ABS-CBN has produced some of the most remarkable, most popular, and most inspiring TV series, where a child actor played the lead role.
ABS-CBN has somewhat perfected the formula when it comes to ‘kiddie seryes’. Over the years, the network has invested in producing these dramas, where the spotlight is on a child actor playing the lead or title role. Year after year, a new child wonder, gets introduced to the public, and as always, the reception is overwhelming.
Most kiddie-seryes produced by ABS-CBN usually contain the same elements: fantasy, magic, inspiration, among others. This formula seems to work repeatedly, as reflected by the high TV ratings garnered by these shows.
Here’s a look back on ABS-CBN’s most memorable fantasy-themed kiddie series through the years:
100 Days to Heaven (2011)
This series is definitely one of ABS-CBN’s most successful inspirational dramas as it did not only reign in the rating game but also gave way for its lead star, Xyriel Manabat, to achieve massive popularity and subsequent projects. The show followed the business mogul Ana Manalastas, who was sent back to Earth as a child to redeem herself.
E-Boy (2012)
E-Boy is an inspiring sci-fiction drama that tells the story of a child robot named E-Boy. Bugoy Cariño played the title role, which earned him praises from critics.
Honesto (2013)
Honesto follows the story of the titular kid whose nose gets bigger and becomes red whenever he lies. The series, which is best remembered for teaching honesty, starred then-child star Raikko Mateo.
Kokey (2007)
Based on the movie of the same title, Kokey follows the story of the titular alien who crash-landed on Earth and befriended a human boy. The show delighted millions of viewers during its airing, as suggested by its very high viewership.
Kung Fu Kids (2008)
This series is one of the three primetime series which premiered on the same night in 2008. The live-action fantaserye followed the story of a bunch of kids who are each bestowed special abilities and power to fight the forces of evil.
May Bukas Pa (2009)
This show is widely regarded as the original ‘miracle-serye’. Its lead star, Zaijian Jaranilla, who played the miracle child, Santino, became a household name because of the show’s massive popularity. The show is also best remembered for guesting a lot of big stars to the show.
Mutya (2011)
Mutya is undoubtedly one of ABS-CBN’s most memorable mermaid-seryes. The series revolved around a mermaid child who was abandoned at birth because of her condition. The series paved the way for its lead star. Mutya Orquia, to become a household name.
My Dear Heart (2017)
This inspirational drama revolves around a young girl named Heart who was put into a coma after an accident. Her soul, however, left her body and became visible to her doctor, who would become instrumental in her attempt to communicate with her family.
My Little Juan (2013)
Because of the massive success of the primetime series, Juan de la Cruz, this spin-off and prequel series, was born. Starring Izzy Canillo in the title role, My Little Juan follows the story of the young Juan de la Cruz.
Nathaniel (2015)
This inspirational fantasy drama gave Filipino viewers the story of Nathaniel, an angel who was sent back to Earth to fulfill a mission. The series starred the child star, Marco Masa, in the title role, alongside Gerald Anderson, Shaina Magdayao, Connie Reyes, and Pokwang.
Super Inggo (2006)
Super Inggo is considered one of ABS-CBN’s most successful TV series of 2007, as it ranked 2nd overall in the nationwide ratings provided by AGB Nielsen. The story revolved around a young boy named Budong (Makising Morales), who inherited superhuman strength and powers from his parents. The show’s International Emmy’s nomination is a testament to its greatness.
Wako-Wako (2012)
This series follows the story of a magical wish-granting creature called Wako-Wako, and the young boy who found him, Muymuy (Yogo Singh). The series also starred the Comedy Queen, AI-ai de las Alas, who played an Arukan goddess.
Which of these kiddie dramas inspired you the most? Did you think we missed another show that should be on the list? Comment below:
