In the past decades, ABS-CBN has indeed never failed to serve the Filipino anywhere in the world with quality entertainment through its remarkable and incomparable shows on television and online. But among the programs it has offered, we arguably enjoyed teleseryes the most – may it be drama, romance, comedy, thriller, or a combination of two genres.
While series are usually given a minimum of three months of airing, there are some that get awarded with extensions and last for more than a year due to their consistently high ratings. And in this episode of Kapamilya Snaps, let’s look back on the longest-running Kapamilya dramas through the years.
May Bukas Pa, 1 year (February 2, 2009 to February 5, 2010)
This inspirational, religious-themed teleserye follows the life of a child named Santino, who has the unique ability to talk to Jesus Christ (who he fondly calls “Bro”) and to cure sick people. It indeed won a lot of hearts throughout its run, thus, from its original two-month airing, it was extended to one year. May Bukas Pa is also former child star Zaijian Jaranilla’s first-ever lead role.
Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas, 1 year and 2 months (May 19, 2003 to July 9, 2004)
Following the success of their well-loved romance drama Pangako Sa ‘Yo, the management entrusted former on-and-off-screen couple Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa a follow-up series. They were joined by Angelika dela Cruz and Diether Ocampo, whose characters further intensified the narrative as a love square was formed among them.
Due to its popularity, the audiences were bestowed the chance to dictate its ending through text votes, wherein they could choose to whom Kristine should end up with between the two leading men. Although it was the Jericho-Kristine tandem that prevailed in the finale and got married, fans of the Kristine-Diether loveteam also got to witness their wedding when it was aired the following day as a TV special.
Kadenang Ginto, 1 year and 4 months (October 8, 2018 to February 7, 2020)
Throughout its airing, Kadenang Ginto never failed to become a daily trending topic on social media -- thanks to the almost never-ending catfights, admirable love triangles, meme-worthy scenes, and a lot more.
Attesting to that is how iconic its main characters Daniela, Romina, Cassie, and Marga have become, and how its teen cast absolutely shone alongside their veteran co-stars and even rose to fame as the elite celebrity barkada known as The Gold Squad.
Doble Kara, 1 year and 5 months (August 24, 2015 to February 10, 2017)
Top-billed by versatile actress Julia Montes, this tells the incredible story of sisterhood of twins Kara and Sara. From supposedly airing for only one season, the management was apparently impressed by its consistently high ratings, thus, it was extended for another season.
However, because of its unbelievable success, Doble Kara only ended its run more than a year after and Julia earned the well-deserved “Daytime Drama Queen” title.
Pangako Sa ‘Yo, 1 year and 10 months (November 2000 to September 2002)
From playing supporting roles in the past series they starred in, Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa led this romance drama that made us believe in true love through their respective characters Angelo and Ina. It was not only them who quickly rose to fame because of this series, but Eula Valdes as well, who brought to life the iconic role of Amor Powers.
The success and popularity of Pangako Sa ‘Yo wasn’t only exclusive in the Philippines as it also reached other countries and even got adapted in Cambodia. It was remade in 2015 starring the formidable loveteam of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla.
Saan Ka Man Naroroon, 1 year and 11 months (April 12, 1999 to March 23, 2001)
It is undoubtedly one of Claudine Barretto’s most memorable projects as she didn’t portray one, but three characters! She played triplets Rosenda, Rosario, and Rosemarie with totally different personalities.
She was paired with three of the hottest leading men of her generation -- the late Rico Yan, Diether Ocampo, and Leandro Munoz -- to whom she got married in a triple wedding ceremony in the final episode.
Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka, 2 years and 1 month (June 18, 2001 to February 14, 2003)
Due to their notable chemistry in their first TV project together -- Esperanza -- Judy Ann Santos and Piolo Pascual were paired for the first time in this romance drama. It also served as the seasoned actress’ return in making teleseryes after headlining her very own eponymous drama anthology special for a year.
Its ensemble cast was also comprised of award-winning veteran actors Coney Reyes, Edu Manzano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Cherrie Gil, Mark Gil, Rosemarie Gil, Cherry Pie Picache, and Armida Siguion-Reyna, as well as Angelica Panganiban and John Lloyd Cruz.
Be Careful With My Heart, 2 years and 4 months (July 9, 2012 to November 28, 2014)
Topbilled by Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap, this heartwarming daytime series followed the love story of Maya and Sir Chief from the moment they met up to when they finally got married and had children together.
It was initially slated to air for only three months, but the unexpected all-time high rating of the show had it extended for more than two years.
The finale episode titled “Global Kapit-Bisig Day” was one-hour long and was followed by a special interview with the cast.
Esperanza, 2 years and 5 months (February 17, 1997 to July 30, 1999)
After the top-rating Mara Clara in 1992, Judy Ann Santos further exhibited her dramatic acting chops through her memorable role in this melodrama series as the titular character.
It chronicled the journey of Esperanza, a woman in search of her family and her true identity, which further solidified her name in showbiz.
Mara Clara, 4 years and 6 months (August 17, 1992 to February 14, 1997)
One of the timeless and most memorable programs ever produced, this was headlined by Judy Ann Santos and Gladys Reyes, which introduced the former as a dramatic actress and the latter as a primera kontrabida.
More than a decade after, a remake of Mara Clara was produced in 2010 that starred Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes.
FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, 6 years (September 28, 2015 to present)
Last, but definitely not the least, is this action-drama series inspired by the 1997 Fernando Poe Jr. flick of the same title. It is topbilled by Coco Martin, who also serves as the creative consultant and one of its directors.
As it consistently registered impressive ratings throughout its run, the management decided to extend it a number of times and continues to dominate primetime in the past six years. And this 2021, our hero Cardo Dalisay and Task Force Agila have embarked on a new chapter and are joined by stellar cast Julia Montes, Joseph Marco, Rosanna Roces, and more.
Which among these longest-running series is/are your favorite/s, Kapamilya?