At the core of these two ‘miracle series’ is an invitation to believe in miracles again and to keep the faith; to turn to the Almighty at a time when everything feels futile and hopeless.
Miracles Do Happen.
This is what primetime series, Huwag Kang Mangamba and Niña Niño seem to be trying to convey.
There have been several similarly themed previously-aired TV shows, and other local TV programs that have undeniably hit viewers on an emotional level, and to some extent, changed viewers’ perspectives about faith, hope, and life, in general.
As it is to many audiences, the power of television to engage has never been as strong when it’s life-changing local TV series we are talking about—like May Bukas Pa, and other faith-based dramas produced by ABS-CBN.
GMA Network had some attempts to copy ABS-CBN’s formula but arguably didn’t make a similar impression or overwhelming results.
Interestingly, not too many popular TV shows—and even movies—are made with the sole intention to emotionally affect audiences, as some local TV shows that ultimately went on to achieve phenomenal status in ratings and are no doubt made largely for their entertainment value, and of course, for their immense potential to become moneymakers.
Huwag Kang Mangamba and Niña Niño–both seem poised to be different, as their arrival at a time when many people are grappling for reasons, and for motivations to survive, feel utterly crucial in keeping the hope alive—the hope, that this pandemic, just like many tragedies humanity has already survived, shall pass.
Like most past TV series aired by both ABS-CBN and GMA-7 (and even TV5), Huwag Kang Mangamba and Niña Niño can’t stake a claim to originality, as they follow plotlines that have been adapted and reimagined in various media, over and over again.
The sociopolitical relevance of the two shows almost coinciding debuts are arguably the most difficult battle yet, however, is something, not too many similar programs, or formats can pull off.
To these shows’ credit, both are able—or holding promise—to illustrate exciting characters and themes that brilliantly showcase thoughtful and convincing arguments about faith, and about life. It is mostly made possible by strong central characters. Both shows have.
In Huwag Kang Mangamba, the spotlight is on both two young female heroines, Mira (Andrea Brillantes) and Joy (Francine Diaz), who both received Bro’s miracles, when both died due to accident, and risen from the dead. Like May Bukas Pa, the show’s intriguing storyline is bolstered by side characters, that each, rich and interesting sub-plot. Mira and Joy, as the central characters do share peripheral storylines radiate. It figures sensible and engaging narratives.
What makes Huwag Kang Mangamba socio-politically relevant is its potent dissection of glaring current issues and themes–that makes dealing with evil, and its many forms, even more challenging. There is this faith healer who introduces herself to the public, as a prophet of God, amid the hideous secrets she keeps, that may expose her wickedness. Deborah, compellingly played by Eula Valdez, is proof that false prophets live among us. Another character, Simon Advincula (Nonie Buencamino), the town Mayor is a perfect example of politicians who turn ‘public service’ into business. In some ways, he is just like Deborah—both take advantage of the people, their ignorance, and their weaknesses.
Similarly, Niña Niño talks of miracles that happen in unexpected situations and places. It’s an invitation to believe again, in the wonders of the Almighty, and how His interventions make people change, for the better.
This change is set to take place within Niña, which dramatic actress, Maja Salvador, is poised to excellently portray. In the recently-piloted TV5 drama, Niña’s faith was made bleak by a string of unfortunate events. A miracle, that would bring her brother Niño (Noel Cormia Jr.) to life, after dying due to an accident, will turn things around for her and give her a long-awaited chance at redemption.
As a socio-political tool, Niña Niño mimics the daily struggle of many people, to navigate lives amid seemingly insurmountable adversities, and countless social and economic factors, that expose ugly facets of society—the gross disparity between the rich and the poor, the social injustices, and the proliferation of crimes and corruption that takes place today.
While seeing these two similarly-themed shows air on the same program line-up (although Niña Niño airs only on TV5, may potentially give audiences a genre-fatigue, the possibility that both will succeed, is heightened by the country’s circumstances. Humans live, including Filipinos at a time when dark moments compel them to make decisions that may or may not ultimately lead to darker places. It’s like practically crawling through a dark tunnel, waiting for that light to finally gape, and signal that the end of this suffering, would soon end.
The hope both Huwag Kang Mangamba and Niña Niño impart is a comforting assurance, that this darkness will soon end, and that a better morning awaits.
Huwag Kang Mangamba airs on A2Z Channel 11, TV5, Kapamilya Channel, and various other Kapamilya platforms. Niña Niño, on the other hand, airs over TV5, and streams on CignalPlay.
