Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Long before K-dramas ruled our collective fascination, Mexican telenovelas were holding Pinoy viewers captive.

From good-looking stars to sentimental narratives with touches of family and religion, it's no wonder why these soap operas were a huge hit in the Philippines back then.

But it's been quite a while since we see another Mexican telenovela worthy of our attention.

Enter La Doña, the hit drama series based on the 1929 novel of Venezuelan writer Rómulo Gallego.

The series earned good reviews from those who already saw it, with some describing it as “addictive,” “gripping,” “riveting,” “well-made,” and “a real cliffhanger.”

In anticipation of the premiere of La Doña on August 9 on GTV, here are five reasons why you shouldn't miss this hit and much-talked-about series.

The plot

La Doña has all the hallmarks you'd come to expect in a Mexican telenovela.

But there's also more to it that makes the series unique from past telenovelas that we came to love.

For one, La Doña has an element of a crime thriller. Add romance to the mix and you get an intriguing, unpredictable, and compelling series that will keep viewers coming back for more.

Outfit

Leave it to protagonist Altagracia Sandoval to give a provocative touch to formal and casual attires.

Kudos to actress Aracely Arámbula for playing the role to the hilt, showing off those curves to go perfectly with Altagracia's go-getter personality.

Love conflict

A love triangle, no matter how cliché, is always a hit among soap opera viewers.

La Doña though takes this formula to a whole new awkward level.

As the story goes, Altagracia will find herself embroiled in a complicated love triangle.

Who's this other woman? Well, it's no other than Altagracia's own daughter, Monica. Que escandalosa!

Black magic

Yes, you read that right. La Doña pushes the unconventional meter a notch higher by incorporating witchcraft into some of the scenes.

Think of potions, rose petals, tarot cards, strange rituals, among others, and you'll get a telenovela that is unlike any other.

It's fascinating and amazingly did not diminish the plot's solid narrative.

David Choccaro

Ex-baseball player-turned-actor David Choccaro is your next telenovela crush! The Argentinian hottie is at the center of Altagracia and Monica's problematic love triangle.

But David is more than eye candy. As viewers found out, David is also a good actor so that's another bonus.

Catch La Doña on GTV every Monday to Friday, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., with replays at 11 p.m. 'til midnight, and Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Watch the teaser above.