Once primetime hits, tuning into teleseryes is almost routine for Filipino households. But little do most local viewers know, even our homegrown TV faves have crossed over to international waters, receiving renown abroad.
From Nigeria religiously watching Mara Clara to Marimar becoming a Cambodian favorite, true-blue Filipino shows have grown a strong following overseas throughout the years, thanks to their universal themes. Ahead, see a couple of them below!
LIST: Filipino Shows That Became Famous Abroad
1. Pangako Sa ’Yo (The Promise)
The effect of the ABS-CBN teleserye wasn’t limited to the Philippine shores. The early 2000s series, which revolved around the layered love story of Yna (Kristine Hermosa) and Angelo (Jericho Rosales), also caused a whirlwind of emotions miles away from home, finding fame in about 14 countries including China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and several countries in Africa. The original series garnered 1.3 billion views in China, becoming the second-highest-rated show for local and foreign series then.
The 2015 remake starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla also earned its share of international accolades, with Jodi Sta. Maria’s rendition of Amor Powers earning her an International Emmy Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress.
2. Mara Clara
Aside from Pangako Sa ’Yo, Kathryn Bernardo has gained household name status in other countries, in part due to her portrayal of Mara in the 2010 teleserye remake of Mara Clara. Alongside Julia Montes as the antagonist Clara, the series became a favorite in Nigeria that even viewers across the country flocked to their screens just to keep up with its episodes!
3. Marimar
On the GMA side, the Marian Rivera- and Dingdong Dantes-starring 2007 Marimar remake gained an audience overseas, too. The series found success in 14 countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, and parts of Africa, and earned Marian a spot in Esquire Indonesia’s “hottest women” list. The two garnered a considerable fanbase in Cambodia, with even its prime minister Hun Sen requesting the stars to meet them in person!
4. Dyesebel
Another one for Marian and Dingdong’s books, the 2008 mermaid drama Dyesebel rocked countries like Malaysia, with its viewers tuning in to the show like clockwork. Its subtitled version was so eagerly watched that the pair made several appearances on Malaysian TV, as invited by the locals themselves.
5. Lobo (She Wolf: The Last Sentinel)
It isn’t all too surprising if you notice the stray GIF from 2008’s Lobo making an appearance in the internet sphere. Outside of the Philippines, the fantasy series is known as She Wolf: The Last Sentinel, perfectly encapsulating the story of fashion designer-slash-werewolf Lyka (Angel Locsin), alongside her angst-ridden love affair with soldier Noah (Piolo Pascual). The show premiered in Nigeria in 2013, and it was also the first Philippine show to air in Thailand in 2012.
6. Impostora (Impostors)
Originally aired in 2007 on the GMA network, Impostora catapulted the stardom of Sunshine Cruz and Iza Calzado even further in the local scene. Beyond the country, however, the series had a much-raved status on its own, becoming famous in 12 nations. The show about the conjoined twins Sara and Lara and their separation inspired a local adaptation in Cambodia, with subtitled and dubbed versions airing across Myanmar, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, South Korea, the United States, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, and more.
7. Tayong Dalawa (The Two of Us)
The ABS-CBN series starring Gerald Anderson and Jake Cuenca vying for the heart of Kim Chiu's character gained traction in international seas, being the first Filipino program on Singapore's teleserye belt. The show also aired in Malaysia, Uganda, Kenya, and Cambodia. It also inspired a Malaysia adaptation titled Angkara Cinta in 2020.
8. My Destiny
The GMA melodrama top-billed by Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abellana had its own following in around 13 countries across Asia and Africa, with Mexico buying the rights to the format in 2016. The series was received so well that even its lead actress Carla earned the Face of the Year accolade in Vietnam.
9. Bridges of Love (Puentes de Amor)
Starring the love triangle of Maja Salvador as a dancer and Jericho Rosales and Paulo Avelino as two opposed brothers, ABS-CBN's Bridges of Love gained global acclaim with a nomination from the International Emmy Awards for Best Telenovela. Dubbed in languages like Spanish and titled Puentes de Amor, the show aired in South American countries like Peru, which even surpassed its competition on the same timeslot.
10. Carmela
The GMA series, led by Marian Rivera and Alden Richards in a drama wrought by generational turmoil, earned a must-watch status in over 12 countries, including Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Ukraine, and countries in Africa and South America. Its lead actor Alden also flew to Thailand to promote the series in an invite by the media network.
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