will rally behind her. 

Janine Gutierrez as Iris. We dare say that Janine, at least for the first five episodes, practically steals the show. How can we blame her? The role demands it. Iris is beautiful, glamorous, jealous, obsessed, very intelligent, and rich—a dangerous combination. Iris epitomizes the saying “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”

Jericho Rosales as (we won’t ruin it for you). Jericho is back and we are thrilled! Like the classic leading men in old Hollywood movies, Jericho looks great in this drama. After being away from the small screen for a while, he returns in a role that we believe suits him best. A good guy with a dark side. A complicated man—cool and successful on the surface. A prince looking to escape. We have to thank the production team and the stylists for making his character dress so well.  

4. Janine Gutierrez’s looks

We have to give credit to Janine’s character for looking good in everything. No doubt this is partly why she stands out in every scene. She just might be the best dressed antagonist or kontrabida in the history of Philippine dramas, and we can’t wait to see more. So far, our favorites include the red bikini and the black ensemble at the wake.

5. Strong supporting cast

Edu Manzano is back in a familiar role as the powerful and influential father of Iris. But amidst his tough and cruel demeanor, he reveals glimpses of a more tender side. He is a father genuinely concerned for his troubled daughter. 

Lotlot de Leon as Jasmin’s mother is the epitome of quiet fortitude and unconditional love. Strong yet gentle. Strict but also a spoiler. Loyal and supportive. The kind that stays by you no matter what. She is the mom we all want.

Albert Martinez takes on a surprisingly refreshing role as a police investigator. He plays an interesting and mysterious cop. Smart and quirky. His nuanced dealings with the powerful and influential characters of Edu and Janine are interesting. Beware, though, not all is what it seems.  

The great Maricel Soriano’s character will be introduced in the upcoming episodes. We know that she will make a profound impact on Jasmin’s life.

There are so many reasons to look forward to the continuation of the series, and we can’t wait to see how the story unfolds. 

Lavender Fields is directed by Emmanuel Quindo Palo and Jojo Saguin. It was written by Maribel G. Ilag, Mark Gopez, Ceres Helga Barrios, Jon David Garcia, and Rio Legaspi. 

Catch Lavender Fields, weeknights, 8:45 PM after FPJ’s Batang Quiapo on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5! The series is also available on iWantTFC, TFC, and Netflix!

Lead photo from @dreamscapeph