Television viewers are bombarded with numerous shows year in and year out. And once in a while we are given characters that are so memorable that they become part of our everyday lives.
We follow their adventures and anticipate every twist and turn they encounter. We get excited when something new happens to them. We cry with them when tragedy strikes. We're happy for them when good fortune smiles. But in the end, what matters is the satisfaction of watching their lives unfold before our eyes.
We look at the stars and their television characters of the past year. They are the stars who left an indelible mark with the characters they portrayed and left us longing for them to be part again of our daily viewing habit.
Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson (Sana Maulit Muli)
The love team that people followed right after their debut in the hit show, Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition, Kim and Gerald were finally given a mini-series of their own. And both did not disappoint their fans when Sana Maulit Muli premiered at the start of 2007.
Childhood friends Jasmine ‘Poknat' Sta. Maria (Kim Chiu) and Travis ‘Bokbok' Johnson (Gerald Anderson) promise to write each other as they get separated upon their arrival in Manila. But fate intervenes and they struggle to have their destinies spun together. Time travel allows Travis to correct things and make their relationship work out for the better. In the end, Poknat and Bokbok end up together.
Kim and Gerald were later rewarded with a movie I've Fallen for You, which was directed by Lino Cayetano, and shows in ABS-CBN like Gokada Go and Love Spell presents Cindy-rella. "Kimerald" fans have something to be giddy about as more shows are being lined up for them in 2008.
Jennylyn Mercado & Nadine Samonte (Super Twins)
"Kapangyarihan ng Araw! Taglay ay liwanag. Kambal na lakas. Kami ang Super Twins!" was the tagline of the hit fantaserye.
The telefantasya from GMA-7 was followed by kids all hoping to transform like child stars Nicole Dulalia and Ella Cruz, the lead stars of Super Twins. With their powerful rings, Sha-Sha (Nicole) and Tin-Tin (Ella) transform into teenage superheroes Super S (Jennylyn Mercado) and Super T (Nadine Samonte), respectively. The twins were guided by a patient Eliseo (Dennis Trillo) who foresaw trouble brewing. His twin brother, Eliazar (also played by Dennis) sought to have possession the powers of the ring and conquer the world.
Dressed in sailor costume, Jennylyn and Nadine with alter egos Nicole and Ella, were adored by kids because of their passionate search to save their mother as well. The series ended on a high note, leaving viewers wishing that the Super Twins would fly again.
Jennylyn recently made news with her pregnancy by boyfriend Patrick Garcia She will be on hiatus from the Kapuso network. Fans are hoping to see Jennylyn once again on the boob tube after she delivers her baby. Nadine is part of the cast of the hit teleserye, Marimar, where she plays Inocencia.
Eliza Pineda (Maria Flordeluna)
A remake of the drama series, Flordeluna that made Janice de Belen popular in the 80's also made a star out of Eliza Pineda. Eliza's acting capabilities were already being praised when she became part of another ABS-CBN teleserye Mga Anghel na Walang Langit. She was given a chance to shine in Maria Flordeluna and pit acting talents with drama luminaries Albert Martinez, Liza Lorena, and Eula Valdez.
According to Eliza, Maria Flordeluna's last episode scored high in the Davao City ratings and in the nationwide survey as well. "May isang viewer nga po sa Davao ang inatake dahil sa sobrang na-carried away nung namatay si Flordeluna. Namatay din po siya," Eliza said after the end of the series.
Eliza will star in the upcoming Kung-Fu Kids, also on ABS-CBN.
Kokey (Kokey)
When the lovable alien hit the boob tube in August, no one expected that Kokey would become a big star. The television series was a remake of the 1997 movie by Romy Suzara, which starred Carlo Aquino, Ricky Davao, and Cherry Pie Picache.
But Kokey would endear himself not only to young orphan Bong (Joshua Cadelina) but to millions of young viewers. Viewers would watch out for the misadventures of the two, who go on a search of the parents of Kokey while thwarting of threats by his mortal enemy, Korokoy.
It also helped that Kokey appeared in practically all ABS-CBN shows. He even became part of the music album, ASAP Supah Dance Album helping create a dance craze for fans to follow. Kids would even imitate his manner of speaking, a combination of sing-song and weird accent.
A lot of fans were saddened when the show ended last November. " I shall return," Kokey promised and left viewers to anticipate his comeback.
Yasmien Kurdi and JC de Vera (Pati Ba Pinting ng Puso/ Pasan Ko ang Daigdig)
After her successful stint with the primetime series Bakekang, Yasmien was given her first solo soap in the afternoon slot of GMA-7. Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso? was a remake of the 1985 Viva movie that starred Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion.
"Biglaan nga lang ito. Ibinigay sa akin kung kailan lang. Pinanood ko muna ang pelikula ni Ate Sharon tapos nagustuhan ko ang movie kaya nag-go na rin ako. I will just do my best na lang para ma-earn ko ang title," Yasmien said at the presscon of the show where she was introduced as GMA-7's new Drama Princess.
And Yasmine and her team-up with JC de Vera did not disappoint network executives. The two were later cast in another remake of a Sharon Cuneta movie, Pasan Ko ang Daigdig where the two got to work with director Joel Lamangan and award-winning actress Gina Alajar.
Krystal Reyes and Eunice Lagusad (Princess Charming)
Both Eunice and Krystal came into our boob tube via the drama series Bakekang in 2006. Because of their popularity during the series, they were given a new show in the afternoon drama program Princess Charming. Again they charmed the viewers with their acting talent.
Krystal got an even bigger break when she was given Mga Mata ni Anghelita. The series was a remake of a Julie Vega movie and the series was perfect for her because of their similarities. The 10-year old child actress was very grateful that the show was given to her.
"Hindi nga po ako nakapanood noong pelikula kasi wala na yata silang makuha na kopya. Ikinuwento na lang po sa akin 'yung pelikula at kung sino si Julie Vega. Gusto nga po nila ay magbigay ako ng sarili kong style sa pag-arte na hindi ko kinokopya si Julie Vega. Naiintindihan ko naman po ang kuwento nila at ginagawa ko po ang makakaya ko para matuwa po sila sa akin," Krystal said.
Sunshine Dizon (Bakekang)
Bakekang was first introduced to us by Carlo J. Caparas in his serialized comics in the early ‘70s. It was made into a movie in 1978 by Nora Aunor. And this was introduced to us in September 2006.
The question of who would portray the title role in Bakekang was very much talked about. The choices were Jean Garcia or Angel Locsin or Jolina Magdangal, but Sunshine Dizon eventually got the role.
"I hope I become a better person sa pagganap ko sa role ni Bakekang. It's a wonderful experience sa akin at labis ang pasasalamat ko sa GMA-7 na ipinagkatiwala sa akin ang ganitong role, kaya naman pinagbuti ko ang pagganap. Nakita naman natin kung ano ang kanyang [Bakekang] character, palaban pero mabait, at wala siyang hinangad kundi ang kabutihan ng kanyang mga anak. Kung may nasaktan man siya, binabawi niya 'yon," Sunshine said of her character and about being given the chance for her first solo starrer.
Sunshine proved her mettle in portraying a 40-year old woman who has two rivaling daughters (played by Yasmien Kurdi and Lovi Poe). "Natutuwa ako na kung minsan nasa labas ako, may biglang lalapit sa akin na nanay at sasabihan ako na, ‘Ganoon talaga ang mga anak. Ang anak ko nga ganito, ganoon.' Ang feeling ko, na-convince ko sila sa pagpu-portray ko ng role."
Sunshine would later team up with Jean Garcia and Jennylyn Mercado in the suspense horror series La Vendetta.
John Lloyd Cruz & Bea Alonzo, Sam Milby & Anne Curtis (Maging Sino Ka Man)
The series that ended May 2007 prompted a return to boob tube last December.
The saga which centers around the four characters of John Lloyd, Bea, Sam and Anne was closely followed when the drama series began on October 2006. It's dramatic one-liners were something to watch out for in the first season of the show.
"I never said that I love you," JB (Sam) said to Celine (Anna).
Another one goes, with Eli (John Llloyd) to Jackie (Bea): "Ikaw ang puso ko. Ikaw ang buhay ko. Ikaw lang, Jackie."
The show and the cast members received citations from various organizations. Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) chose the show as the Best Primetime Drama Series. John Lloyd was awarded as Best Drama Actor.
The four actors continue to be adored in Book 2 of the series, even if the cast has been expanded with the addition of notable drama actors and actresses like Philip Salvador, Rosanna Roces, and Angelica Panganiban. The second season lets them go deeper into their respective characters and explore more possibilities in the continuing saga of the Madrigals and Roxases.
Derek Ramsay (Ysabella)
Derek was a relatively unknown actor before this breakthrough role was given to him by ABS-CBN. As Mito Valenzuela, the sexy chef captured the heart of Ysabella (Judy Ann Santos), forming a love triangle with Ryan Agoncillo.
This is first lead role for Derek who was first known for his hosting skills as VJ on MTV Philippines and host of U Can Dance. He tested his acting mettle when he starred as villain in Ang Panday and in Super Inggo. And now he's made it to doing more lead roles.
"I'm so happy, kasi kung hindi sila pumayag at hindi nila ako gustong makatrabaho, I wouldn't have gone this far. Sa point na ito, I learn the value of pakikisama and friendship in the industry. And you will really be appreciated for what you are. Basta, gawin mo lang nang tama yung ini-expect sa 'yo," Derek said about working with Ysabella co-stars Judy Ann and Ryan.
More blessings followed suit for Derek. He signed a four-picture contract with Star Cinema in October 2007. He was tapped to join Book 2 of Maging Sino Ka Man where he stars alongside his real-life girlfriend Angelica Panganiban. And he's looking to return with Judy Ann Santos on her next teleserye.
Marian Rivera (Marimar)
Undoubtedly, the biggest star of 2007, Marian Rivera captivated everyone for her role in Marimar.
When GMA-7 announced that it had acquired the rights for the famous Mexican telenovela, everyone assumed that the title role would go to Angel Locsin. But Angel refused, and an audition was called by the network executives. The new primetime-series queen was crowned when Marian Rivera was chosen for Marimar.
"Hindi mabubuo ang primetime soap na ito if hindi namin nakita ang bagong Marimar. And since then, everything fell into place. GMA'7's next big star and our very own Pinay Marimar, Marian Rivera!" declared GMA-7 president Atty. Felipe Gozon during the launch of Marimar.
And Marian did not fail. Marimar continues to earn high points in the ratings and has had a loyal following every night. Even if it was a remake, Pinoys still followed this version of the Mexican teleserye in its every plot twist and turn. Marian as Marimar has endeared herself to television viewers of all ages.
Many await with bated breath the ending of the show this March. But they also anticipate the next show of Marian Rivera, whether she will fly as Darna or swim as Dyesebel.