Being cheated on by your significant other is definitely the most painful and unforgivable thing that could happen in romantic relationships, right? However, in spite of how heartbreaking and loathsome it could be, infidelity has remained as one of the most popular themes in series and movies, regardless of how the story arc is going to be depicted.
Through the years, we’ve seen a number of teleseryes that showcased the scorching confrontation scenes between the legal spouses and the third parties, which truly added spice and thrill to the narrative. Just like the ones in this Kapamilya Timelist feature, in which we’re about to take a trip down memory lane as we revisit some of the most intense face-offs because of unfaithfulness that we have seen on TV.
In 2012, we witnessed an intense altercation between a wife and mistress that even reached abroad through the afternoon soap opera “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo.” Arguably, some OFW families were able to relate to the story of Paul and Sarah, played by Jake Cuenca and Shaina Magdayao, a couple whose marriage got tested when he figured in an illicit affair with his former girlfriend Mia, portrayed by Bangs Garcia, when both of them worked in Qatar. As Sarah flew to Qatar to be with his husband, she got the biggest surprise of her life when she caught them living under one roof, which totally infuriated her.
Apparently, 2014 is the era of “kabitseryes” because not only one was released, but three! The first one was The Legal Wife, which is considered one of the most iconic teleseryes ever made by ABS-CBN. It was headlined by three of the brightest stars of their generation, Angel Locsin, Jericho Rosales, and Maja Salvador, who all astounded us with their dramatic chops. It was one of Maja’s first forays into kontrabida roles as she portrayed the feisty mistress Nicole, and among the most remarkable performances of Angel as the palaban wife Monica who fought for her marriage with husband Adrian (Jericho Rosales).
Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon, which starred Paulo Avelino as Patrick, the man who would cause the stiff rivalry between stepsisters Rose (Bea Alonzo) and Sasha (Maricar Reyes). As she’s finally able to get Patrick to marry her after the death of Rose, with whom he was initially in love, Sasha did everything to get hold of him, which includes refraining from speaking with other women.
Next was Two Wives, which was the Filipino adaptation of the 2009 Korean drama of the same title. From taking on bida roles, this served as Erich Gonzales’ first kontrabida stint as she played Janine, the woman who ruined the once simple yet blissful marriage of Victor (Jason Abalos) and Yvonne (Kaye Abad).
The following year, we witnessed Vina Morales and Denise Laurel fighting over Christian Vasquez in the afternoon soap opera Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita. They played Cecilia and Toni, respectively, two women who both love and hold a special place in the heart of Leandro since they are his past and present wives.
In 2016, we went on to see one of the most remarkable dramas slated in the afternoon timeslot, which was Tubig at Langis. It showcased the noteworthy dramatic prowess of Cristine Reyes, Isabelle Daza, and Zanjoe Marudo as they played the roles of Irene, Clara, and Natoy, respectively. Throughout the seven months of its successful run, we’d seen how Irene, the legal wife, and Clara, the obsessed mistress, would be entangled in savage quarrels as both of them are eager to keep Natoy, the man both of them truly love, in their lives.
We then witnessed the fiery showdown between Beauty Gonzalez and Bianca King in Pusong Ligaw, as they portrayed former besties-turned-fiercest rivals Tessa and Marga. Causing the conflict between them was Caloy (Joem Bascon), who used to be the boyfriend of Tessa until she caught him sleeping with Marga. As their paths once again crossed, the two women had been persistent in exacting revenge and pulling down each other.
From being the protagonist in the past series that she starred in, it was in 2020 when Kim Chiu took on a mistress role for the first time by playing Jia in Love Thy Woman. She was the third party in the marriage of her half-sister Dana and her husband David, portrayed by Yam Concepcion and Xian Lim.
In that same year, Jodi Sta. Maria and Iza Calzado heated up our afternoons through their impeccable portrayals of Marissa and Ellice in Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin. They used to be best friends in their younger years, but due to an unintentional crime committed by Ellice, their lives and bond have changed forever, turning them into each other’s greatest nemesis. Their rivalry further escalated when Marissa had a one-night stand with Ellice’s husband Gabriel (Sam Milby) that spawned a child.
Sealing off this list is The Broken Marriage Vow, which is the Filipino adaptation of the British drama series “Doctor Foster” that aired in 2022. Jodi exhibited her incredible acting prowess anew in portraying Jill, who courageously confronted the adultery of her husband David (Zanjoe Marudo) and his mistress Lexy (Sue Ramirez) with all her might.
Which of these teleseryes were you able to watch and become your favorite, Kapamilya?