The series served as the young actress’s launching TV series in 2012.
ABS-CBN has produced several fantasy-themed series, including one of the TV adaptations of the Mars Ravelo classic, Dyesebel (2014). Through the years, the network debuted similar series whose story revolved around a mermaid character. Among those series that a made a mark in viewers, including the top-rated Claudine Barretto-starrer, Marina (2003), Anne Curtis’s Dyosa (2008), and Mutya (2011).
In 2012, Aryana, another mermaid series was greenlit by ABS-CBN; this time, teen actress Ella Cruz was the one tapped to play the title role. The series debuted on the network’s pre-primetime slot on May 7, 2012.
Like most of the mermaid characters in the past, the titular character in Aryana had to go through formidable challenges, presented by her supernatural form. Like Dyesebel, Marina, and other popular Filipino mermaids, Aryana ultimately gets haunted by enemies, mortals, and fellow sea creatures, alike.
Unlike most other mermaid-series, however, Aryana is also a coming-of-age drama, as it also highlighted the titular character’s transition from being a teenager to adulthood.
Aryana featured a mix of established and up-and-coming actors in its cast. Alongside Cruz, the series also starred Pokwang, Paul Salas, Dominic Roque, Francis Magundayao, Michelle Vito, Tonton Gutierrez, Desiree del Valle, G Toengi, Laurice Guilllen, Bianca Manalo, Tetchie Agbayani, Neil Coleta, Lotlot de Leon, and Louise Abuel.
The series concluded its very successful run on January 25, 2013, after nearly 200 episodes.
Browse through the gallery below to see some of the set visit photos from Aryana. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and recollection about the show in the comment section:
