VP/Xclusives | Niko Badayos and Perlas to Shine In 1, 2, 3 Boyfriend ni Marie

When do you know you’ve found a true connection? Is it an instant spark? the slow-motion moment when your eyes meet, or just a quiet certainty that you can’t explain? For Perlas and Niko Badayos, it’s something deeper—an energy that fuels them every day, inspires them to grow, and pushes them to be better versions of themselves in everything they do.

That undeniable bond will be witnessed in  1, 2, 3 Boyfriend ni Marie, a vertical series from Cornerstone Entertainment that has fans buzzing with anticipation. Starring Niko Badayos, Perlas alongside with Eli Padilla, and Aaron Gonzalez. The story follows a lively group of young characters navigating love, friendship, self-discovery, and the fine line between pretend and real. Blending romance, comedy, and slice-of-life storytelling, the series highlights how connections both on and off screen can inspire growth, courage, and authenticity in everyone involved.

1, 2, 3 Boyfriend ni Marie

Stepping into the shoes of Marie was both thrilling and intimidating for Perlas. She admitted that at first, self-doubt clouded her confidence. Yet, instead of letting fear take over, she embraced the challenge, turning her nervousness into motivation.

“Nung una natatakot ako kung kakayanin ko ba, pero I took it as a challenge and since this is also a venture that I have always wanted to try. That’s why I am grateful to my management for trusting me and giving me this role and of course to the director, production staff and other casts who are also my friends, they were the ones who helped me understand the role and gave me tips and suggestions so I can represent Marie better,” she shared.

Her gratitude shines through as she recalls how the team guided her—friends who became mentors, making the set feel less intimidating and more like a safe space to grow.

Their friendship became a stepping stone in making the project successful. As Perlas explained, “Our friendship really helped since very comfortable na kami with each other so I really felt supported by Niko. And syempre nag eenjoy lang talaga kami on set. Marami silang dapat abangan for sure matutuwa yung fans dito.”

Niko shared the same sentiment, explaining how their off-screen closeness transformed into authentic onscreen chemistry. “Our real-life relationship definitely helped with the chemistry. Mas natural yung emotions. Pero syempre, we also made sure to separate real life from our characters para hindi siya one-dimensional. For the fans, expect lots of kilig, but also drama and twists that will surprise them. We poured our hearts into this project, so we’re excited for everyone to see it.”

For Niko, the project also brought them closer, allowing them to understand and appreciate each other more.

Niko and Perlas Humble Beginnings to Fueling Passion

Both Niko and Perlas have come a long way from where they started.their paths shaped by hard work and passion.

For Perlas, landing brand collaborations still feels surreal. “In terms of career opportunities, of course I am very blessed that brands entrusted me ”. She encourages dreamers to keep going.

 “Totoo talaga yung statement na ‘never give up.’ We all have different timelines in our life. Honor the timeline that you are in. Looking back when I was still starting, I did not expect that I will be here, but I just continued doing what I love doing.”

Niko treats his many roles not as separate tasks but as extensions of himself. “Honestly, it’s all about remembering why I started. Performing and creating content have always been my way of expressing myself. When things get busy, I try to look at every project as an opportunity to grow and learn something new. That keeps the passion alive. I don’t see it as juggling different roles, but more like exploring different parts of who I am.”

The bond with their audience is equally important. “I get most excited when I create content that feels genuine.Whether it’s dancing or even just sharing my daily life. Kapag nararamdaman kong tumatagos siya sa mga nanonood, and they comment na ‘same, relate ako d’yan,’ that’s the best feeling. It means what I’m doing isn’t just for me, but also for everyone who supports me.”

The Building Chemistry of Niko and Perlas

On and off camera, their connection radiates naturally, making their partnership something fans can’t help but root for. But for them, it’s more than kilig—it’s trust, support, and shared joy.

Perlas described it beautifully, “Trust, because we know we can rely on each other no matter what. Support, because we constantly lift each other up through challenges. And joy, because at the end of the day, being together always makes the journey lighter and more meaningful.”

As for Niko, working with Perlas was both a joyful and enriching experience. “Collaborating with Perlas was a mix of fun and growth. Since we already know each other well off-screen, our chemistry sparked naturally, making every scene feel effortless. At the same time, we challenged one another to step up—not just to deliver kilig, but to bring true depth and authenticity to our characters. It was a process that was equally enjoyable and meaningful.”

Beyond the Spotlight: A Love That Grounds Them

For Niko Badayos and Perlas, despite the fame and support, thriving on social media isn’t always easy. While it fuels their passion, it also exposes them to a daily mix of praise and criticism.

Perlas shared, “May mga comments na sobrang nakaka-inspire, nakakatuwa, mayroon din comments siyempre na hindi ko alam saan sila nanggaling at bakit minsan hurtful. Pero I’ve learned not to be affected with the negative comments especially if I know that these comments are not true. What matters most is kilala ko yung sarili ko at ng mga mahal ko sa buhay.”

Together, they’ve built a support system that keeps them grounded. Niko explained, “We’ve learned that trust and loyalty are everything. In an industry where things can get overwhelming, having someone you can rely on—who cheers for you genuinely—is priceless.”

Perlas added, “A solid partner gives you confidence to take risks, the strength to face challenges, and the reminder that no matter how tough things get, you’re never facing it alone.”

Expected to have its digital premiere in September, 1, 2, 3 Boyfriend ni Marie will debut on BeetzeePLAY, a platform revolutionizing Filipino storytelling through vertical shorts and Piso Seryes, proving once again how Cornerstone Entertainment continues to fuse art and technology for today’s online audience.

Niko Badayos and Perlas goes beyond onscreen chemistry—it’s about how a genuine connection can fuel growth, confidence, and bring out the best in everyone.

Their trust, loyalty, and support for one another show that when relationships are built on authenticity and care, they don’t just create chemistry —they also empower each person to become a better version of themselves, both on and off camera.

Photographer | Patrick Uy Editor (@opatrickuyy) | Deniell Rivera Supervising Editor | John Cursor Uy Creative Lead | John Vincent Padlan & Patrick Uy

Special Thanks: Cornerstone Entertainment CEO | Erickson Raymundo (@visionerickson) VP & COO | Jeff Vadillo (@jeffvadillo) Head of Production | Tin Calawod Ad & Promo Team: Caress Caballero (@poweercaressing), John Vincent Padlan, Jonald Helito (@dojownald), Chud David Dulay (@ccduls) Handlers: Austin De Guzman (@austindeguzman), Ina Agabe (@inaagabe), Danika Palanca