(From left) Title cards of “May Bukas Pa,” “On The Wings of Love,” “Ang Probinsyano,” and “Mara Clara.” Images: Courtesy of ABS-CBN
Deo Endrinal is honored not just during his lifetime, but also in death because of his enormous contribution to the entertainment industry. particularly in TV production.
Ask any Filipino what’s their favorite teleserye of all time and there’s a huge chance that it will be a show produced by ABS-CBN’s Dreamscape Entertainment. Since its establishment in the 1990s, the content production unit has been the creator of the network’s biggest shows that struck a chord among the audience.
Under Endrinal’s leadership, Dreamscape produced a string of successful dramas that launched the successful careers of many celebrities such as Judy Ann Santos, Claudine Barretto, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Coco Martin, Zaijian Jaranila, Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, and Nadine Lustre, to name a few.
As we celebrate the legacy of the late ABS-CBN executive, allow us to take a trip down memory lane by listing 10 of his biggest TV series of all time.
“Mara Clara” (1992) and (2010)
“Mara Clara” was among the first offerings of Dreamscape in the 1990s which propelled the then-rookies Judy Ann Santos and Gladys Reyes into superstardom. With 1,167 episodes, it’s considered one of the longest-running dramas of all time.
The show is a coming-of-age story of Mara del Valle (Judy Ann Santos) and Clara Davis (Gladys Reyes) who were switched at birth and became rivals in life and in love.
A remake starring Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes premiered in 2010 and lasted for almost a year. Fresh from their child star roles in “Goin’ Bulilit,” the series took viewers on a nostalgic ride, while the young actresses got to hone their acting chops to become two of show biz’s brightest stars.
Mula Sa Puso (1997)
Any 90s kid hooked on watching TV would remember the infamous bus explosion scene of “Mula sa Puso” which was meant to make it seem like a terrorist attack by Selina (Princess Punzalan) in a desperate attempt to kill Via (Claudine Barretto). However, the nefarious plan failed as it turned out that Via left the bus to go to the restroom.
The show tells the story of an 18-year-old Via who falls in love with Gabriel (Rico Yan) although she was arranged to be married to her childhood friend Michael (Diether Ocampo).
Tayong Dalawa (2009)
Two brothers, David “Dave” Garcia (Jake Cuenca) and David “JR” Garcia (Gerald Anderson), were separated by fate after their father David Garcia Sr. fell in love with two women. Their paths eventually crossed as they grew up although their initial healthy rivalry evolved into a longstanding battle for the love of Audrey (Kim Chiu).
Aside from the three leads, the show also launched the mainstream career of the then-indie actor Coco Martin.
May Bukas Pa (2009)
Zaijian Jaranila captured the hearts of viewers after starring as the titular “Santino,” a “miracle boy” who could see and speak to the Lord, whom he fondly called “Bro.” The show revolves around the orphaned child’s adventures as he helps many people realize the beauty of life.
Some of the biggest names who made guest appearances on the show are Christopher de Leon, Gabby Concepcion, Cristine Reyes, Isko Moreno, Susan Roces, and Anne Curtis.
The show is based on the 1955 Spanish film “Miracle of Marcelino” and a revival of the 2000 show of the same name.
My Binondo Girl (2011)
“My Binondo Girl” re-established Kim Chiu as a capable actress away from the shadow of the KimErald love team, her former onscreen partnership with ex-boyfriend Gerald Anderson. It was also the show, however, which became the start of her love story with then-suitor Xian Lim.
The series tells the story of Jade Dimaguiba Sy (Kim Chiu) who poses as her late brother Yuan Sy to win the approval of her father Chen Sy (Richard Yap), as the latter favored having a son.
Budoy (2011)
On the other hand, Gerald Anderson relaunched himself as a solo actor with the success of “Budoy.” The heartwarming series tells the story of Budoy Maniego (Gerald Anderson) who was given to a caretaker to save his biological family from shame.
Coming from a family of doctors, Budoy was born through artificial insemination as his parents Luisa (Zsa Zsa Padilla) and Dr. Anton Maniego (Tirso Cruz III) were desperate to have a child. The initial excitement over his coming to the world turned into embarrassment as Budoy was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome.
Walang Hanggan (2012)
The blooming of the onscreen and off-screen partnership of Coco Martin and Julia Montes was made possible with “Walang Hanggan” which is based on the 1991 film “Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit” and the 1847 novel “Wuthering Heights.”
The teleserye, although it focused on the romance between Daniel (Coco Martin) and Katerina (Julia Montes), revolves around love stories that spanned generations including the love triangle of sisters Margaret Cruz-Montenegro (Helen Gamboa), Virginia Cruz (Susan Roces), and Joseph Montenegro (Eddie Gutierrez); and Emily Cardenas-Guidotti (Dawn Zulueta) and Marco Montenegro (Richard Gomez).
On The Wings of Love (2015)
Probably one of the most well-known teleseryes among Gen Zs, “On The Wings of Love” revolves around Leah Olivar (Nadine Lustre) who’s forced to marry Clark Medina (James Reid) to remain in the US legally. The romance series, which marked the ex-couple’s first project after transferring to ABS-CBN, also gave birth to the notable break-up scene between their characters after Leah chose to prioritize her career over her relationship with Clark.
Despite not having good impressions of each other, Leah and Clark eventually grew fond of each other until they opened their hearts to love.
FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (2015)
Holding the record as the longest-running teleserye of all time, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” is based on the 1996 film of the same name which starred the late action star Fernando Poe Jr.
But the series eventually deviated from its original storyline, with Cardo Dalisay (Coco Martin) dedicating his life to helping others. The show also became a stepping stone for budding and veteran celebrities to return to the spotlight.
Kadenang Ginto (2018)
“Kadenang Ginto” introduced the public to a new generation of dramatic actresses through Andrea Brillantes and Francine Diaz, who starred as Marga and Cassy, respectively.
The drama also became one of the biggest afternoon soaps in its prime, with the intense rivalry between mother-and-daughter duos Romina (Beauty Gonzalez) and Cassy, and Daniela (Dimples Romana) and Marga, as they battle who’s worthy of the Mondragon name and legacy.