Philippines is a nation divided – not just politically, but televisionally. We have ABS-CBN, GMA Network and TV5 providing the Filipino people their bests to win their hearts. From smart comedies to gripping dramas, to the epic fantasy worlds, we bring you the 10 Best TV Shows of 2012.
When it comes to ranking the television’s top programs from the last 12 months, there has to be a distinction between actual quality and shameless, surface-level enjoyment.
1. Walang Hanggan (ABS-CBN)
“Walang Hanggan” iis not just a winner by ratings but also when it comes to the online feedback – from Twitter trending topics to review, ABS-CBN’s “Walang Hanggan” is surely a runaway winner. The series is loosely based on the 1991 Gomez-Zulueta film “Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit,” a film based on the Emily Brontë novel, “Wuthering Heights.” The drama became a huge hit maintaining the top spot in viewer ratings for most of its run, with its final episode attaining its highest rating of 45.4% nationwide.
2. Budoy (ABS-CBN)
“Budoy” tackles the story of Budoy, who is mentally challenged, and his family, relationships and social issues. It topbills Gerald Anderson, Jessy Mendiola and Enrique Gil. The show is notable for the main character’s catchphrases such as “Hello, ako Budoy!” (Hello, I’m Budoy) and “Jackie, gusto mo BJ?” (Jackie, you like BJ?). The series won Best drama series at the 34th Catholic Mass Media Awards. The show ended on March 9, 201.
3. Be Careful with my Heart (ABS-CBN)
“Be Careful With My Heart” is ABS-CBN’s surprised big hit comedy-drama for 2012 since it premiered on ABS-CBN on July 9, 2012 airing before “It’s Showtime.” It’s now the leader of daytime TV series in terms of ratings. It is topbilled by Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap.This is a story about a simple girl Maya dela Rosa (Jodi Sta. Maria) who journeys to the big city to follow her dreams to become a flight stewardess to help her family.She would allow no one to stop her, not even the handsome, wealthy widower Richard Lim (Richard Yap), who threatens to ruin her dreams.
4. One True Love
“One True Love” is a Filipino drama series created and written by Suzette Doctolero, under the helm of Andoy L. Ranay and produced by GMA Network. The series bannered Alden Richards and Louise delos Reyes as the lead protagonists, with Agot Isidro, Jean Garcia and Raymond Bagatsing. The pilot week of the series posted high numbers according to data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, gathering 38.4% share points (overnight household data recorded in Mega Manila from June 11 to 15, 2012) as compare to its counterpart program 35.2% and 10% from ABS-CBN and TV5 respectively. While its finale episode garnered 28.2% ratings (AGB Nielsen Philippines, October 5, 2012, Mega Manila Household overnight ratings), made it as the most-watched primetime show that date.
5. Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo (ABS-CBN)
The story of “Kung Ako’y Iiwan mo” revolves on the lives of two former childhood friend turned lovers whose destinies pave way through their marriage and try to pave their way of difficult lives as OFW’ just to provide for them a better life as a married couple and as a family. Starring Shaina Magdayao, Bangs Garcia and Jake Cuenca, the series aired its final episode on November 16. Since it premiered last April, the show scored remarkable ratings such that the network had to extend it.
6. Hiram na Puso (GMA Network)
“Hiram na Puso” is a Filipino drama series created and written by Suzette Doctolero, under the directions of Andoy Ranay and Roderick Lindayag, and produced by GMA Network. The series features Kris Bernal and Gina Alajar as the main protagonists, with Mark Herras, Bela Padilla, Polo Ravales, Gardo Versoza and Ayen Munyi-Laurel. The series premiered March 5, 2012 replacing Kokak on GMA Afternoon Prime and March 7, 2012 worldwide via GMA Pinoy TV. The series concluded on July 6, 2012. It ran 18 weeks with 88 episodes overall. This TV series made its lead – Mark and Kris better actors.
7. Valiente (TV5)
“Valiente” is a Philippine drama television series, aired and broadcast on TV5. It is the remake of the 5 year original epic drama of the same name that tells the story of love, hatred, vengeance and friendship. It returns with a cast led by JC de Vera, Oyo Boy Sotto, Niña Jose, Nadine Samonte, Jaclyn Jose and Michael de Mesa. It is written by Phil M. Noble from the original story of highly-acclaimed writer Gina Marissa Tagasa and is directed by multi-awarded film and television director Joel Lamangan. It is produced by Archangel Productions and TAPE Inc. and aired on February 13, 2012. The series was also received by critics as a masterpiece of a beautiful epic revival and one of the best epic remakes for television for the TV Network.
8. Temptation of Wife (GMA Network)
“Temptation of Wife” series is a remake of 2008 South Korean hit drama series of the same title. It banners Marian Rivera, Dennis Trillo, Glaiza de Castro and Rafael Rosell as the four main characters of the series under the helm of Dominic Zapata. This series ranks as one of the network’s most watched Pinoy adaptations of a hit Koreanovela series. Every member of the cast gives a commendable acting performance which impresses viewers with each subsequent episode.
9. Ina, Kapatid, Anak (ABS-CBN)
“Ina, Kapatid, Anak” clinched to the no. 1 spot in the recent list of overall top TV programs nationwide vacated by the most successful series of 2012, “Walang Hanggan.” This TV series premiered on October 8, 2012 on ABS-CBN. The drama follows the lives of Margaux Marasigan (Maja Salvador), Celyn Buenaventura (Kim Chiu), Liam Lagdameo (Xian Lim) and Ethan Castillo (Enchong Dee) and their struggles for power, acceptance, family and love. The show was extended due to success in its ratings, with the second season set to premiere on January 14, 2013 with the episode featuring the grand revelation that Celyn is the daughter of Julio (Ariel Rivera) and Beatrice (Janice de Belen) Marasigan.
10. My Beloved (GMA Network)
“My Beloved” headlines the tandem of real and reel sweethearts Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera as the two main protagonists, with Katrina Halili, Mikael Daez and Paolo Contis as the antagonists. The series premiered February 13, 2012 and concluded on June 8, 2012.
