Like the message of this year’s ABS-CBN’s Christmas ID “Andito Tayo Para sa Isa’t Isa,” ABS-CBN teleseryes and their relatable stories are here to remind us that whatever challenges we are going through, we have our loved ones to help us survive the dark times, our problems and fears are better shared with others, and there is always going to be someone eager to lend a helping hand.
1. Never gonna give you up! Cardo and Task Force Agila stay loyal to one another in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”
Cardo (Coco Martin) and Task Force Agila have gone through numerous life-threatening battles together and they have always proven that they are willing to fight for one another until the very end, even if it means taking a bullet for each other. In the current story of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” Cardo and Task Force Agila’s trust and loyalty in one another is facing the ultimate test after being tagged as the most wanted criminals in the country. However, Task Force Agila has remained committed to their group, hopeful that if they continue to stick together and put their full trust in Cardo, they will be able to survive the numerous challenges brought about by their power-hungry enemies.
2. One for all, all for one! Mara and her community band together in “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”
Mara (Julia Montes) and her family once lived a simple life as part of a community of farmers whose only concern was to care for their land and the well-being of one another. However, their peaceful livelihood took a major turn when Don Ignacio (Tommy Abuel), a wealthy and powerful businessman, unjustly evicted them from their land by mercilessly killing their family members. From then on, Mara, her parents Armando and Lolita (John Estrada and Rosanna Roces), and their entire clan banded together and vowed to seek justice for the death of their fallen relatives. Despite the looming danger in their quest for justice, Mara’s family only grew stronger and they leaned on one another for guidance. Their sole intention is to protect their loved ones from their enemies, while Armando also made it clear that he will not allow his family to be pushed around and taken advantage of ever again, and that his mission is to give them a better life.
3. Against all odds! Camille and Andrei fight for their love in “Marry Me, Marry You”
Camille and Andrei’s (Janine Gutierrez and Paulo Avelino) romance was difficult from the very beginning due to the ongoing conflict between their respective families. But their love proved to be greater as they vowed to fight for their relationship while trying to resolve the issues of their parents. First, it was Camille who gave Andrei a brand new perspective in life wherein she taught him that he doesn’t have to endure his personal problems alone because she is willing to lift him up and help him reconcile with his father. Andrei, on the other hand, reassured Camille that she will never have to worry about the challenges that will come their way because he will always be there to protect and support her. Even if Andrei and Camille are now married, they promised to still keep a strong bond with their families and it is their goal to make their foundation even stronger. Despite the issues they encounter in their relationship, Andrei and Camille always find a way to stay true to the real essence of love and family, which has become the core dynamic of their marriage.
4. Family is forever! Elvie, Marvi, and Paula prove that nobody can tear their friendship apart in “Marry Me, Marry You”
“Pamilyang matibay! Pamilyang matatag! Family is forever!” is the chant of Camille and her family, which serves as their constant reminder that they will always be there for one another no matter how difficult life can get. Recently, Camille and her three ninangs Elvie, Marvi, and Paula (Cherry Pie Picache, Vina Morales, and Sunshine Dizon) got into a major argument and started blaming each other for their current problems. But their feud didn’t last for long as Camille reminded them that they should be leaning on one another for support instead of fighting. Elvie, Marvi, and Paula realized that in their years of friendship, they always counted on one another and they would always lift each other up whenever they were faced with adversity. Because of this reminder, the three best friends decided that they will all help each other in finding ways to solve their problems, whether financial or family problems, instead of making matters worse by tearing each other apart.
5. Who run the world? Girls! Women supporting women in “Viral Scandal”
Experiencing sexual violence can be isolating for victims, who may feel that no one understands what they’re going through and that their situation will never get better. In the case of “Viral Scandal’s” Rica (Charlie Dizon), her rape was captured on camera and made the rounds online, further making her feel that her life is out of her control. The series, however, highlights how women can support and help each other.
In one of the series’ scenes, Rica’s sister Bea (Karina Bautista) stood up to her classmates when they mocked her sister and mother after the video leaked. Right then and there, Bea went live on social media and schooled her classmates about supporting victims of sex crimes by saying, "Pakiulit nga ‘yung sinabi mo. Tinawag mo bang porn star ‘yung ate ko? So you mean to say bilang babae, wala kang awa at suporta sa kapwa mong babae? Tuwang-tuwa ka pang naging biktima siya ng sex crime. Ang babae, sinusuportahan ang kapwa niyang babae."
Rica also got sexually harassed by the man who interviewed her during a job interview. Luckily, his secretary barged through the door and saw that Rica was uncomfortable in the situation, even questioning her boss about what he did to Rica. The secretary’s concerned and reassuring look empowered Rica, who went on to slap the interviewer, then thanked the secretary afterwards.
6. You’ve got a friend! Lena finds support and love in “La Vida Lena”
Erich Gonzales’ series is not only about seeking revenge against her character’s worst enemies, but also about choosing to trust again in people and finding one’s chosen family. In the case of Lena (Erich), whose life was ruined by the powerful Narciso family, she knows her quest to find justice is not something she is able to do alone. After losing literally everything, she has found kindness and solidarity in other people who also suffered at the hands of the Narcisos – her former cell mate, Ramona (Janice De Belen), whom she now considers her sister, Martina (Malou Crisologo), a former employee of the Narcisos, as well in her childhood friends Betchay (Hasna Cabral) and Jordan (Carlo Aquino). Together, they vow to take down the powerful and evil family so no other person has to live through what they did.
Watch these shows on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, CineMo, Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page, and iWantTFC. For updates, follow @abscbnpr on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok or visit www.abs-cbn.com/newsroom.