It’s been more than two months since Congress denied ABS-CBN of a fresh franchise that led to its shutdown, massive layoffs, and just recently, recall of its frequencies, but the Kapamilya network is still alive and kicking on digital, cable, and satellite TV as it continues to innovate and churn out content for viewers.
Despite the hurdles thrown its away, plus the dilemma of dealing with COVID-19, ABS-CBN is not backing out from producing original Filipino content. All its current teleseryes are offering fresh, new episodes as well as its live entertainment shows. And their efforts are paying off as more and more viewers have started to rave and give their shows some love.
Curious on what these shows are? We listed them down so you can add them to your watch list, stat!
1 “The Four Bad Boys And Me”
A Filipino market for podcasts is growing steadily and so Star Cinema went the extra mile by introducing a visual podcast series via its newest offering, “Listen to Love,” an anthology of love stories presented using a combination of colorful animation and virtual interactions of the characters.
Making audiences ‘kilig’ for its first installment is “The Four Bad Boys And Me,” an adaptation of the hit Wattpad novel of the same title. The lovecast (love + podcast) features Kaori Oinuma, Jeremiah Lisbo, Rhys Miguel, Mark Rivera, and Aljon Mendoza, who are promising young stars of ABS-CBN Films’ talent management arm, Rise Artists Studio.
In “The Four Bad Boys And Me,” Kaori plays nerdy girl Candice whose steady life is shaken when she gets into a mess with the four bad, popular boys in their school. Adding flavor to the story is Maymay Entrata who breathes life into the bubbly narrator, DJ Zari.
For its first episode, “The Four Bad Boys And Me” instantly recorded over 1 million total views. It shot to number 1 on the list of trending podcasts on Spotify during its pilot week, became the sixth trending video on YouTube, and took the number 1 slot on Twitter when its first and second episodes premiered.
Where to watch or listen: YouTube and Spotify
2 “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin”
Brilliant acting, a gripping story, and a star-studded ensemble are enough to make you want to watch Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin.
Jodi Sta. Maria and Iza Calzado play best friends turned bitter rivals after they become embroiled in a crime. And since the premiere of Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, Jodi and Iza’s characters, Marissa and Ellice, have been part of Twitter trends because of their emotionally-charged scenes that have fans raving every night.
Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin also marks a major milestone for ABS-CBN as it is the first teleserye to be fully launched on Kapamilya Online Live.
What makes this teleserye extra special is that it also elevates the viewing experience of fans. During commercial gaps, an interactive livestream called the Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin: Unscripted lets avid viewers chat with the cast to talk more about the recent episode.
Where to watch: Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, iWant TFC
3 “Bawal Ma-Stress Drilon”
Ces Drilon has made a name for herself as a fearless journalist. But in her digital show aptly called “Bawal Ma-Stress Drilon,” she gets to show her bright personality as she chats with various personalities like ‘Yorme’ Isko Moreno, Jose Mari Chan, and Maymay Entrata.
When it was announced that Ces was looking for a co-host, netizens quickly nominated Gardo Versoza because “Stress Drilon” and “Haggardo Versoza” would definitely make a perfect pair. And due to popular demand, Gardo became a guest on Ces’ show to the delight of Kumu users.
Now, “Bawal Ma-Stress Drilon” is one of the hit shows of the FYE! (For Your Entertainment) Channel on the Kumu app, which is the newest venture of ABS-CBN’s subsidiary, Creative Programs, Inc. (CPI).
Where to watch: FYE channel on the Kumu app
4 “Kwentong Auntie Julie”
Macoy Dubs is one of the hottest content creators right now because of his funny videos and for introducing us to progressive tita, aunt Julie. But did you know Macoy is also a talented host?
Yep, Macoy has his own livestream on the FYE! Channel over in Kumu called “Kwentong Auntie Julie” where he talks about anything and everything under the sun with special guests.
It is one of the must-watch shows of the FYE! Channel garnering thousands of likes and viewers in every livestream.
Where to watch: FYE channel on the Kumu app
5 “Beauty Queens”
This six-part series is more than just glamour. “Beauty Queens” brings together real-life titleholders Gloria Diaz, Maxine Medina, and Winwyn Marquez in a one of a kind story about a mother’s obsession of forcing her daughters in becoming the perfect beauty queens to maintain their family’s lineage of Miss Universes.
Directed by no less than Joel Lamangan, “Beauty Queens” offers plenty of eye-opening lessons about knowing your worth, fighting for what you believe in, and pursuing your own passions.
The iWant Original is also a great reminder for viewers that even the people we think are flawless have real struggles.
Where to watch: iWant TFC
6 “Ampalaya Chronicles”
iWant TFC's ‘hugot’ anthology series, “Ampalaya Chronicles,” is a great match for those looking for short, yet compelling stories about falling in love.
The first episode titled “Adik,” features Khalil Ramos as a shy teenager (Carlo) with a knack for poetry who becomes smitten with the campus cutie, Nina, played by Elisse Joson. To show his adoration for Nina, Carlo writes poems on sticky notes and leaves gifts anonymously for his crush.
Meanwhile the second episode titled “Labyu Hehe,” stars Karina Bautista and Aljon Mendoza who play childhood best friends who transition into lovers, showing viewers how it’s really like to be in a relationship with your best friend.
“Ampalaya Chronicles” is based on the best-selling book, “Ampalaya Monologues” by Mark Ghosn.
Where to watch: iWant TFC
7 “Hello Stranger”
Top billed by the charming Tony Labrusca and the newest heartthrob, JC Alcantara, “Hello Stranger” is a pretty relatable BL series set in the COVID-19 pandemic. It follows the story of Xavier (Tony) and Mico (JC) who were forced to team up as partners for a class project that eventually led to romance.
Since its pilot episode dropped, “Hello Stranger” consistently topped the list of trending topics on Twitter Philippines. It also entered the worldwide trending topics, peaking at number 5 for its 7th episode.
“Hello Stranger” has also attracted foreign fans from the United States, Thailand, Puerto Rico, and as far as Belarus and Bethlehem (yas, you read that right). No wonder it is now the country’s most watched digital series with a whopping 13 million total views since June 24.
It’s so phenomenal that ABS-CBN dropped a major announcement during the finale fan con: It’s not getting a season two, but a movie sequel that will still be produced by Black Sheep, the home of box office hits like “Alone/Together” and “Exes Baggage.” How’s that for a mic drop?
Where to watch: YouTube, iWant TFC
8 “Love Thy Woman”
Although its run ended already, Love Thy Woman made an impression among netizens worldwide for its female-centered story.
Kim Chiu, Yam Concepcion, Eula Valdes, Sunshine Cruz, and Ruffa Gutierrez all play feisty women who never settle in life, making their characters among the favorites of the internet.
But making the teleserye was not smooth sailing. The show had to halt production due to the COVID-19 crisis and the cast and crew had to undergo self-quarantine when Christopher de Leon tested positive for the virus. But in the end, Love Thy Woman finished strong.
Fans followed Love Thy Woman on digital platforms when ABS-CBN was forced to go off-air, making it the most watched show on Kapamilya Online Live on both Facebook and YouTube.
Where to watch: iWant TFC
As revealed by ABS-CBN head of TV entertainment Laurenti Dyogi in his vlog, ABS-CBN will continue to produce content to keep on serving Filipinos. Viewers can expect a teleserye starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, Cara Y Cruz starring Julia Barretto, and Walang Hanggang Paalam top billed by Angelica Panganiban, Zanjoe Marudo, Paulo Avelino, Jake Cuenca, and Arci Munoz.
There are also virtual concerts in the pipeline like Star Events’ “APOLLO: A Daniel Padilla Digital Experience” on October 11 and MYX’s “MYX Presents: Ebe Dancel Digital Concert” on September 18. ABS-CBN Music has also released original songs, including “Beautiful,” a devotional song by Ogie Alcasid and Moira Dela Torre, “Balang Aaraw” by Inigo Pascual, and “HEAL,” a collaboration of the hottest Southeast Asian artists featuring Moira, Jayda, Jona, Kyla, KZ Tandingan, Lesha, and Xela.
ABS-CBN Films also greenlit the following projects: the movie version of “Hello Stranger,” Angelica Panganiban’s talk show titled “Ask Angelica,” the third installment of Vice Ganda’s MMFF entry “Praybeyt Benjamin,” “Four Sisters Before the Wedding,” “For the Love of Money” starring Coco Martin and Angelica Panganiban, and a horror movie with Kim Chiu.