BATTLE OF REMAKES: 25 Classic movies and their ABS-CBN TV adaptations

KAMPANERANG KUBA

Kampanerang Kuba is a comics classic written by renowned writer Pablo S. Gomez. It was turned into a movie in 1973 with VILMA SANTOS portraying the title role--a hunchback lady with a deformed face who serves as a bell-ringer in the church. She turns into a pretty lady once an enchanted candle is lit.

In 2005, during the boom of fantaseryes, ABS-CBN decided to do a TV adaptation of this fantasy drama. Many actresses were rumored to reprise Vilma's role on TV, including Claudine Barretto and Jodi Sta. Maria. Eventually, the plum role was given to ANNE CURTIS. However, the series was considered a mild hit since it had a tough rival from the other network.

BITUING WALANG NINGNING

Now considered a classic, the 1985 movie Bituing Walang Ningning was based on a comics serial written by Nerissa Cabral. It featured CHERIE GIL as the movie star Lavinia, and SHARON CUNETA as Dorina, Lavinia's die-hard fan who later on becomes her rival to stardom. It was the movie that popularized the line "You're nothing but a second-rate trying hard, copycat!"

In 2006, the Kapamilya network decided to do a remake of the successful movie with SARAH GERONIMO as Dorina and ANGELIKA DELA CRUZ as Lavinia. Major changes were made to expand the two-hour film to a teleserye that aired from May to October 2006. Additional major characters were portrayed by Zsa Zsa Padilla and Ai-Ai Delas Alas.

ANG PROBINSYANO

Ang Probinsyano was a 1997 movie produced by its own lead star Fernando Poe, Jr. It revolves around a provincial cop who assumes the identity of his dead twin brother after the latter died in a drug bust operation. The movie was a success that it spawned a sequel titled Ang Pagbabalik ng Probinsyano in 1998.

Eighteen years later, in 2015, ABS-CBN and Dreamscape Entertainment bought the rights to air a TV adaptation of the said film, using the title FPJ's Ang Probinsyano. COCO MARTIN was handpicked to topbill the remake which aimed to give importance to policemen. Aside from Coco, FPJ's wife Susan Roces was also included in the cast.

The teleserye--which premiered in September 2015--was a success that it earned several extensions. The show is still enjoying a top-rating run on its 96th week, and is scheduled to end on January 2018.

PATAYIN SA SINDAK SI BARBARA

In 1974, SUSAN ROCES topbilled a psychological horror film titled Patayin Mo Sa Sindak Si Barbara. It is about Barbara, a selfless sister who has always sacrificed her happiness for her sister Ruth (ROSANNA ORTIZ), including the man she loved. Years later, Ruth committed suicide and started haunting Barbara, thinking that she was having an affair with her husband.

Star Cinema decided to do a movie adaptation in 1995, this time using the title Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara with LORNA TOLENTINO as Barbara and DAWN ZULUETA as Ruth.

In 2008, as part of ABS-CBN's umbrella series Sineserye Presents, the network did a remake of the movie for television as part of the Susan Roces Cinema Collection. The Kapamilya network tapped KRIS AQUINO to reprise the role of Barbara, and JODI STA. MARIA to portray Ruth. Susan also had a special role in the series as the mother of Ruth. Originally intended to run every Saturday night, the show ran for three weeks in the network's Primetime Bida slot.

MALIGNO

Maligno is a 1977 horror film starring SUSAN ROCES as Angela, a woman impregnated by an evil force. Years later, fear was built within her thinking that his son might be cursed and evil. The film includes actors Eddie Garcia, Celia Rodriguez, and Dante Rivero.

In 2008, as part of Sineserye's Susan Roces Cinema Collection, CLAUDINE BARRETTO was tapped to play the role of Angela in the remake. The 20-episode miniseries served as her TV comeback after giving birth to her first-born son Santino in 2007. Susan also appeared in the series as a narrator.

NAGSIMULA SA PUSO

Nagsimula sa Puso is a 1990 drama film starring RICHARD GOMEZ and HILDA CORONEL. The story revolves around a young college student (Richard) who engaged in a heated affair with his professor (Hilda). Richard earned his first FAMAS award and nomination for this movie.

In 2009, MAJA SALVADOR was given her first lead role in a teleserye via the adaptation of Nagsimula sa Puso, which was aired in the daytime slot of the Kapamilya network. She reprised the role of Hilda while COCO MARTIN was tapped to portray the role first played by Richard. Jaclyn Jose and Jason Abalos also played important roles in the TV series.

WALANG HANGGAN

DAWN ZULUETA and RICHARD GOMEZ topbilled the 1991 film Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit, which was based on Emily Bronte's classic novel Wuthering Heights. The film revolves around two star-crossed lovers whose relationship was opposed by many. The film catapulted Richard and Dawn as a premiere tandem in Philippine cinema and paved the way for them to enter a real-life relationship.

In 2012, ABS-CBN aired the compelling drama Walang Hanggan, which was loosely based on Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit. It topbilled COCO MARTIN and JULIA MONTES in the lead roles. Many were surprised as after playing teeny-bopper roles, Julia jumped into a mature role and was paired with Coco, who is 13 years her senior. The series also included Richard and Dawn playing important roles. Walang Hanggan was such a success that it earned several extensions and aired from January to October 2012.

PALIMOS NG PAG-IBIG

Palimos ng Pag-ibig is a comic novel by Nerissa Cabral which was turned into a 1986 movie directed by Eddie Garcia. It topbilled VILMA SANTOS and EDU MANZANO as a childless married couple. Desperate to have a child, Edu's character sought the help of a babymaker portrayed by DINA BONNEVIE. The movie popularized the classic line, "Para kang karinderyang bukas sa lahat ng gustong kumain."

ABS-CBN then had Palimos ng Pag-ibig as the premiere offering of Sineserye presents in 2007. DIETHER OCAMPO and RICA PERALEJO assumed the roles of Edu and Vilma, and Diether's then real-life wife KRISTINE HERMOSA portrayed the role of the babymaker.

PANDAY

Ang Panday is the 1980 film adaptation of a comics classic by Carlo J. Caparas which topbilled FERNANDO POE, JR. in the title role. The movie was a success at that time that it spawned three sequels: Flavio: Ang Pagbabalik ng Panday (1981), Ang Panday: Ikatlong Yugto (1982) and Ang Panday IV: Ika-Apat na Aklat (1984). All films were shown in the Metro Manila Film Festival.

In 2005, the Kapamilya network bought the rights to do a TV adaptation of the comic classic with JERICHO ROSALES portraying the title role of Panday. Heart Evangelista portrayed his leading lady, which eventually led into a real-life relationship. Unfortunately, the remake was not so successful that its two installments did not even last for one season.

Several Panday movie and TV incarnations were then shown throughout the years. This 2017, Ang Panday returns as a movie starring Coco Martin. It was recently announced that the upcoming movie made it to the first four films of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2017.

MAY MINAMAHAL

May Minamahal is a 1993 movie that featured then real-life sweethearts AGA MUHLACH and AIKO MELENDEZ. It revolves around an only son (Aga) in an all-female household. He falls in love with an off-beat girl (Aiko) and later finds himself torn between following his heart or following what his family wants for him.

The movie was adapted for television in 2007 as the third installment of Sineserye presents. It featured ex-couple ANNE CURTIS and OYO SOTTO in the roles of Aiko and Aga.

EVA FONDA

Mrs. Eva Fonda, 16 is a sexy movie topbilled by ALMA MORENO. It was reported that its producer Sampaguita Pictures was already nearing bankruptcy when they launched this film that became a blockbuster. The film also helped in the rise of the then-called "Bomba" or sexy films.

The material was used again by ABS-CBN in 2008 to launch CRISTINE REYES as a dramatic lead actress. Titled Eva Fonda, the show experienced many delays until it was aired as a canned program in December 2008. Alma also had a short appearance in the Kapamilya adaptation.

GALEMA: ANAK NI ZUMA

The character Galema first appeared in the 1985 fantasy movie Zuma, a movie adaptation of the comic novel written by Jim Fernandez. Galema, who had twin snakes wrapped around her neck, was then portrayed by SNOOKY SERNA while Zuma was portrayed by the late actor Max Alvarado. A sequel was made in 1987 with the title Anak ni Zuma. This time, it was former actress JENNY LYN who played the role.

In 2013, ABS-CBN decided to pursue their remake of Galema: Anak ni Zuma, a title they already bought in 2010. The network tapped ANDI EIGENMANN to portray Galema in the television remake. The afternoon show directed by the late Wenn V. Deramas aired in the Kapamilya Gold slot of the network.

WALANG KAPALIT

LORNA TOLENTINO and CHRISTOPHER DE LEON played lead roles in the 1985 movie Hindi Nahahati Ang Langit, which was based on the comics serial written by Nerissa Cabral. It talked about the story of Melody (Lorna) and Noel (Piolo), who were the offspring of a couple from their previous marriages. The two grew up bickering and fighting only to fall for each other. However, their love for each other seemed to be a curse that they ended up marrying other people. Edu Manzano and Dina Bonnevie played Lorna and Christopher's spouses.

In 2007, CLAUDINE BARRETTO and PIOLO PASCUAL topbilled the primetime series Walang Kapalit, which was loosely based on Hindi Nahahati Ang Langit. One of the major differences in the remake is Melody's name has been changed to Melanie. Edu Manzano and Dina Bonnevie were also part of the TV series as Noel and Melanie's parents.

KATORSE

Katorse was a 1980 provocative film starring DINA BONNEVIE and GABBY CONCEPCION. It is about Nene, a fourteen-year-old town girl who falls in love with a childhood friend. The two then gave in to experiments and temptations, causing the young Nene to become a mother at an early age. It was the film that gave rise to the lucky white kamison that lead actresses of Regal Films used to wear in movies.

In 2009, Katorse was first announced as a title under ABS-CBN's weekly series Your Song presents, with ERICH GONZALES and EJAY FALCON reprising the roles of Dina and Gabby. However, the show so impressed the management that they decided to air it in an early primetime slot in August 2009. Additional plots were made, including a new leading man: ENCHONG DEE, who Erich ended up with in the end of the series. The series also proved to be a success that the original 10 weeks was extended to 20 weeks.

SABEL

SNOOKY SERNA was the lead actress of 1981 movie Bata Pa Si Sabel, where she figured in a love triangle with ALBERT MARTINEZ and JOEL ALANO. It is about a young woman (Snooky) who is wooed to romance by two men. However, her elders believe that she is still to young to engage in romantic relationships, but the young Sabel gave in and followed her heart.

In 2010, JESSY MENDIOLA was given a big break on television when she portrayed the title role Sabel. AJ PEREZ and JOSEPH MARCO became her leading men in the series.

NATUTULOG BA ANG DIYOS

Natutulog Pa Ang Diyos is a 1988 film starring LORNA TOLENTINO, RICKY DAVAO, and GARY VALENCIANO. The movie, which was originally a novel written by Ruben Marcelino, revolves around Gillian (Lorna) and Andrew (Ricky), who grew up not close to their own parents. Little did they know that it was because they were switched at birth. Gillian, who grew up to be a battered child, found solace with Mark (Gary), her persistent, rich suitor.

In 2007, ABS-CBN bought the rights of the film to adapt it on TV as part of Sineserye presents. The title was also changed into a question form: Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos? For the series, ROXANNE GUINOO was tapped to play Gillian, JAKE CUENCA assumed the role of Andrew, and JOROSS GAMBOA played the role of Mark.

Changes in the story were made to adapt with the modern times. One of which is Gillian and Andrew had a stronger love angle because at that time, Roxanne and Jake were real-life sweethearts, while Joross was a former love team of Roxanne. The Sineserye was a success that from the 6 pm slot, it was moved to primetime and was extended for 9 weeks. Previous Sineserye installments only aired for 6 weeks.

KOKEY

Kokey is a 1997 movie starring Carlo Aquino. He played a child who became friends with an alien named Kokey. The child-friendly movie aimed to follow the trend of other Star Cinema child-friendly movies Sarah: Ang Munting Prinsesa and Cedie: Ang Munting Prinsipe.

Ten years later, in 2007, ABS-CBN decided to bring Kokey to television with JOSHUA CADELINA reprising the role of Carlo. Julia Barretto, Ruffa Gutierrez, Eugene Domingo, and the late Redford White also played important roles in this series directed by Wenn V. Deramas.

In 2010, a spin-off to the TV series was created by Direk Wenn titled Kokey @ Ako. It was first announced that Angel Locsin will portray the lead role in the series. However, she was later on replaced by Toni Gonzaga. Vhong Navarro, Melai Cantiveros, and Jason Francisco also played important roles in the series.

NASAAN KA NANG KAILANGAN KITA

Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita is a 1986 movie starring SUSAN ROCES, HILDA KORONEL, SNOOKY SERNA, and JANICE DE BELEN as four women caught in a web of love and lies. The original movie was written by Ricky Lee. Aga Muhlach was also cast in the movie.

In 2015, ABS-CBN turned the movie into a full-length daytime series, with VINA MORALES, DENISE LAUREL, JANE OINEZA, and LOISA ANDALIO portraying the four main characters. The series changed all the names of the characters except the name of Aga, whose character was portrayed by Joshua Garcia in the series. The series ran from January to October 2015.

UNDERAGE

Underage is a 1980 young adult film directed by Joey Gosiengfiao. It was topbilled by Regal Babies DINA BONNEVIE, MARICEL SORIANO, and SNOOKY SERNA as the sisters Celina, Cecilia, and Corazon. The movie was a successful platform in launching the three actresses as dramatic leads.

In 2009, Underage became the first offering of Your Song presents in 2009 when it started adapting teen cult classics. MELISSA RICKS, EMPRESS SCHUCK, and LAUREN YOUNG reprised the roles of Dina, Maricel, and Snooky, respectively.

KAMBAL SA UMA

Kambal Sa Uma is a 1979 film which was based on a comics serial by Jim Fernandez. RIO LOCSIN portrayed the twins Ella and Vira. Because their mother used to eat rats when she was pregnant, Ella grew up in the province bearing the appearance of a rat, while Vira had the characteristics of a human but had hidden features of a rat.

In 2009, the movie was adapted into a daytime series for ABS-CBN. However, instead of having only one actress playing the twins, the network tapped MELISSA RICKS to play Ella and SHAINA MAGDAYAO to reprise the role of Vira. Rio Locsin was also part of the series as Ella and Vira's mother.

MUNDO MAN AY MAGUNAW

Mundo Man Ay Magunaw is a 1990 film starring SUSAN ROCES. She portrayed the role of a woman who was imprisoned after killing her own husband to save her first-born child. Unfortunately, she was caught in a web of lies and was separated from her children, portrayed by JENNIFER SEVILLA and SHERYL CRUZ.

In 2012, it became a daytime show in ABS-CBN with EULA VALDES portraying the lead role. Her daughters were portrayed by NIKKI GIL and EMPRESS SCHUCK. The remake changed the names of the characters and used the names of the original cast members in the film.

MGA ANGHEL NA WALANG LANGIT

Mga Anghel Na Walang Langit is a movie shown in 1970 movie produced by Fernando Poe. Jr.'s FPJ Productions. It featured then-child stars RODERICK PAULATE, LORNA TOLENTINO, and GINA ALAJAR.

In 2005, ABS-CBN bought the rights to do an adaptation of the movie and turn it into a full-length drama series. The network tapped Goin' Bulilit kids NIKKI BAGAPORO, SHARLENE SAN PEDRO, MILES OCAMPO, CARL BARRAMEDA, and JOHN MANALO in the main roles. The show is known as ABS-CBN's first foray into adapting movies for television.

In ABS-CBN executive Charo Santos-Concio's book My Journey, she revealed that this is one of the shows that brought ABS-CBN back to its number one slot, after losing to GMA in the ratings game.

DUGONG BUHAY

Dugong Buhay is a 1983 action film which was topbilled by real-life father-and-son RAMON REVILLA, SR. and RAMON "BONG" REVILLA, JR. produced by Imus Productions. It is loosely based on the comics novel by Carlo J. Caparas.

The film was made into a TV series in 2013, with EJAY FALCON reprising the lead role with ARJO ATAYDE as his main archrival. It aired from April to September 2013.

PIETA

An original comics novel of Carlo J. Caparas, Pieta was turned into a movie in 1983 with ACE VERGEL and CHARITO SOLIS portraying a mother-and-son who had a conflicted relationship as the son becomes involved in crime and violence. The movie launched Ace Vergel as an action star.

In 2008, ABS-CBN turned the movie into a daytime series with CHERIE GIL reprising the role of Charito, and RYAN AGONCILLO assuming the role of Ace. It was one of the first times that Cherie was seen portraying a deglamorized, kind-hearted mother role. The series ran for seven months on the air.

PALOS

In 1961, BERNARD BONNIN was launched as an action star through Alyas Palos, an adaptation of the comics novel written by Virgilio and Nestor Redondo. The movie was a success that Bernard became a household name in action movies, and the film spawned several sequels.

In 2008, as part of ABS-CBN's 55th anniversary, the network created a TV adaptation under the title Palos, with JAKE CUENCA taking the title role of a secret agent seeking to find justice for his mother who was killed by a certain "Palos." He later on discovered that he would become a "Palos" and the original Palos, played by Cesar Montano, was not responsible for the death of his mother. The series ended its run after 13 weeks.