GMA Entertainment Group once again sets the bar high for world-class entertainment and innovative concepts as it makes history and love for country a fun learning experience via its newest series “Maria Clara At Ibarra.”
The much-anticipated series is top-billed by 2016 Fantasporto International Best Actress and Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza as Klay, Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose as Maria Clara, and Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo as Ibarra.
Dennis shares his long preparation for the crucial and iconic character of Ibarra: “Dapat tama lahat ng salitang bibigkasin mo, ‘yung kilos, pag-arte at pananamit. Maraming dapat isipin para maging authentic ang mga eksena at paniwalaan na nangyari talaga siya noong unang panahon. Importante na basahing maigi ang script para makita ang dynamics ng eksena kapag nag-meet na ang past at present.”
Barbie recalls the moment when GMA offered her the role of Klay: “Tuwang-tuwa ako, nung una hindi pa ko naniwala agad kasi napakalaking project niya. Mas lalo akong bumilib sa GMA dahil kahit dumaan ang pandemya, hindi sila tumigil na tumalakay sa importanteng issues ng bansa at balikan ang kasaysayan natin. Metikulosong binusisi ang programang ito and I’m very thankful to be part of it.”
Julie Anne, on the other hand, reiterates the most exciting part of her role and how it inspires her in real life. “Si Maria Clara kasi napaka-iconic niya eh. We all know her as a symbol of hope, purity and sacrifice. Ine-embody niya ‘yung isang babae na may pinaglalaban sa buhay and pinaglalaban niya ‘yung mga karapatan niya.”
Playing equally important roles in the series are Tirso Cruz III as Padre Damaso, a Franciscan friar who has deep-seated resentment against Ibarra; Manilyn Reynes as Narsing, the softhearted and loving mother of Klay; Rocco Nacino as Elias, a fugitive who will become Ibarra’s devoted supporter; David Licauco as Fidel, a playboy businessman and Ibarra’s friend; Juancho Trivino as Padre Salvi, a cunning and ruthless friar who has secret desire for Maria Clara; Juan Rodrigo as Kapitan Tiago, the influential gobernadorcillo and a friend of the friars; Ces Quesada as Tiya Isabel, the cousin of Kapitan Tiago who raised Maria Clara as her own child; Dennis Padilla as Mang Adong, a loyal servant of Ibarra; Lou Veloso as Jose Torres, the professor of Klay in Rizal studies and the reason behind her time travel; Gilleth Sandico as Donya Victorina, a pretentious Filipina who tries to look and speak like a mestiza; Karenina Haniel as Victoria, the close friend of Maria Clara.
Completing the powerhouse cast is the special participation of Andrea Torres as Sisa, the affectionate mother of Crispin and Basilio who loses her mind while searching for her sons.
“Maria Clara At Ibarra” follows the story of Klay, a Gen Z nursing student who aims to work and bring her family abroad. She is almost graduating soon, but not until she failed a minor subject—the Rizal Studies. Klay believes that this subject is irrelevant to her life and future career.
Jose Torres, Klay’s professor, gave her another chance to pass Rizal Studies and he lent her a book of Noli Me Tangere. Klay had not even read several pages of the novel when she got bored and fell asleep.
The mystery begins when Klay wakes up in the world of “Noli Me Tangere!” Much to her surprise, Klay finds Mr. Torres in the alternate timeline. Klay was told that she can only return to the present once she finishes the book and learns all the lessons from the novel of Dr. Jose Rizal.
As she navigates the real world of “Noli Me Tangere,” Klay meets Maria Clara, Crisostomo Ibarra, the curates, the ilustrados, and the indios. This will open her eyes from the realities and sufferings of ancient Filipinos during the Spanish colonization.
Amid her historical adventure, Klay forms a bond with Maria Clara and discovers the differences and similarities of a Filipina, then and now. She also witnesses the love story of Maria Clara and Ibarra.
Will Klay become the bridge to strengthen their existing relationship or will she develop feelings for him instead? As Klay gets attached to the world of Noli Me Tangere, will it create chaos or clarity in her life? Can someone change history and will it bring Klay back to her real life?
The show’s Creative Consultant, Suzette Doctolero, shares the extensive research they have been doing to ensure the quality of this complex story that tackles history. “Required ang buong creative team na magbasa hindi lang ng Noli Me Tangere at El Filibusterismo kundi pati ng iba pang libro tungkol sa Philippine history. Mahalaga rin na mismong mga writers, may stand sa mga importanteng usapin sa kasaysayan.”
Esteemed Director Zig Dulay also reveals their efforts to keep the accuracy and credibility of Rizal’s novels by hiring consultants for the show. “May historians at consultants kami. Meron din kaming kinuhang language coach ng Spanish. For sure ang audience, hindi lang sila ma-e-entertain kundi matututo rin at magkakaroon ng actions sa iba’t ibang issue. Bukod pa sa kwento ng pag-iibigan, tungkol din ito sa pag-ibig sa bayan. ”
This series is under the supervision of GMA SVP for Entertainment Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; VP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; AVP for Drama Helen Rose Sese; Program Manager Edlyn Tallada; and Executive Producer Shielyn Atienza.
The creative team behind this groundbreaking drama: Creative Director Aloy Adlawan; Content Development Consultant Ricky Lee; Historical Consultants Ramon Guillermo and Gonzalo Campoamor; Head Writer J-Mee Katanyag; Writers Brylle Tabora and Benson Logronio; and Brainstormers Zita Garganera and Melchor Escarcha.
Catch the world premiere of “Maria Clara At Ibarra” October 3, 8pm, weeknights, on GMA and at 9:40pm, Mondays to Fridays, on GTV.
Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.