It's impossible to have everything in life, but it would be great to possess any of these qualities: being a super genius, the most attractive person, or the wealthiest kid on the block.

During the media conference for the Viva One Series Bad Genius, at Viva Cafe in Araneta City, stars Atasha Muhlach, Gab Lagman, Jairus Garcia, and Hyacinth Callado were asked which of these qualities—being the wealthiest, being a genius, or being the most attractive—they would prefer to have.

Gab: 'For me, it's a super genius. If you are super rich, wala kang pinagdadaanan. If you're a super genius, you're going to work hard for it, just like in business. It's cool to be a super genius.'

Jairo - 'Ako rin super genius because baka makaisip ako ng ways to become super rich. At magiging super attractive na rin ako kapag super genius.'

Atasha - 'For me, it's super genius because I think it's a great asset. It will bring you to many places in life.'

Hyacinth - 'Super genius. You can use that to become the wealthiest person. Being extremely attractive can suddenly disappear.'

Director Derick Cabrido also chose to be a super genius.

I want to be super rich kasi genius na ako eh. Joke lang. Of course, I want to be super genius because kapag matalino kang tao madalas alam mo na ang gagawin mo sa buhay, the director said.

'Bad Genius: The Series'

Everything is set for the July premiere of the Philippine adaptation of “Bad Genius: The Series, an offering from Studio Viva, which will be shown exclusively on Viva One.

Originating in Thailand, “Bad Genius” was first shown as a movie in 2017, telling the story of a straight-A student who devises a scheme to cheat on exams. It has become one of the most internationally successful Thai films of all time. In 2020, it was adapted into a series that won the awards for Best TV Drama Series and Best Screenplay.

The concept and execution of “Bad Genius” were pure genius, inspiring international adaptations. The first came in 2023 with the release of the Hindi language heist thriller called “Farrey”. Following Bollywood, the Hollywood version was released in October 2024. Both movies were praised for their suspense and entertainment value.

And now, we can finally –and proudly— claim our very own “Bad Genius”. The spotlight is on Atasha Muhlach as she takes on the lead role of Lin. Guided by award‑winning and blockbuster director Derick Cabrido (Mallari, Clarita), Atasha is ready to show her acting prowess.

Going “bad” with Muhlach are Jairus Aquino in the role of Bank, Gab Lagman as Pat, and Hyacinth Callado as Grace. All three have already worked together in successful Viva One series, “Safe Skies, Archer,” “Chasing in the Wild,” and “Avenues of the Diamond” -all part of a Wattpad phenomenon called “University Series”.

At the cast reveal and story conference held last March, the four prominent cast members shared their reactions upon learning they had been cast.

Atasha recalled that it was a “surreal moment” that she couldn’t help but shed happy tears. “Super grateful ako. This is my first, so I’m honored to have such a great project with a great team,” she said, and promised to give her 100 percent. “This (acting) is something I’ve been wanting to do since I was a kid, and now that this dream is happening, I don’t want it to go to waste.”

She went on to describe her character as “very mysterious, maraming personalities in a way and that’s going to reveal as the show progresses.” She said that it’s Lin’s intuition, observation and planning skills that make her a bad genius. “Pero mabait pa rin si Lin,” she emphasized.

Coming from a public school, Lin receives a scholarship to one of the country's top private high schools. She lives with her father, Vincent (Romnick Sarmenta), a hardworking public school teacher, while her mother, Winona (Yayo Aguila), is no longer in the picture. Wanting to be of help to her father, she is determined to keep her scholarship. She also wants to help other students who are struggling academically, and that’s when she discovers that she can earn from it. Although not in a good way.

Jairus said that “it’s beyond words” when he learned he was about to play Bank, because it was very different from what he had done in the past. He described the Bank as a “loving son” to Nenita (Irma Adlawan), a widowed laundrywoman. Bank has personal values he strives to uphold, but due to dire financial need, he decides to join Lin in her money‑making scheme, even though they’re competitors in the scholarship program. But despite all their schemes, there’s one person who always has her eyes on them – Principal Eleanor Perez (Sarah Lahbati), the one who awarded them their scholarship.

Direk Derick revealed that he had a lengthy discussion with the producers while searching for an actor to play Pat. It was only when Gab Lagman’s name came up that they all finally agreed that he’s the guy they were looking for! Gab described Pat as rich, but she struggles academically. He will serve as the spokesperson to get clients for their cheating scheme. Gab expressed his gratitude for bringing this part.

Hyacinth Callado, who plays Grace, described her character as “bubbly, outgoing, and kind”. She is the ultimate It Girl and Pat’s girlfriend. She needs high grades to get the lead role in the school’s theater group, and that’s when Lin comes in to help her. She can play the cheating game her way because of her wit and confidence. Callado said that she feels honored to be entrusted with this role and trusts Direk Derick’s vision for their series.

For his part, Direk Derick admitted to having felt nervous when he was offered this project. He said, “The original series had already set a standard, and hindi ka na dapat bababa doon…It’s a big challenge, and I love challenges,” and that’s precisely why he accepted.

Direk Derick guarantees that the whole series will not just entertain, but will tackle the situation of our education system right now.” To begin with, “that’s one of the reasons why the Thai movie/series became a hit. It’s not just pop culture, but tackles social commentaries,” he said.

Aside from this, Direk Derick added that he is very proud of Viva’s directive to show the characters outside the school and their relationship with their respective families, which will explain why they think and act the way they do. “Inaral namin ang bawat isang karakter to give a new flavor, new image,” so they will come out as truly Pinoy.

Another important thing, Direk Derick said, “We don’t want to send the wrong signal that we’re encouraging cheating. We made sure that the moral lesson is there.”

Aside from Romnick Sarmenta, Yayo Aguila, Irma Adlawan, and Sarah Lahbati, the 13-episode “Bad Genius: The Series” also stars Gold Aceron, Art Acuña, Lander Vera-Perez, Lester Llansang, Andrea Babierra, Keagan De Jesus, Alex Payan, Ash Jewel, and Kyosu Guinto.

Experience a thrilling ride of deception, ambition, and high-stakes exams with Atasha and the gang. Subscribe to vivaone.ph and stream “Bad Genius: The Series,” debuting on July 17, 2025, with new episodes every Thursday.