“Maria Clara at Ibarra” is the most-viewed program on Netflix Philippines based on Netflix’ engagement report for January to June 2023.
“Maria Clara at Ibarra” also made its presence in the global rankings during the same period, garnering a whopping 22,100,000 total viewing hours – despite not being released globally.
Merging history, romance, and fantasy together, “Maria Clara at Ibarra” proudly proves its uniqueness as an educational entertainment show. The program boasts of a star-studded cast, including Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo as Ibarra, Asia’s Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose as Maria Clara, one of the most currently sought-after actor and resident Pambansang Ginoo David Licauco as Fidel, and Kapuso Primetime Princess and 2016 Fantasporto International Best Actress Barbie Forteza as Klay.
The show follows the journey of Binibining Klay, a graduating Gen Z nursing student who failed her Rizal Studies class, which she regards as irrelevant to her.
Her professor gives her another chance to pass the subject and lends her a copy of Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, which mysteriously transports her to late 19th century Philippines, with its stone-cobbled streets filled with kalesas and a flurry of ginoos and binibinis dressed in traditional 1800s garments.
Here, Binibining Klay goes on an adventure of history and love, as she meets Maria Clara, Ibarra, Fidel, Padre Damaso, and other influential characters that would offer viewers an educational yet entertaining glimpse of the past.
“Maria Clara at Ibarra” first hit TV screens last year on GMA Telebabad and, due to popularity, later on graced streaming platform Netflix, where it can still be viewed today.
With its exceptional storytelling and an ensemble of Kapuso stars that effectively brings the story of Maria Clara and Ibarra to life, there is no question as to why it ranks #1 on Netflix Philippines, as Filipino viewers continue to show love and support for this proudly Pinoy historical portal fantasy series.
