Hubbry Logo
MagkaribalMagkaribalMain
Open search
Magkaribal
Community hub
Magkaribal
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Magkaribal
Magkaribal
from Wikipedia

Magkaribal
Title card
Genre
Created by
Written by
  • Jay Fernando
  • G3 San Diego
  • BJ Lingan
  • Christine Badillo Novicio
  • Genesis Rodriguez
Directed by
  • Nuel Crisostomo Naval
  • Mae Czarina Cruz-Alviar
Starring
Opening theme"Kapag Ako Ay Nagmahal" by Juris Fernandez
Ending theme"Kapag Ako Ay Nagmahal" by Jolina Magdangal
ComposerLarry Hermoso
Country of originPhilippines
Original languageFilipino
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes94 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Producers
  • Lindsay Anne Dizon
  • Ellen Nicolas Criste
  • Henry King Quitain
Editors
  • Dennis Salgado
  • Joy Buenaventura
Production companyStar Creatives
Original release
NetworkABS-CBN
ReleaseJune 28 (2010-06-28) –
November 5, 2010 (2010-11-05)
Related
Triunfo del amor
Pusong Ligaw
FlordeLiza

Magkaribal (International title: Rivals) is a 2010 Philippine drama television series starring Bea Alonzo and Gretchen Barretto. The series ran on ABS-CBN from June 28 to November 5, 2010, replacing Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Clash 2010 and was replaced by Perfect Match. [1]

Premise

[edit]

Two sisters, Anna and Angela Abella, are separated due to a tragedy caused by their long family back story.

Anna trains herself to be a perfect Filipina model and fashion designer under her new name Victoria Valera. Meanwhile, Angela is adopted by the Agustins and is renamed Angela “Gelai” Agustin. Both of them end up having the same ambition in fashion as they did in their childhood together. So they cross paths in the fashion industry unaware that they are sisters and greedily end up as rivals; not just in their careers, but also in love.

Vera Cruz is a famous model and fashion designer, and is also the woman in the past who caused the Abella family's destruction. Now she is ready to keep the two women fighting, and aims to destroy Victoria's image with Gelai to avoid their closure. Vera is determined to stop the Abella sisters from uniting against her to dethrone her. But what if the two eventually find out the truth? Can they heal the wounds of their rivalry?

Cast and characters

[edit]


Main cast

[edit]
Bea Alonzo portrays Gelai Agustin / Angela Abella
Angel Aquino portrays Vera Cruz-Abella
Enchong Dee portrays Caloy Javier.
Derek Ramsay, portrays, Louie Villamor

Supporting cast

[edit]

Special participation

[edit]

Episodes

[edit]

Production

[edit]

The show is set the fashion world and includes costuming and cameo appearances by local designers.[2] According to several executives behind the show's production, the series was originally planned to stage the comeback of actress Donna Cruz. During the course of pre-production, Cruz was to play Angela Abella/Gelai Agustin, and Angel Aquino was initially considered to portray the role of Anna Abella/Victoria Valera. Christopher de Leon was also tapped to play the role of Manuel, and Cherie Gil was shortlisted as Vera Cruz. The series also included Derek Ramsay as Louie, Enchong Dee as Caloy, and Erich Gonzales as Chloe. After Cruz backed out due to her commitments in Cebu where she permanently resides, ABS-CBN tapped real-life sisters Gretchen Barretto and Claudine Barretto for the roles of Anna/Victoria and Angela/Gelai respectively.[3] After the latter's transfer to GMA Network along with actors de Leon and Gil, the production was again delayed. It was only until Bea Alonzo's casting as Angela Abella/Gelai Agustin that the series continued to develop, with Barretto retaining the role as Anna/Victoria, and Aquino this time playing the role of Vera. Mark Gil took the role of Manuel in the final casting of characters. A young Kathryn Bernardo would be cast in the role of a young Anna/Vera, which she did she simultaneously with GMA Network series Endless Love wherein she played the role of young Jenny.[4] Following her performance in Magkaribal, she went on to be cast as Mara in the Mara Clara remake.[4]

Reruns

[edit]

It aired reruns on Jeepney TV from January 6 to April 17, 2014; from April 6 to May 21, 2015; from September 4 to October 13, 2017; from April 21 to August 4, 2019; from December 26, 2022 to March 3, 2023; from October 28 to December 27, 2024 (also aired on ALLTV) and from February 7 to July 18, 2026.

Reception

[edit]

Magkaribal received heavy promotion as competition for GMA Network's Endless Love, whose pilot aired at the same time (even though Magkaribal aired a little later than Endless Love).[5] The show premiered on June 28, 2010, with a 25.3% national household rating against its direct competition, Diva on GMA Network with a 19.4% national household rating (Endless Love scored a pilot rating of 22.9%, which aired earlier than Magkaribal).[6] Magkaribal posted a 30.0% national household rating on its finale against its rival show (direct competition in the timeslot), Beauty Queen, which only managed to score a 14.4% national household rating.[7]

Awards and recognitions

[edit]
Year Award-giving body Award Recipient Result
2011 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards Best Telenovela Magkaribal Nominated
9th Gawad Tanglaw Awards Best Drama Series Won
Golden Screen TV Awards Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Drama Series Gretchen Barretto Nominated
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Drama Series Derek Ramsay Nominated
Outstanding Original Drama Series Magkaribal Nominated
25th Star Awards for TV Best Primetime TV Series Nominated
Best Drama Actress Gretchen Barretto Won
Angel Aquino Nominated
Bea Alonzo Nominated
Best Drama Actor Derek Ramsay Nominated

International broadcast

[edit]

As with many ABS-CBN teleseryes, Magkaribal aired in Kenya dubbed in English under the title Rivals. It was broadcast on NTV during the prime 6pm - 7pm timeslot in 2011.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Magkaribal is a Philippine television series that premiered on on June 28, 2010, and concluded on November 5, 2010, after 94 episodes. The series centers on two estranged sisters, Angela "Gelai" Abella (portrayed by ) and Anna "Victoria" Valera (portrayed by ), who were separated in childhood following the accidental death of their mother and subsequently reunite as rival designers in the high-stakes world of Manila's industry. Their story unfolds amid themes of love, revenge, and family reconciliation, as they unknowingly compete for the affections of the same man while confronting a manipulative , Vera Cruz (played by ), who schemes to undermine their ambitions. Produced by Star Creatives and directed by Nuel C. Naval and Mae Czarina Cruz-Alviar, Magkaribal marked the first fashion-themed teleserye in the , blending elements of romance, melodrama, and suspense to explore the cutthroat dynamics of the industry. The ensemble cast also featured , , , and , with young appearing as the child version of Victoria. Aired in the primetime slot, the series garnered significant viewership and critical acclaim for its compelling narrative and standout performances, particularly the intense rivalry between Alonzo and Barretto. It received a finalist nomination for Best at the 2011 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards, highlighting its international recognition.

Series overview

Premise

Magkaribal centers on the lives of two biological sisters, Angela Abella, known as Gelai Agustin, and Anna Abella, who later becomes Victoria Valera, who are separated as children following their mother's accidental death caused by their father's mistress. The sisters, portrayed by Bea Alonzo as Angela and Gretchen Barretto as Anna, grow up unaware of their blood connection, each forging paths in the cutthroat Philippine fashion industry—Angela as a talented junior designer and Anna as a renowned supermodel. Their reunion unfolds as unwitting rivals, competing fiercely in the world of high fashion design and garment production, where ambition and creativity drive success. The central conflict intensifies through the manipulations of Vera Cruz, a powerful mogul and the sisters' father's former paramour, who harbors a deep-seated grudge against the Valera family and schemes to reclaim her dominance in the industry. Vera's calculated interference escalates the sisters' professional and personal rivalry, drawing them into a web of deceit that threatens their dreams and uncovers long-buried family secrets. Amid this turmoil, romantic entanglements further complicate their paths, as both sisters find themselves drawn to the same man, Louie Villamor, a charismatic figure tied to the world, while Gelai is also involved with Caloy Javier, a hardworking —heightening the stakes in their quest for identity and belonging. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Manila's garment factories and elite fashion houses, the series explores the sisters' parallel journeys from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of Philippine couture, where survival demands not only skill but also resilience against betrayal and hidden legacies.

Themes

Magkaribal centers on the theme of , exemplified by the intense conflict between Gelai Agustin (also known as Angela Abella) and Victoria Valera (also known as Anna Abella), who are unknowingly sisters separated by in their youth. This rivalry symbolizes the loss of due to familial disruption caused by their mother's death and their father's , while their hidden family bonds drive the narrative toward eventual , highlighting the enduring power of blood ties despite years of estrangement. The series portrays the cutthroat competition in the fashion industry, including the pursuit of success among designers and the class divides between elite creators and underpaid seamstresses who labor . It depicts women navigating challenges in the field through ambition and resilience. Motifs of and manipulation are woven through the character of Vera Cruz, whose actions stem from her past with the family, fueling her schemes to reclaim her position as a , often paralleling the sisters' own experiences of trauma and . This thematic thread explores how past wounds shape destructive behaviors, yet also opens pathways to healing. Additionally, love triangles serve as key catalysts for personal growth and , particularly in the romantic entanglements involving Gelai, Victoria, and the designer Louie, which force the characters to confront their and foster emotional maturity. The between Gelai and Victoria functions as a device to deepen these explorations of interpersonal conflict and resolution.

Production

Development

Magkaribal was developed by Studios as a primetime series, marking the ' first fashion-themed teleserye designed to engage female audiences with its blend of romance, , and industry intrigue. The concept originated from the desire to explore and rivalry within the high-stakes world of Philippine , drawing on themes of separation due to and subsequent paths of ambition and reconciliation. This narrative framework incorporated elements of —such as a mother's and paternal abandonment—and romance, positioning the story as a fresh entry in 's lineup in mid-2010. Pre-production commenced in early 2010, with the script emphasizing the contrasting lives of two sisters who unknowingly become rivals in the sector, appealing to viewers through relatable dynamics of , , and professional competition. Produced by Star Creatives under , the series was created by renowned screenwriter Ricardo Lee and Henry King Quitain, with head writer G3 San Diego alongside contributors BJ Lingan and Christine Badillo Novicio, who crafted the multi-episode arc around the protagonists' intersecting fates. Direction was led by and Nuel C. Naval, whose vision highlighted the glamour and cutthroat rivalries of the local scene to elevate the production's visual and emotional impact. The network greenlit the project to innovate within the primetime , leveraging the untapped potential of as a backdrop for dramatic tension and character growth, ultimately resulting in a 94-episode run from June to November 2010. To underscore the central , casting focused on pairing strong lead actresses capable of portraying the sisters' complex antagonism and shared vulnerability.

Casting

Bea Alonzo was cast in the of Gelai/Angela, leveraging her recent success in the 2009 series , where she excelled in depicting resilient characters that resonated with audiences. Her selection was pivotal in advancing the project's development, as producers sought an actress capable of embodying the character's emotional depth and determination. Gretchen Barretto was chosen for the role of Victoria/Anna, bringing her renowned dramatic intensity to the production; this marked her return to after a period away from the network, following previous commitments elsewhere. Her casting helped solidify the series' high-stakes rivalry dynamic, drawing on her established reputation for compelling performances in intense narratives. For supporting roles, was selected as the antagonist Vera Cruz following auditions that prioritized an interpretation of vengeful sophistication to heighten the story's conflicts. and were cast as the romantic leads after undergoing chemistry tests to ensure on-screen compatibility with the leads. These choices aimed to create balanced pairings that enhanced the ensemble's interplay. The faced challenges in balancing star power, particularly with Barretto's scheduling conflicts, which required careful coordination to align availability. industry cameos were incorporated briefly for added authenticity in key scenes.

Filming

Filming for Magkaribal took place primarily at studios in and on-location in Makati's fashion districts, spanning from May to October 2010 to align with the series' premiere schedule. The production utilized real fashion ateliers and events to enhance authenticity in depicting the high-stakes world of the Philippine fashion industry, with custom wardrobes crafted by local stylists to reflect the characters' designer personas. The series consisted of 94 episodes, shot on a fast-paced weekday schedule that allowed for the integration of elaborate high-fashion runway sequences alongside intense dramatic confrontations central to the plot. Post-production was managed in-house at ABS-CBN, ensuring efficient turnaround for the primetime broadcast.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Bea Alonzo portrays Angela "Gelai" Agustin / Angela Abella, the resilient seamstress-turned-designer who embarks on a journey to uncover her true identity amid family secrets and professional rivalries. plays Victoria Valera / Anna Abella, a successful yet haunted mogul whose past traumas fuel her intense drive in the competitive world of high . Angel Aquino stars as Vera Cruz, the manipulative antagonist harboring a deep vendetta against the protagonists, employing cunning schemes to maintain her dominance in the industry. Enchong Dee as Caloy Javier, Gelai's best friend and unrequited love interest, a hardworking porter in who provides emotional support during her turbulent path. Derek Ramsay as Louie Villamor, Victoria's ambitious partner whose loyalties create complications in the central , drawing the protagonists into further conflict.

Supporting cast

Robert Arevalo portrays Ronaldo Valera, Victoria's adoptive father and a of old-money influence who shapes her ruthless ascent in the fashion empire through strategic alliances and familial expectations. Dimples Romana appears as Stella Abella, the sisters' mother whose tragic death deepens the family conflict by revealing long-buried secrets and emotional scars. Barbie Sabino appears as young Angela "Gelai" Abella in flashback sequences, illustrating the childhood separation of the sisters and underscoring the series' exploration of lost innocence and identity. Mark Gil as Manuel Abella, the sisters' biological father whose contributes to the family's breakdown. as Hermes Agustin, Gelai's adoptive father. as Chloe Abella, a key figure in the family dynamics and subplots. The ensemble extends to Gelai's coworkers at the market, such as Donna (Nina Ricci Alagao), who offer and solidarity in her rise from rags to designer, while Victoria's assistants, including Kate (Bea Saw), highlight the cutthroat dynamics of high through their loyalty and betrayals in key subplots.

Guest appearances

Magkaribal incorporated guest appearances from prominent figures in the Philippine industry to authentically depict the competitive world of couture and events. Real-life designers appeared as themselves in key scenes, including shows and segments, lending credibility to the narrative's focus on . For instance, renowned couturier Renee Salud portrayed himself across numerous episodes, contributing to the portrayal of high-stakes design critiques and collaborations. Similarly, experts Kaye Tinga and Papa made cameos as themselves, enhancing the series' immersion in real-world dynamics. These appearances served to bridge and , showcasing elements inspired by major Philippine events such as Philippine Fashion Week, where designers evaluate emerging talents and present collections. By featuring industry professionals in non-recurring roles, the series highlighted the glamour and intensity of the local scene without overshadowing the central plotlines. The cameos added prestige and educational value, allowing viewers to see authentic interactions between established designers and fictional characters vying for supremacy in the industry.

Episodes

Structure and format

Magkaribal aired for a total of 94 episodes on weekdays at 9:15 PM on , with each episode running approximately 45 minutes including commercials. The series employed a serialized format, characterized by ongoing storylines that unfolded across daily installments, emphasizing emotional intensity and plot progression typical of Philippine teleseryes. The narrative was divided into thematic chapters, each building toward suspenseful cliffhangers at their conclusions to maintain viewer engagement and anticipation for subsequent developments. heavily incorporated flashbacks to reveal and motivations, while centering dual perspectives from the viewpoints of the estranged sisters, Victoria and Gelai, to highlight their emotional and psychological contrasts. This approach allowed for layered character exploration amid escalating conflicts in the fashion industry. The overall structure progressed through distinct arcs, beginning with the sisters' unexpected reunion and evolving into intense , culminating in dramatic confrontations. Key set pieces, such as high-stakes fashion shows, served as pivotal moments that intertwined personal vendettas with professional ambitions, reinforcing the series' themes of and familial bonds.

List of episodes

Magkaribal consists of 94 episodes divided into thematic chapters, spanning the emotional journey from familial separation to reconciliation. The series aired daily on from June 28 to November 5, 2010. Full episodes are available for streaming on platforms like and iWantTFC as of 2025. The premiere episode on June 28, 2010, establishes the central contrast between the protagonists: Gelai's modest existence in the slums of Quiapo, where she hones her skills, and Victoria's ascent within a prestigious empire under her adoptive father's guidance. This introduction sets the stage for their unwitting in the high-stakes world of Philippine couture. Early chapters delve into poignant childhood flashbacks depicting the sisters' traumatic separation following their mother's death and their subsequent reunion as adults in the competitive fashion industry. These segments highlight themes of lost innocence and rediscovered bonds amid personal hardships. Mid-series progression intensifies the , marked by escalating conflicts over , , and professional dominance. Notable episodes include high-tension confrontations, such as in Episode 50, where professional ambitions clash dramatically on the , and climaxes in later episodes that unveil long-buried family truths, propelling the plot toward resolution. The finale on November 5, 2010, culminates the arc by addressing deep-seated secrets, leading to themes of and familial .

Broadcast

Original run

Magkaribal premiered on June 28, 2010, on , replacing : Teen Clash 2010 in the network's primetime lineup. The series occupied the 9:15 p.m. slot on weekdays, airing in as part of 's 2010 primetime block. It ran for 94 episodes until its finale on November 5, 2010, after garnering a huge following that contributed to its successful completion.

Reruns

The first rerun of Magkaribal aired on from January 6 to April 17, 2014, occupying a morning slot to cater to nostalgic viewers seeking classic dramas. Additional reruns on occurred from April 6 to May 21, 2015; September 4 to October 13, 2017; April 21 to August 4, 2019; and December 26, 2022, to March 3, 2023. A more recent rerun took place on ALLTV from October 28 to December 27, 2024, with episodes edited for suitable daytime viewing to align with family-oriented schedules.

International broadcast

Magkaribal, known internationally as Rivals, was dubbed in English and broadcast on Kenya's Nation Television (NTV) starting in 2010, occupying the prime 6-7 p.m. timeslot and contributing to the growing popularity of Filipino teleseryes across East Africa. The series' themes of sibling rivalry and family ambition resonated with audiences in the region, where ABS-CBN content has been a staple since the early 2000s, often outpacing local programming in viewership. The show was also distributed to the and through ABS-CBN International, expanding its reach beyond the . In French-speaking territories, including , Magkaribal aired dubbed as Rivales beginning in , marking one of 's early successes in non-English markets. Additionally, it has been available on (TFC), 's global network, for overseas Filipino communities in the United States, , and the since 2011, allowing expatriates to access episodes via cable and satellite feeds. This universal appeal to family dynamics facilitated its adaptation into various linguistic formats without major remakes.

Reception

Viewership

Magkaribal premiered on June 28, 2010, achieving a 25.3% national household rating in the primetime slot, according to Kantar Media/TNS data, outperforming its competitor on GMA-7, which garnered 19.4%. Throughout its run, the series maintained strong performance, averaging 26.8% nationwide in November 2010 and topping ratings with 26.5% for the same period, placing it among ABS-CBN's top-rated programs that month. The finale on , , peaked at 30.0% in national household ratings, marking one of the highest viewership figures for dramas in and ranking second in primetime that evening behind .

Critical response

Critics praised Magkaribal for the strong performances of leads and , with Alonzo delivering what was described as her strongest role in years and Barretto offering a breakthrough portrayal of a complex . The series was lauded as a riveting exploration of female ambition in the competitive world of , empowering its protagonists beyond typical dramatic tropes. Some reviewers noted criticisms regarding predictable plot twists in the narrative and an over-reliance on , particularly in its depiction of conflicts and revenge arcs that occasionally undermined thematic consistency. Overall, the series received positive reception for its emotional depth, earning a 7.4/10 rating on and being highlighted as one of the best Philippine dramas of in retrospective analyses. The elements were particularly lauded for their authenticity, featuring creative wardrobes and couture that reflected character personalities and sparked interest in Philippine design among viewers. Themes of resonated with audiences, contributing to the show's enduring appeal as a tale of sisterly and personal growth.

Awards and nominations

Magkaribal garnered recognition from various award-giving bodies in the Philippines for its storytelling and performances, particularly in 2011. The series won Best Drama Series at the 9th Gawad Tanglaw Awards, highlighting its impact as a primetime drama. Additionally, lead actress Gretchen Barretto received the Best Drama Actress award at the 25th PMPC Star Awards for Television for her portrayal of Victoria Salvador. The series earned nominations at international and local ceremonies, including a nod in the Telenovela category at the 2011 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards. At the Golden Screen TV Awards, Magkaribal was nominated for Outstanding Original Series, while Barretto was recognized for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Series. also received a for Best Actress at the 25th PMPC Star Awards for Television.
AwardCategoryRecipientResultYear
Gawad Tanglaw AwardsBest Drama SeriesMagkaribalWon2011
Best Drama ActressWon2011
New York Festivals TV & Film AwardsMagkaribalNominated2011
Golden Screen TV AwardsOutstanding Original Drama SeriesMagkaribalNominated2011
Golden Screen TV AwardsOutstanding Performance by an Actress in a Drama SeriesNominated2011
Best Drama ActressNominated2011
Overall, secured 2 wins and at least 5 nominations across major ceremonies in 2010-2011, reflecting its critical acclaim in Philippine television.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.