The Gen Z’s may be more familiar and can identify themselves better with ‘Kadenang Ginto,’ but in the 90’s and early 2000s, viewers were more immersed in the stories of some of the network’s top-rated day time series, among which include the unforgettable daytime series, Marinella.
Marinella came on the heels of the massive success of the Star Cinema family- fantasy film, Hiling, which opened in cinemas, on November 18, 1998.
The impressive success in the box-office of the film was seemingly taken as a cue by ABS-CBN, which immediately gave then child stars, Camille Prats, Serena Dalrymple, and Shaina Magdayao, their first daytime soap opera. ‘Marinella’ debuted on February 8, 1999, as part of the network’s weekday afternoon line-up.
Marinella follows the story of three friends, Marie (Camille Pratts), Rina (Shaina Magdayao), and Ella (Serena Dalrymple), whose intertwining fates became the main pursuit of the show’s wicked main villain, Katrina, which was nefariously portrayed by veteran actress, Rio Locsin. It can be remembered, however, that Locsin’s character was not originally envisioned to be the story’s main villain, as the job was previously given to Hilda Koronel’s character.
In the story, Katrina is hellbent to stop the three for reasons that involve love, her dark secrets, and a lofty inheritance. Marie is the daughter of Katrina’s ex-lover, Rina knows her hideous secrets, while Ella is set to inherit a multi-million fortune she’s been trying to take.
Because of its incredible following and high ratings, Marinella was extended to last on-air for more than two years, ending its run with more than 580 episodes. The show bade farewell, on a very high note, on May 11, 2001. The finale sought Rina and Ella fulfilling their destinies at the end, while Ella met her tragic end, during the show’s final few weeks.
Among the series’ biggest cast members include Eula Valdez—who later on left her role to commit herself to then premiering ‘Pangako Sa’Yo—Rita Avila, Raymond Bagatsing, Perla Bautista, Andrea del Rosario, and Lito Pimentel.
During its run, Marinella mostly went head-to-head with GMA Network’s daytime series, Rio del Mar, which starred then 39-year old, Vivian Velez, with Michael de Mesa as his leading man. Marinella, however, proved to be a better hit, as it scored higher in the rating game. Marinella can also be remembered as among the best daytime soap operas of the ’90s, for its over-the-top drama scenes, which feature twisted, dark, and brutal proceedings—a character mostly seen in this kind of drama.
Perhaps, the show can be best remembered as a launchpad for child stars, Pratts, Magdayao, and Dalrymple, towards better successes in showbiz. All three eventually had their individual projects and became bigger stars.
