Veteran and award-winning director for both film and television—Maryo J. Delos Reyes is back in waking up the Filipino televiewers’ sensibilities and hope via GMA-7’s newest drama series titled—NIÑO that premiered on Monday, May 26. Along with the winning formula of magical realism—the network introduces Miguel Tanfelix as the next big star, playing the lead role.
Given Direk Maryo’s track record of drawing his audience with his kind of touch in such genre and based from his successful and FAMAS award-winning drama film Magnifico in 2003; it is expected that he can repeat it in this primetime show.
Though the concept may not be totally new, the network has brilliantly combined two successful inspirational-themed series—‘ May Bukas Pa’ (which ran for a year from 2009 to 2010) and ‘Budoy’ (which only lasted for five months—from October 2011 till March 2012). Both shows are from its rival network. Apart from such move—putting together the biggest and talented artists in this show is just right to back up the launching of Tanfelix’s career.
Tanfelix may not be the original choice for the show as he replaced another promising young actor (Ruru Madrid), still he has great potentials of holding together the concept and making this series a primetime hit.
Included in the cast are some of Philippines’ top caliber performers both from television, film and stage. Names like Gloria Romero, Luz Valdez, Dante Rivero, German Moreno, Ces Quesada, Angelu de Leon, Jay Manalo, Katrina Halili, Neil Ryan Sese, Flora Gasser, Orlando Sol, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Gerald Napoles, Angeli Bayani with the special participation of Tom Rodriguea with David Remo as Santo Niño or ‘Tokayo’ and Bianca Umali as Angelica Barrinuevo Ibarra—sharing the limelight with Tanfelix as leads.
What makes this worth watching?
Apart from its tested formula, it is very timely. People need inspiration and to have ‘hope’ in these challenging times. This series has all the elements that the viewers, particularly the masses are looking for. With all the intrigues, the controversial issues in Philippine society; maybe Niño is the answer to divert and channel all ‘negativity’ and turn it into something ‘positive’ instead.
In the series, Niño (Tangelix), who will be raised by his adoptive parents Leny (de Leon) and David (Sese) after being separated from his real parents Hannah (Halili) and Gabriel (Rodriguez). Niño’s Tukayo (David Remo) will help and guide him in overcoming the different difficulties and problems in Barrio Pag-asa. They are partners in motivating the people to face life’s challenges with childlike faith.
This show may just also awake the youth of today that technology like online gaming aren’t the solution to escape the harsh realities of life, rather strengthening one’s faith in a Superior Being.
I agree with Direk Delos Reyes, this show offers something that uplifts the human spirit. It inspires people who have lost hope and rekindle it. What’s also important—the show inculcates good values.
‘Niño ‘is a recommended daily dose of good entertainment on GMA Telebabad on weekdays after 24 Oras.
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Thanks to Jude Cartalaba for this thorough article.