Inspirational ‘teleserye’ teaches life lessons

The people involved in the “100 Days” teleserye should give themselves a well-deserved pat on the back: Not only has their show won plaudits from viewers, it’s also been made the teaching topic of a church sermon! We can state this with unimpeachable authority, because we heard the sermon in our parish last month.

That’s right, the priest was profuse in his appreciation of the teleserye’s ethical pertinence and other inspiring resonance, aside from giving high marks to its players, led by Coney Reyes, Jodie Santamaria and child star Xyriel Manabat.

He drew a number of lessons from the series’ themes, characters and conflict. Specifically, he urged churchgoers to learn from the story of Anna Manalastas, about the great importance of making amends, asking for forgiveness, attaining closure and deserving a second chance.

Conducive to empathy

“100 Days” may not end up as big a hit as “May Bukas Pa” was a couple of seasons ago, but it’s doing okay on its own as this season’s most inspiring TV series. It’s interesting that even church sermons are paying tribute to the show’s capacity to teach and inspire viewers.

Other TV shows should do more of this, because its storytelling format is more conducive to natural empathy than formal “teaching points.”

Some years ago, we were similarly surprised and gratified to hear Mass at Sto. Domingo Church, and hear a famous preacher base his sermon—on one of our columns! The specific essay that merited his interest was a piece we wrote about professionalism in the broadcast media—and we were frankly surprised that he was able to transform it into a larger paradigm and template for responsible living in general.

Thus did we realize that what we write sometimes has beneficial effects and resonance that are much more potent than we originally intended. As a result of this psychic affirmation of value and influence, we resolved to write with even greater sensitivity and care.

Nor was this the last time that we heard a church sermon based on something we had written. Last year, the column topic that a preacher used as “teaching point” was the misuse and abuse of child talents in show business. The priest urged all parents and teachers to be more aware of the vulnerability of the not quite fully formed sensibilities of children, whose psychological welfare is often taken for granted.

Dovetailing back to “100 Days,” we urge the creative staffers behind the show to take heart from the positive reactions it’s been getting, and redouble their efforts to make it a more tellingly affective, instructive and inspiring viewing experience.

As the story segues into its final third and Anna begs forgiveness from the daughter she so unfeelingly gave away years ago, the stage is being set for its most inspiring “life lesson” of all!