Nita Negrita Inspires; Touches On Parentage and Self-Realization

GMA-7’s newest afternoon drama Nita Negrita, topbilled by fast-rising teen star Barbie Forteza, debuts strongly as demonstrated by its consistent high numbers according to ratings data from more trusted research agency Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. From February 14 to 22, the Kapuso program tackling the interesting journey of a young Filipina-African American, consistently outranked the competition with remarkably high numbers. Nita Negrita posted an average household share of 52.2 percent in Mega Manila, 31 points higher than its competitor’s 21.2 percent. Following the theme of Kirara and Bakekang, both top-rating shows that featured dark skinned children as central characters, Nita Negrita aims to inspire televiewers to look beyond a person’s physical attributes and place greater importance on what lies within them. “Despite being different, Nita's character remains very positive. She would rather focus on her innate skills and talent, and uses them to her advantage, excelling in gymnastics, making peers admire her and look past the color of her skin”, says creative director Jun Lana. “Nita maintains a happy disposition even through challenging times. She also plays a pivotal role in repairing the relationships of the adult characters around her. In the end, her endearing ways would debunk stereotypes on people with dark skin and make the people in her community hold her in high esteem”, he adds. More than just shedding light on racial issues, the story focuses on the main character’s search for her real parents, her yearning for belongingness, and her journey towards self-realization. “Like any other teen, she just wants to belong”, ended Lana. As one viewer shares, “Akala ko nung una, inaapi nila yung mga maiitim. Pero nung napanood ko na, narealize ko na hindi naman pala. Nakaka-inspire ang kwento at kapupulutan ito ng mga magagandang asal.” Nita Negrita airs weekdays after Alakdana on GMA Dramaram sa Hapon. --Text and photo courtesy of GMA Network