Before social media blew up, every Filipino – from kids to senior citizens — was glued to their televisions. Families would gather around their living rooms to catch their favorite shows, then talk about them with their friends and neighbors over the telephone. Those were the good old days.
The 2000s was the ~golden era~ of Pinoy teleseryes. Back in those days, TV networks spoiled us with nothing but great casts and even greater plots. The performances and stories during this decade became the standard of today’s TV shows. But it’s time to refresh your memory and pay homage to the classics. We’re certain that one way or another, these teleseryes left an impact in your childhood.
Prepare to surf a wave of nostalgia because we listed down eight of the best 2000s teleseryes of all time.
1. Maria Flordeluna (2007)
Maria Flordeluna is one of the highest-rated programs on Philippine television. This family drama revolves around a young girl who just dreams of having a happy family. After losing her mom, Flor and her brother gain a new family when their dad decides to marry his ex-girlfriend. Things go downhill when her stepmom, stepsister, and stepgrandmother begin mistreating her.
This tearjerker cast several Goin Bulilit mainstays like Eliza Pineda, Kristel Fulgar, and Nash Aguas. It also boasted a powerhouse cast of Albert Martinez, Eula Valdez, John Estrada, Liza Lorena, and Johnny Delgado.
This series is a ten but the ending…OMG. You can rewatch this heartbreaking show on YouTube. But don’t forget to prep some tissues.
2. May Bukas Pa (2009)
May Bukas Pa is a wholesome and inspiring series that also had inspiring lessons about kindness and faith. It narrated the story of Santino, an orphan adopted by priests who could talk to Jesus, whom he called Bro. He was granted the ability to heal and help people in their town.
The series was so impactful that the church they were shooting in became a tourist attraction and the term “Bro” was used in ABS-CBN’s 2009 Christmas Station ID, “Bro, Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko”. Zaijan Jaranilla quickly became everyone’s favorite child star; he worked with big names like Albert Martinez, Dina Bonnevie, Tonton Gutierrez, Dominic Ochoa, and Jaime Fabregas among others. It was an all-star cast and was in a league of its own.
You can binge-watch this show on YouTube and let your kids experience the kind of hope it gave us.
3. Dyosa (2008)
Dyosa is among the first fantaseryes on ABS-CBN. This drama tells the story of a young orphan who finds out that she is the “Takda” or the chosen one who has divine powers to save humankind from evil forces. She eventually becomes the goddess that she is destined to be and holds the power of earth, air, and water. She takes up the of Dyosa Tierra, Dyosa Agua, and Dyosa Cielo. In the end, she has to choose between giving up her powers to stay with the people she loves or take on her destiny.
Anne Curtis played the title character and was joined by Sam Milby, Luis Manzano, Zanjoe Marudo, and Jacklyn Jose in the series. The show forever associated the word Dyosa (goddess) to Anne Curtis.
The CGI left much to be desired, but the story was a ten. You can rewatch this show on YouTube.
4. Katorse (2009)
Katorse is a coming-of-age soap opera. It revolves around Nene, a 14-year-old small town girl. When her childhood playmate, Gabby, comes back from studying in the city, they rekindle their friendship. As a consequence of being curious teens, Nene gets pregnant. Their families become furious and Nene discovers a lot of issues with her family.
The series introduced Erich Gonzales, Enchong Dee, EJ Falcon, and Xian Lim. They were joined by seasoned actors like Garlo Verzosa, Cherie Gil, and Malou de Guzman.
Katorse was bold enough to tackle teenage pregnancy on national television, initiating a lot of important conversations that are still relevant today. You can watch it on YouTube and spread the word.
5. Lobo (2008)
Before Twilight, the Philippines had Lobo. This supernatural-fantasy horror series tells the story of two young lovers who unfortunately belong to two opposing groups – the Lunas and the Wayas. The Lunas want to eliminate the white werewolves, the Lobo, while the Wayas have sworn to protect them. After all the battles, metamorphoses, and antidotes, Noah and Lyka end up together.
Lobo had two sequels, Immortal and La Luna Sangre. The series remains one of the top rating fantaseryes in the country, gathering critical acclaim locally and internationally. It was led by Angel Locsin and Piolo Pascual. Shaina Magdayao, Pilar Pilapil, Geoff Eigenmann, Agot Isidro, and Ryan Eigenmann were among its stellar cast. It also became one of the most expensive series produced by ABS-CBN.
Just my two cents: It’s better than Twilight! You can rewatch its full episodes on YouTube, but prepare for a whirlwind of emotions!
6. Marina (2004)
Marina took us on a mermaid’s fairytale adventure. The series tells the story of Christina, who was cursed by a sea deity named Victoria. She turns into a mermaid on her seventh birthday and is sent by her parents to the ocean. Victoria doesn’t give up in making Christina’s life miserable, but to defeat Victoria, the mermaid has to make a difficult choice.
This series starred Claudine Barretto together with Snooky Serna, Joel Torre, Debraliz Valasote, Bobby Andrews, Lilia Cuntapay, Meryll Soriano, and Cherie Gil.
You can still catch this gem on YouTube and meet the most iconic characters we grew up with. (We miss you, Pearly!)
7. Sana Maulit Muli (2007)
Sana Maulit Muli was the iconic love team Kimerald’s first soap opera after their PBB stint. The series is about Travis and Jasmin, who have to fight destiny for their love. After an untimely bus accident takes away Jasmin’s life, Travis wishes to go back in time and change things. A mysterious man named Mang Andres gave him the opportunity to do so and they continued their relationship.
This top-rating series fortified Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson’s careers. They were cast along with Erich Gonzales, Jake Cuenca, Gloria Diaz, and Michael De Mesa.
We still wish this series had more episodes! You can watch this amazing love story on YouTube. Get your hearts ready for what you’re about to see!
8. Super Inggo (2006)
Sorry, MCU but we loved Super Inggo first. This series tells the story of Budong, a street kid who dreams of becoming a superhero one day. What he doesn’t know is that he possesses superhuman abilities from his superhero father and evil mother. After discovering his true identity, he enters the Power Academy to become ‘Super Inggo.’
Makisig Morales played the title character. The series cast Angelu de Leon, Nova Villa, Joshua Dionisio, Andrew Muhlach, Sam Concepcion, Herbert Bautista, Zanjoe Marudo, and Meryll Soriano among others. Fun fact: Kathryn Bernardo was Budong’s ‘babes.’
This series makes us realize how old we are right now. You can still rewatch full episodes of our favorite superhero on YouTube. So what are you waiting for?
What is your favorite teleserye of all time? Drop it in the comments below.
