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There is no doubt that MariMar will be missed after she says goodbye this week. Here's one last look at a show that was positively "aww!"-some!
We cried with her, despised her foes, and prayed for happily ever after. Angelika has become our mortal enemy, and Sergio our one true love. Even the theme song "Mahal kita" makes us all mushy inside. Given all these, there is no doubt that MariMar will be missed after she says goodbye this week. Here's one last look at a show that was positively "aww!"-some! Text by Jillian Q. Gatcheco. With interviews by KC M. Abalos. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio. The pilot Along with the announcement that Marian Rivera would play the much-coveted title were positive and negative comments on her capacity to deliver, given that this is her first lead role. Many were surprised at her audition video shown on Showbiz Central ; it was the first time that they actually took a second look at this girl who used to play dramatic stints on the afternoon TV block. MariMar's pilot episode foretold the show's success, with it starting at 36.6% in the ratings game. With Marian and Dingdong Dantes's instant onscreen chemistry, it was apparent that GMA's gamble paid off. In an iGMA interview, the two stars agreed that their workshops helped them get comfortable with each other. Dingdong was all praises for his newfound leading lady, saying that she became MariMar because of her "revelation," a sudden shift into the person that she was meant to be all along -- a star. Revelations Aside from Dingdong and Marian's gem of a team up, there were also new discoveries when it came to the show's cast members. For instance, Katrina Halili proved that she can be the epitome of evil as Angelika. Not to be forgotten is Sheena Halili's performance as Monica, Angelika's "bobita" sidekick. It was in MariMar that Sheena proved she could do comedy as well. Of course, there's Nadine Samonte as Innocencia, whom we loved and hated at the same time. She betrayed MariMar out of her love for Sergio, but redeemed herself just before her unexpected death, and for that, we forgave her. As mentioned by direk Joyce Bernal, this version of MariMar is "Filipinized," and they did this by introducing new characters like Carlitos (Paolo Paraiso) and Kim Chan (Cristine Reyes). Even the dialogues adopted the local jargon and culture, as seen in Corazon's "Bisaya" accent and Fulgoso's side comments. Fulgoso's banter with the characters [although they didn't hear him] also provided comic relief to emotionally draining scenes. All in all, MariMar has become a show of revelations - a career boost for some, a new path to take for others. But above everything else, MariMar gave us a show that didn't let us down, and was at par, if not better, than the original. Unforgettable moments iGMA asked some cast members about their favorite moments while taping the show. Here's what they said. "Para kasi sa akin, ito kasi yung pinaka-break ko, e. So bawat eksena na nangyari sa akin dito, mahalaga talaga." -- Marian Rivera "OBB [opening billboard]. [Kasi] yun yung unang-unang [ginawa] namin." -- Dingdong Dantes "Yung scene na nasa ospital si Kat, tapos nagwawala ako ng 'Angelika, huwag mo akong iwan!' Sabi noong doktor, 'Miss, pag hindi po kayo tumahimik, papalabasin namin kayo. Tapos bigla akong naging pipi, pero nagsasalita pa rin ako, [wala nga lang sound!] Nakakatawa, sobra!" -- Sheena Halili "Yung entrance ko doon sa MariMar. Memorable in such a way na awkward [kasi!] People had expectations, especially, [since] kilala nila yung character ni Rodolfo San Ginez and I'm the one playing it. Alam natin how strong the tandem of Dingdong and Marian is, then coming in, breaking them apart - parang that was a challenge for me. Awkward na awkward yung mga una kong lines, and yung mayabang, arrogant, feeling ko I'm the most handsome guy in the room - alam mo yung ganoon? First time ko to do a role like that!" -- Marvin Agustin "Syempre I'll be biased - all the Nicandro scenes! The rape scene, the killing scenes! Hahaha! No, I think it's behind the camera - like when we're waiting for our take, best moments [yun] - when we're getting to know each other. We're one big family here." -- Gabby Eigenmann "Ako rin, Carlito moments! At saka yung sa Zambales, in between takes. Beach kasi, e." -- Paolo Paraiso "Noong anniversary namin ni Monica! Kasi dapat may kissing scene kami, pero hindi natuloy!" -- Arthur Solinap Don't miss a single episode of MariMar's final week! Tune in every night till this Friday, only on GMA Telebabad. Talk about MariMar in the iGMA Forums!