The craze over “telenovelas”

It was in the mid-90s when Mexican star Thalia took the Philippines by storm through her Mexiconovela “Marimar”. I bet you all know that she is now the wife of record mogul Tommy Mottola, the ex-husband of Mariah Carey. It was then followed by other dramas starring the same star - Maria Mercedes, Maria la del Barrio, and Rosalinda. I remember myself waiting patiently in front of the TV screen just to watch the day’s episode of Marimar. I was in my freshman year in college then. And who could ever forget Betty La Fea, the ugly heroine of the drama with the same title, who married her handsome boss, Armando, at the end of the story.

A few years ago, girls went gaga over the men of F4 from Taiwan – Jerry, Vic, Vanness, and Ken. These gorgeous men were the stars of the hit drama, Meteor Garden, alongside Barbie (San Cai). They even staged a concert here in Manila, singing songs in their native language, that though Filipinos found difficult to understand, they supported the guys all the way, spending thousands of pesos just to see their favorite stars up-close.

Currently, Koreanovelas are the “in” thing here. The drama Lovers in Paris was a love triangle story of Carlo, Vivian, and Martin. It was such a hit all over Asia. There was also Save the Last Dance for Me, Full House, All About Eve. I am presently enjoying Memories of Bali and Stained Glass.

In the past, Filipino dramas dominated, as my sisters told me. Among their favorites were Flor de Luna, starring Janice de Belen, and Anna Liza, with the late Julie Vega. Of course there are still local dramas today, but the trend has shifted from the normal “teleserye” to the big-budgeted flicks like Marina, Mulawin, and the latest are Encantadia and Kampanerang Kuba.

American soap operas were also shown before via Studio 23 like Days of our Lives.

So, why do people watch these dramas? It may be to the fact that for an hour or more of their lives, they get to escape reality. I believe most people relate to these dramas – they cry with the stars whenever they are lonely, laugh with them when they are happy, and join them as they celebrate their success.

If you ask me if I like telenovelas, my answer would be “Yes, I do!” But I prefer those shown in ABS-CBN, because honestly, I’m a certified “KAPAMILYA”. In our house, it is a mortal sin to switch channels, not unless I am to watch FRIENDS, which is aired over Channel 5, or my other favorite shows which can be seen on Studio 23 (a sister station of ABS-CBN). Being a “Kapamilya” is my personal choice, so I guess I will never jump to the other side of the fence and be a “Kapuso” as long as I live (LOL!).