My Top 21 Dramas for 2008

Hello! Here’s my first entry for 2009. Hindi ako makatulog kagabi kasi bukod sa bangag ako mula sa pagdiwang ng Bagong Taon, hindi ako makatulog kasi nagbe-brainstorm na ako ng mga palabas sa TV na nagkaroon ng impact sa telebisyon.  So heto na!

1.    Lobo (ABS-CBN)-This soap tops my list because of its bold attempt to mi drama, fantasy, and thriller while at the same time maintaining its quality, premise, and ensemble cast. I was hoping that the series would end tragically but in a good note, because it gave viewers clues that the characters played by Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual would become tragic lovers or in Filipino “Sawing Magkasintahan”, and yet it ended the other way around.

2.    Ligaw na Bulaklak (ABS-CBN)-This is the second ABS produced another daytime soap for its revitalized afternoon line-up after Prinsesa ng Banyera. So far, off all the recent daytime soaps aired by ABS recently, Ligaw is the one to beat. The lead actress, Roxanne Guinoo showed her versatility as the horse-whispering wildflower protagonist, Leah, who throughout her life tried to piece together her broken family because of her father’s fatal belief about her. The series also marked the first time that the Filipinos’ love for horseracing gambling is tackled thus the industry plays a pivotal role in soap as a whole. Roxanne was successful in effectively act out her character, who grew to maturity and what was first thought to be a “jump-the-shark" scene when her true love died before the conclusion of the series became a vital point that further proven that Leah is strong of a woman. A well-written and well-acted soap indeed!

3.    Kahit Isang Saglit (ABS-CBN)-This soaps markes the first time ABS-CBN co-produced a soap opera with a foreign company, Double Vision from Malaysia. What makes this show unique is the combination of production values, skills, and cinematography coming from both the Filipinos and the Malaysians. Jerico Rosales have indeed made a big comeback with this soap. Mindless if it was placed on a late slot on primetime, what matters is that the quality of the story, the characters, and the effective collaboration of two foreign media outfits equated with a high quality drama that both the Philippines and the Malaysia should be proud of!

4.    I Love Betty La Fea (ABS-CBN)-The 19th country to have an adaptation based on the popular Colombian telenovela, “Yo Soy Betty La Fea”, our Better La Fea borrows elements from the original as well as the US adaptation but at the same time, its storyline deviates from the original plot. It is currently entering its fourth month on air but what makes the show stay afloat is  by remaining interesting with every subplot confronted by the title character. This one also boast of an ensemble cast so it is necessary to keep all of them interesting and never go underused and overused for that matter. What I like about this series is that, it was able to effectively show women empowerment in the Philippine setting, with the Pinay Betty the epitome of such (a reflection of good moral character and strong willingness)

5.    Joaquin Bordado (GMA-7)-Mas inaabangan ko ito kaysa sa Dyesebel.  This adaptation of the popular komiks serial is quite interesting: a former assassin who was chosen to become a “bordado”, a tattooed warrior, who possess powers, gained from the tattoos given to him, in order to save the world from those interested on using such powers for evil. Robin’s characterization was successful in making the title character a farb cry  from his past comedic and happy-go-lucky character in Asian Treasures. The subplots centering around the show’s supporting characters were able to connect themselves to the main plot, although the timeline  within the show’s reality occurs on a 2-3 hour average per episode. But all-in-all, this is one of the best action-themed shows yet.

6.    Kung Fu Kids (ABS-CBN)-I beg to disagree, this cannot be regarded as the first “Pinoy live anime” but merely possess elements of an action anime that happens to be a live series. Anyway, this show may have lasted for one-season/13 weeks, ABS was able to prove that it too could able to make an action series if given the same attention that other good rated shows have.

7.    Kapitan Boom (ABS-CBN)-When Komiks returned after a months-long hiatus, it continued its mini-series format that was started with Francisco Coching’s Pedro Penduko. Although it airs weekly, Kapitan Boom was able to impress me with its believable and modest special effects, its interesting plotline, and cinematography. It continued on as a mini-komiks inspired mini-series during the airing of Varga. I’m looking forward for this character’s return this year for Isanglakas.

8.    Maligno (ABS-CBN)-The TV version differentiates itself much from the 1970’s Susan Roces suspense thriller by the more emphasis given on the supposed demon child Claudine Barreto was conceived with. It definitely gave me scares with their clever storytelling (thanks surprisingly from notorious director, Wenn Deramas), and surprise twists (no wonder the yaya wasn’t killed by the white bald demon-pet).

9.    Minsan Kitang Minahal(ABS-CBN)-Your Song adopted a monthly min-series format when it entered its third year on air. The first installment stars Heart Evangelista as a 30-something heartbroken entrepreneur, Erich Gonzales as her assistant in her early 20’s, and Jason Abalos as a 20-something call center agent who has a crush on heart but is the apple of Erich’s eye. The innocence of love is cleverly shown and how the characters were portrayed gave us the idea that even if love does exist, it is never enough to keep you from moving on. Jason and Heart’s characters may not ended up together at the finale, what mattered was that they were able to love even after love fails them.

10.    Without You (ABS-CBN)-Another Your Song installment, it tackles one of the most sensitive issues affecting society, same-sex relationships. But as in all relationships (regardless of orientation), sometimes you need not to be selfish and let the one you love free to make his decisions. The show starred Victor Basa as the confused guy who have somehow fallen to an openly-gay guy portrayed by Joross Gamboa. Joross’s character knew that he cannot let Victor escape from his responsibilities as a father to his love child, and he knew that Victor might not have any feelings for him after-all. Fortunately, in the end, they became the best of friends.

11.    My Only Hope(ABS-CBN)-Your Song by November adopted a season-long format starting with this mini-series. The show is dark in tone buut nevertheless, it gave us an idea how love can get entangled by the problems caused by the show’s different characters. Despite that, love gave a person a reason to live, a reason to hope, and a reason to be free. My Only Hope is reaching its climax, and I’m glad that Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson improved on their acting, such that they matured as the series progresses.

12.    Midnight DJ (TV5)-A weekly horror series co-produced by the Associated Broadcasting Company and Malaysian production outfit, Double Vision (who gave us 3R and Kahit Isang Saglit), it follows the reins of past horror serials like Oka Tokat and Text. Season One introduced us to Patrick, (Paolo Contis) a DJ by midnight and a ghost whisperer at day. He solves mysterious cases that involves with the paranormal while he sits on deck for his popular late night radio show. The season however ended with Patrick’s death (brought about by Contis’s departure due to an exclusivity clause on his new contract with GMA). Season 2 started with the spirit of Patrick, sending a message to his girlfriend (played by Desiree del Valle) by having her dream about his replacement for his show, an common con-man played by Oyo Boy Sotto. Initially, he doesn’t have a gift of seeing spirits, he has a very sharp mind that proves to be helpful especially when lost spirits come to him themselves by showing off clues.  Well, it is expected that Paolo should re-appear in the series, even as a ghost, in order to give some closure of sorts to his character.

13.    Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan (GMA-7)-I chanced upon this series a few months ago and it is truly a tragic story. This drama showed us that despite making a mistake that could fatally result to the devastation of a loving relationship, that mistake somehow became a blessing in disguise. Sinuko ng tauhan ni Camille Prats ang anak niya kay Diana Zubiri bago siya namatay. Pero bago pa man siya binawian ng buhay ay hiniling niya kay Diana na huwag siyang tumigil sa pagmamahal niya kay Marvin Agustin, ang ama ng anak niya, alang-ala sa bata na walang alam sa ginawang kasalanan ni Camille.

14.    Iisa Pa Lamang (ABS-CBN)-This soap has the elements of the stereotypical telenovela, but what makes this different from the others is its fast pacing, given that it only lasted about four months. During its run, it gained notoriety with its unbelievable one-liners and catfights, something that haven’t been done on any Philippine soap opera for a very long time.

15.    Dyosa (ABS-CBN)-This is probably Anne Curtis’s best performance since her ABS-CBN debut with “Hiram”.  I like how the production team portrayed Philippine folk characters as gods and goddesses in a Greek mythological-like setting. As of late, the show picked up steam when it is about to reach its climax and I expect that it will be maintained well until the ends of the series’ run. On a negative note, the green space on the background is obviously seen whenever the setting is placed on either “Kabanua” or “Kasamyan”. But nevertheless, I hope Dyosa keeps up the good work.

16.    Dyesebel (GMA-7)-I’m not really much of a fan of this TV adaptation from Mars Ravelo’s works but I watch this because my sister hogs the TV. Another reason is that my classmate back in 1st term was in it (as the villainous Betty). Good points: the chemistry of Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera is still hot after their Marimar stint, and the main story is well maintained. Bad points: minor storylines are given more emphasis, the ridiculous appearances of the show’s sponsor as is slowly fades into a commercial break, and the timeline average for an episode last only within hours of the day. But other than that, special effects plays a critical role of giving the show a more appealing charm as a family show.

17.    Prinsesa ng Banyera (ABS-CBN)-I was glad that even before Angelika Dela Cruz transferred back to GMA, she was able to open up a new storyline that could explain the outcome of her character being written off, when her show was granted a second season. The second season also saw the entry of Ara Mina and Oyo Boy Sotto (who has a track record for most number of daytime soaps starred by a young actor like him as of late). That season started with the brutal murder of Mayumi Burgos, portrayed by Dela Cruz, Maningning Burgo’s (Kristine Hermosa) search for justice, and the hidden secret kept by the character of Neil Ryan Sese. I have long thought that the Burgos twin’s father was the character of Allan Paule and the father of Maningning’s lover was Sese,it was revealed that Sese’s character was in fact the father of Maningning and Mayumi. The paternity of TJ Trinidad’s character was never revealed. The series was supposedly granted a third season but creative differences between Kristine and its director forced the series to prematurely end with a few other key storylines left unresolved. Despite this, it ended on a good and somehow satisfying note.

18.    Hay…School Lyf (ABS-CBN)-This is the first part of the two-month final season of Star Magic Presents. Despite lasting for a month, it showed that the true friendship is beyond looks, beyond popularity and beyond personalities. A friend is always there whenever you are in need. whatever trouble you may be in, friends stick together through thick and thin!

19.    Love Spell Year 3 (ABS-CBN)-Year 3 lasted for one season when the show switched formats with Your Song and became a weekly episodic series. Year 3 also saw the change of tone when the episodes became dark. I liked the creative direction the show was heading though, because I believe this would somehow help with viewer’s maturity to not just rely on watching feel-good dramas. In addition, the dark-toned episodes are reflections of who were are in real-life: our desire to be accepted by being different, our dissatisfaction on the decisions that we make, our addiction to video games at an early and its devastating effects, our view of women’s as “dolls” to can be bought and replaced, and our inability to see beyond material things.

20.    My Girl (ABS-CBN) and Ako si Kim Samsoon (GMA-7)-I couldn’t decide which of these two adaptations of popular Korean dramedies (incidentally produced by Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation-Korea) are better so I decided to make them a tie. Both have their high and low points. As in the original, they both started out light and comedic in tone, but as they progress, My Girl and Ako Si… oth started to possess the typical stereotypes of past Philippine soaps. Their plots became dramatic in tone, they both have exaggerated “the ex-girlfriend” characters (although I must give a thumbs up for Nina Jose since she started out boring and insane at the beginning of My Girl), and further deviate (lumayo masyado) from original flow of their Korean counterparts. I know that the people behind production want to infuse Filipino elements on these remakes, but it’s unforgivable that their making them a wee bit farfetched and unbelievable unrealistic (as if the original My Girl and Samsoon were not unrealistic enough). The original My Girl was created to break stereotypes on how Korean leading female characters are portrayed while the original Kim Samsoon broke stereotypes on beauty and discrimination. Both ended up with the wedding of the lead characters, Jasmine and Julian sharing a heart sign with their hands, while Cyrus married a now-thin Samsoon (which kinda seems a bit ironic, IMO)

21.    Palos (ABS-CBN)-This is another action series that ABS made in attempt to regain its foothold on the genre after its not-so-satisfying take on the Panday franchise. Good points: The plot twists and the chemistry of Roxanne Guinoo and Jake Cuenca, as well as the tandem of onscreen father-and-son, Cesar Montano and Cuenca. Bad points: Since Palos could also passed off as a sci-fi series, it must at all cost abide by existing scientific theories or at least make fictional ones that somehow makes sense to the viewers. The supposed “computer chip”, the central item that drives the series, is said to contain a sort of computer virus that could infect and hack computer systems and eventually various strategic infrastructures like the stock market and the main frame of the CIA, thus being a much sought-after item. Given that situation needs a very explainable theory to justify that kind of possibility but that was never addressed thus making the series as a whole, inaccurate. Another is the annoying “leading lady” in the form of Valerie Garcia. I get that she’s supposed to be the love interest of Jake Cuenca, her character development is poor, in addition to her poor vocalization (I hate her irritating husky voice).
I have so many dramas that I wanna mention but I don’t wanna make the list longer than 21. But my New Year’s wish for upcoming dramas this year:

1.    ABS should can all their soaps so that the tendency to extend them and the like won’t happen. Their canned soaps seem to fare better than the traditional “still-under production” ones.
2.    GMA should once again create original productions to create variety in their primetime line-up, same goes for their daytime block. So as to not entirely depend on re-adapting existing works for television.
3.    TV5 should continue what they’re doing so viewers would be able to have a good alternative to the usual TV fare offered by ABS-CBN and GMA.
Merry Christmas!