'On the Wings of Love' episode 1 recap: Jadine in TV team-up

FIRST DAY. James Reid and Nadine Lustre's show 'On The Wings of Love' debuts Monday, August 10 with a strong start. File photo by Manman Dejeto/Rappler

On The Wings of Love tells the story of two people – Leah Olivar (Nadine) and Clark Medina (James) – who meet in the United States. (WATCH: James Reid and Nadine Lustre in 'On The Wings of Love' trailers)

The pilot episode opens with a voice over of Leah saying that if you let a bird go, it will come back to you if it truly loves you. We see Leah's mom, Rona (Isay Alvarez), announcing to the Olivar family, composed of Tatang Sol (Joel Torre), Leah and older sister Tiffany, that she has gotten her papers to work in the US. She tells Leah that she will take them to San Francisco, where she will work one day.

Months after her mother’s move to the US, the family received bad news: Rona died in an accident and due to to financial problems could not bring back her remains in the country. Since then, Leah promised herself that she will go to the US to visit her mom’s grave.

Fast forward to the present, a grown up Leah goes to the US Embassy to present her documents for an American visa along with her boyfriend Jiggs and members of her school’s chorale. After explaining that she wants to go to the US to visit her mom’s grave and for the chorale, Leah is granted a visa, while Jiggs was denied. Leah then goes home to tell her family the good news.

HELLO AMERICA. Leah gets her visa from the US. Screengrab from YouTube

On the way home, she stops by the house they used to live in. She meets her neighbors who are preparing for Santacruzan. Her sister Tiffany appears with her daughter and persistent suitor Tolayts. When one of their neighbors ask Tiffany if she can be their Reyna Elena, she declines.

After arriving at home, Leah announces that she has gotten her American visa to the delight of her family. Leah also reminds her father about his health condition, and he assures them that he was okay. Jiggs drops by and shares how mad he is about being denied a visa. When Leah does not answer, Jiggs makes her choose between the US or him – Leah doesn't answer, prompting Jiggs break to break up with her.

BREAK-UP. Jiggs threatens to break up with Leah if she ever flies to the US. She eventually follows her dream. Screengrab from YouTube

Meanwhile, Clark, Jiggs' cousin, officially takes his oath with other immigrants, swearing his loyalty and abiding the laws of the US. Clark works as a bellboy in a hotel along with his friend Denzel (Thou Reyes). Clark calls his grandma Lola Ima (Nanette Inventor) and his siblings. Jiggs, who is in a bad mood after his break up with Leah, abruptly says he is tired and leaves after Clark asks how he is.

AMERICAN CITIZEN. Clark takes his oath before a judge. Screengrab from YouTube

Back at the Olivars, Leah runs to her sister Tiffany as she cries over her break up with Jiggs. Tiffany tells her sister: “Ang mga ganyang lalake, kinakalimutan iyan.” (Those kinds of boys, just forget them.)

It was also during the talk with her sister that Leah says she wants to work in the US. Tiffany replies that it is a risk to be a TNT (Tago nang Tago or someone who is staying in a country illegally). Mang Sol overhears this and is against the idea, saying he would rather have her stay then lose her like what happened to their mother. Leah, on the other hand, told her father she only wants to help the family and get their house back.

After much thinking, Sol allows Leah to go to the US on the condition she stays there legally.

LETTING GO. Mang Sol allows Leah to work in the US but makes her promise she will do it legally. Screengrab from YouTube

Leah then flies to San Francisco with her chorale group. Excited that she has finally arrived in the US, Leah unintentionally bumps into Clark face to face while walking along the street.

THE MEETING. Did Leah kiss Clark on the street? Screengrab from YouTube

What awaits Leah on her San Francisco adventure? Will she and Clark bump into each other more often? Will Leah finally be able to fulfill her American dream?

The #OTWOLArrival became the top hashtag, followed by Pangako Sa ‘Yo’s #PSYPagtuwidSaNakaraan. (WATCH: Full trailer of ‘On The Wings of Love’)

TRENDING. 'On The Wings of Love's' pilot episode trends on Monday, August 10. Screengrab from Twitter

What are your thoughts about the first episode of On The Wings of Love? Let us know in the comments section. – Rappler.com