Since its premiere on January 3, 2025, Ang Mutya ng Section E has skyrocketed to mainstream and international success, cementing itself as a cultural phenomenon in Filipino entertainment. Based on the Wattpad novel by Lara Flores (pen name: Eatmore2behappy), the Viva One series follows Jay-Jay, a girl who transfers to a prestigious high school and ends up in the notorious Section E — a class filled with unruly boys where she is the only female student. What begins as a culture clash soon evolves into a compelling story of friendship, romance, and identity.
The first season concluded on April 25, 2025, with a tender confession and a series of sweet kisses between Jay-Jay (played by Ashtine Olviga) and Kiefer (Andres Muhlach), leaving fans emotional and hopeful for a second season. Meanwhile, Yuri Hanamichu (Rabin Angeles), the third angle of the show’s simmering love triangle, remains a fan favorite, making the dynamics between the three leads one of the show’s most talked-about elements.
Though Nica Glorioso of Nylon Manila described the series as “a cliché,” she also praised it for delivering depth and heart, especially through Olviga’s performance, calling it full of “vulnerability and comedic chops.” Ashtine’s portrayal of Jay-Jay has since been hailed as her breakout role.
Global Recognition and Fan Frenzy
On March 8, 2025, The Philippine Star officially declared Mutya ng Section E a “global sensation.” Fans from around the world have been posting dubbed clips and translated edits on social media. “We’re so shocked by the countless edits where the language is different, and the music is different too,” Olviga shared. “Even our comment sections are full of people speaking in different languages.”
The show’s digital popularity has spilled over into music and live events, demonstrating its far-reaching cultural impact.
Soundtrack Sensations: When Storylines Drive Streams
The show’s success has directly influenced the music charts. Two of its soundtrack songs are currently topping Spotify Philippines, thanks to the emotional pull of the series’ love arcs. At No. 1 is Tibok by Earl Agustin — a soulful anthem that had quietly existed for two years before its inclusion in the show propelled it to the top. Formerly seen as an Arthur Nery sound-alike, Agustin has stepped into the spotlight, gaining widespread recognition and shaking off earlier comparisons.
Tibok is the theme for the Jay-Jay and Yuri storyline, and its rise has been matched only by Sa Bawat Sandali by Amiel Sol, which now holds the No. 2 spot. That song, connected to the Jay-Jay and Kiefer pairing, had long been a fan favorite and even has a version recorded by Ashtine Olviga herself. The musical appeal of the show has created a powerful feedback loop — fans of the series drive the songs up the charts, and music lovers discover the show through the soundtrack.
Another notable track is Daleng-Daleng by MMJ, an older song that has found new life by serving as the opening and closing theme of each episode. Thanks to Mutya, it’s now enjoying a surprise resurgence in popularity.
Section E Nation: From Streaming to the Stage
To celebrate the show’s overwhelming success, director Paul Basinillo is launching Section E Nation, a two-day live fan event at the New Frontier Theater on May 1 and 2. “It’s important for me, as a director, to create not just an event, but a full emotional experience for the fans,” Basinillo said. The event promises live renditions of the show’s beloved songs, surprise performances, and moments of connection between fans and cast members.
“With the response we’re seeing, we’re already exploring moving to a larger venue,” Basinillo added. “As of now, we’re full, and we want to give everyone a chance to be part of this special moment.”
A Bright Future for a Breakout Series
As questions swirl around whether Ang Mutya ng Section E will return for a second season, one thing is clear: it has become much more than just a digital series. It’s a platform for rising stars, a soundtrack for young love, and a symbol of Filipino creativity resonating with a global audience.
Whether you’re a fan of the show, the soundtrack, or both, there’s no denying that Mutya ng Section E is setting the tone for a new wave of Filipino pop culture — vibrant, emotional, and undeniably infectious.
Stay tuned — the Mutya magic is just getting started.
