The Greatest Love (Philippine TV series)

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The Greatest Love
The Greatest Love-titlecard.jpg
Title card
Genre
Developed byGinny Monteagudo-Ocampo
Written by
  • Ruby Leah Castro-Villanueva
  • Jerry Gracio
  • Jaja Amarillo
  • Alpha Fortun
  • Carlo Katigbak
Directed by
Creative directorRicky Lee
Starring
Opening theme"The Greatest Love of All"
by Sharon Cuneta
Composers
Country of originPhilippines
Original languages
  • Filipino
  • English
No. of episodes163 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Marielle De Guzman-Navarro
  • Edyl Macy Delos Santos
ProducerMark Anthony D. Gile
Production locations
Cinematography
  • Neil Daza
  • Rain Yamson
EditorJoy Buenaventura
Running time30-45 minutes
Production companyGMO Entertainment Unit
Release
Original networkABS-CBN
Picture format480i (SDTV)
1080i (HDTV)
Original releaseSeptember 5, 2016 (2016-09-05) –
April 21, 2017 (2017-04-21)
Chronology
Followed byPusong Ligaw
External links
Website

The Greatest Love is a 2016 Philippine family melodrama television series directed by Dado C. Lumibao, Jeffrey R. Jeturian and Mervyn Brondial, starring Sylvia Sanchez, Nonie Buencamino, Andi Eigenmann, Dimples Romana, Arron Villaflor, Matt Evans, Joshua Garcia, and Ruby Ruiz. The series premiered on September 5, 2016 and worldwide on The Filipino Channel replacing Tubig at Langis.[1][2]

The program marks the reunion of Ellen Adarna and Ejay Falcon who were among the lead stars of Pasión de Amor, a Filipino version of Pasión de Gavilanes, aired on ABS-CBN.

Series overview[]

Episode[]

Main article: List of The Greatest Love episodes

Premise[]

The Greatest Love begins with Gloria's (Ellen Adarna) love story with a boatman named Peter (Ejay Falcon). Despite the fact that they love each other, Gloria is forced under duress by her father to marry Andres Alegre (Junjun Quintana), the town mayor's nephew who raped her.

Through the years, Gloria (Sylvia Sanchez) is a loving and selfless mother to Amanda (Dimples Romana), Andrei (Matt Evans), Paeng (Arron Villaflor), and Lizelle (Andi Eigenmann). To her children's perception, their father is a hard working overseas worker who visits from time to time. They live in the Alegre ancestral family home. Andres does not remit funds regularly so Gloria compensates by collecting, buying and selling junk. When their father comes to visit, they are a picture of a happy family.

At the root of their family's problems are her children's misconceptions that their mother was unfaithful to their father, the late Andres. Gloria refuses to sully their memory of their father, so she never admits to them that she was raped by Andres.

The breaking point is when they discover that Lizelle is an illegitimate child, the result of Peter and Gloria's illicit love affair, when Andres abandons them.

This long-kept secret shatters their happy family, and Gloria's children leave her one by one. As Gloria struggles to keep her family together, she starts to show symptoms of dementia and begins to lose pieces of her memory. She initially brushes off the symptoms until she is finally diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

As her illness progresses, Gloria attempts to bring back the love her family once had for each other; however, it becomes more difficult as she races against time while trying to gather her memories before they are completely wiped out. Peter (Nonie Buencamino) returns to Gloria’s life and together they try to mend her children's relationship with her and each other.

Cast and characters[]

Main cast[]

Cast Character Character Information
Sylvia Sanchez Gloria Guerrero-Alegre / Gloria Guerrero-Alcantara[3][4][5][6] A selfless mother to her four children, always prioritizing them as they are her family. She is joyful and always has a positive outlook on life with her motto There is money in the trash. She runs a profitable junkshop, and helps lead a Zumba-Chi class in her free time. Her youngest child, Lizelle, helps her run the business. Gloria is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and the symptoms of her illness cause her trouble throughout the series.
Nonie Buencamino Peter Alcantara Owner of Nuevo Rio, Gloria's childhood sweetheart and Lizelle's biological father. After losing connection with Gloria years ago, he becomes a successful businessman. Peter then returns to her life and tries to make up for all the lost time they missed. He wants to marry Gloria, but Amanda objects because she believes he is the reason their parents broke their family. Undeterred, Peter waits until the Alegre siblings finally accept him. They marry towards the end of the series.
Andi Eigenmann Lizelle G. Alegre / Lizelle G. Alcantara-Sobrevista [6][7][8] Gloria's youngest child. Lizelle is the fruit of Gloria and Peter's illicit love, so this makes her the rightful heir to the Alcantara fortune. She had seen Peter before in her childhood, but was unaware that he is her biological father. Lizelle meets Peter again after the latter saves her from getting hit by a car. In order to further strengthen his bond with his daughter, Peter gets Lizelle’s last name changed to his by her birthday, and pushes her to continue working at his company.
Dimples Romana Amanda "Mandy" G. Alegre-Cruz[6][9] Gloria's first born. She is a successful marketing executive, a good wife to her husband Chad, and a responsible mother to her son Z. Amanda is upset at Gloria when she learned of her mother's past liaison with Peter Alcantara. She despises Lizelle for being an illegitimate child of Gloria. When she finds out that Gloria has Alzheimer's disease, and the truth about her parents’ relationship, she gradually tries to repair her relationship with her mother and siblings.
Arron Villaflor Rafael "Paeng" G. Alegre[6][10] The third of the four Alegre siblings. An aspiring indie rock singer, inheriting his love for music from his father, Andres. Paeng was the first of the siblings to find out about Gloria’s illness, albeit unintentionally, so he uses it to his advantage and steals money from her to sustain his gambling addiction. Like Amanda, he dislikes Lizelle and blames her for their parents’ break up.
Matt Evans Andres "Andrei" G. Alegre Jr.[6][11] A fashion designer and Gloria’s second child. He is the only one out of the Alegre siblings who defends Lizelle despite not having the same father. Gloria knew that Andrei was gay during his childhood, and assured that she has always loved him for who he was ever since.
Joshua Garcia Zosimo "Z" A. Cruz[6][12] A senior in high school, Amanda and Chad's son, and Gloria’s grandson. He learns of Gloria's disease, her love story with Peter, and how she was raped by his grandfather Andres. Z helps his Mommyla (mommy + lola) retain her memories by making videos and taking photos of her daily life, which also documented the deteriorating effects of her illness. After Gloria dies of a severe stroke, he studies to become a doctor.
Ruby Ruiz Lydia Balane-Thompson[5][6][13] Gloria's best friend since they were teenagers. She is a sister figure to Gloria, and a mother figure to Gloria’s children. She helps Gloria with her sickness and with their family problems. Lydia is the only one who knows Gloria's darkest secret that Andres raped Gloria. Later, she, right after Gloria told Amanda and Lizelle, reveals the whole truth to Andrei and Paeng.

Supporting cast[]

Cast Character Character Information
Tetchie Agbayani Maria Estella "Stella" Alegre-Policarpio Andres’ cousin, and Amanda, Andrei, and Paeng’s aunt. Did not accept Lizelle because she knew that she is not an Alegre. She will do everything and anything to destroy Gloria's name and reputation. Stella pretends to ask forgiveness from Gloria in order to pursue her evil plans.
Luis Alandy Chad Cruz Amanda's husband and Z's father. Prior to Z's high school graduation, he traveled to Beijing to teach English there to augment for his family's needs, especially Z's college tuition. It is unknown what happened to him afterwards.
Bobby Andrews Alvin Sales Amanda's friend and co-worker who harbors feelings for her. After an incident at their workplace which resulted in Amanda getting fired and Alvin quitting, they start their own marketing agency.
Mercedes Cabral Greta Ramirez Amanda’s co-worker who tried to steal a campaign project from Amanda, and is keen on creating conflict with her. She later reconciles with Amanda and they become friends. She is part of Amanda and Alvin's agency.
Guji Lorenzana Gerald Samonte Lizelle's ex-fiancé. He is also helping Lizelle to find her real father. Gerald is embarrassed to show his mother how the Alegre family behaves knowing his mother is judgmental. After he learns the truth about Lizelle’s real father, he belittles Lizelle and the marriage is broken off.
Alex Medina Alexander "Sandro" Sobrevista [13] A worker at the Alegre Junkshop who secretly likes Lizelle. He later marries Lizelle and they start a family together.
Kira Balinger Waywaya "Y" Soledad The one who taught Z not to easily trust people upon meeting them for the first time. Later on becomes a close friend and girlfriend to Z. She helps Z with his project for his grandmother Gloria. After Gloria died, she studies to become a nurse.
Micah Muñoz Ken Andrei's boyfriend. Runs the coffee shop that Y and Z work at part time.
Elaine Quemuel Azon Gloria's friend and a Zumba-Chi dancer with Gloria.
Kokoy De Santos Luis Z’s schoolmate and friend.
Akira Morishita Eric Z’s schoolmate and friend.
Nor Domingo Jomar Peter's right-hand man and friend.
Martha Comia Bangs One of Gloria's workers at the junk shop.
Acey Aguilar Tigs One of Gloria's workers at the junk shop.
Kych Minemoto Pogs One of Gloria's workers at the junk shop.

Special participation[]

Cast Character Character Information
Ellen Adarna young Gloria[5][13] Zosimo's daughter, Peter's sweetheart and girlfriend. She has a passion for photography. Gloria and Peter planned to get married, but she was forced into an unhappy marriage with Andres who raped her while Peter was in Saudi Arabia.
Ejay Falcon young Peter[5][6] A boatman and Gloria's boyfriend. He works overseas to save for his future with Gloria. They planned to get married but Gloria got impregnated by Andres. He is heartbroken when he returns from Saudi Arabia on Gloria and Andres' wedding day, unaware of the truth behind the rushed wedding. One night, he and Gloria admit that they still have feelings for each other, resulting in Lizelle.
Tonton Gutierrez Zosimo Guerrero[5][6][13] Gloria's father. He objected to Gloria and Peter's love but later accepted him. Z was named after him.
Rommel Padilla Andres Alegre Sr. Gloria's late first husband, father of Amanda, Paeng, and Andrei, and Lizelle's adoptive father. He was killed when he saved Lizelle. The Alegre children blame Lizelle for the death of Andres.
Junjun Quintana young Andres[5][6] The nephew of the mayor of Bagong Ilog. Andres kept pursuing Gloria even though he knew that she was in love with Peter. Andres was first attracted to Gloria because of her beauty, but then learned to love her because of her character. Gloria kept rejecting him so he decided to rape her, resulting in Amanda. He later bore two more children, Andrei and Paeng. When he found out that Gloria has an illegitimate child with Peter, Andres is enraged but then chose to love Lizelle as his own in order to keep Gloria from leaving him.
Regine Angeles Belle[13] A woman in Bagong Ilog. She is in love with Peter who loves Gloria.
Kate Alejandrino Joy An architect that Gloria consulted for the house that she wants to build.
Aleck Bovick Thelma Alcantara[5][6] Peter’s mother. Did not agree with Peter and Gloria's love for each other, but later accepted them because it is what makes Peter happy.
Richard Quan Eulalio Dalipe[13] The mayor of Bagong Ilog who officiated the civil wedding of Gloria and Andres.
Claire Ruiz Sheila Paeng's love interest and ex-girlfriend.
Maila Gumila Melissa Samonte Gerald's mother who does not approve of Lizelle because she is an illegitimate child. She tries to destroy the Alegre name on social media.
Jong Cuenco Mr. Samonte Gerald's father.
  • Jana Agoncillo as Leklek
  • Marnie Lapuz as Adela Sunico[13]
  • Allan Paule as Samuel
  • Kamille Filoteo as Liza
  • Lance Lucido as Buboy
  • Mara Lopez as young Stella
  • Anna Luna as young Lydia
  • Anne Feo as Gloria’s mother
  • Ashley Sarmiento as Gloria, age 10
  • Francine Diaz as adolescent Gloria
  • Jane Oineza as young adult Amanda
  • Teejay Marquez as young adult Andrei
  • John Manalo as young adult Paeng
  • Hannah Lopez Vito as young Lizelle
  • Michelle Vito as teen Amanda
  • Nathaniel Britt as teen Andrei
  • John Vincent Servilla as teen Paeng
  • Juvylyn Bison as young Amanda
  • Angeluo Alayon as young Andrei
  • Raikko Mateo as young Paeng

Episodes[]

Main article: List of The Greatest Love episodes

Reception[]

Kantar Media National TV Ratings
(4:15PM PST)
Pilot Episode Finale Episode Peak Average
15.7%
September 5, 2016[14] 		17.3%
April 21, 2017[15] 		20.4%
January 11, 2017[16] 		TBD


Production[]

Timeslot and premiere[]

The Greatest Love was reported to replace the soon-to-be concluded My Super D on July 18, 2016,[17] but was postponed (and moved to later date) because of Pinoy Big Brother: Mga Kwento ng Dream Team ni Kuya. The network released several teasers of the show and announced a premiere date which is on September 5, 2016. A full length trailer was released on August 27, 2016.[18]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ ABS-CBN (July 2, 2016). "ABS-CBN unveils show for 2016". ABS-CBN.com. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  2. ^ ABS-CBN (July 2, 2016). "The Greatest Love Teaser Trailer: Coming Soon on ABS-CBN!". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  3. ^ "Sylvia Sanchez embraces role of a lifetime". Philippine Daily Inquirer. September 8, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  4. ^ "Pressure mounts for Sylvia Sanchez as 'Greatest Love' teaser earns raves". ABS-CBN News. July 11, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g "'The Greatest Love' tackles dementia of parents and children". Malaya. July 18, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "ABS-CBN shows unique story of mother's unconditional love in "The Greatest Love"". ABS-CBN Corporation. July 15, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  7. ^ "The Greatest Love: Meet Andi Eigenmann as Lizelle". ABS-CBN Entertainment. YouTube. August 24, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
  8. ^ "Andi Eigenmann makes TV comeback via The Greatest Love". Philippine Entertainment Portal. July 2, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  9. ^ "The Greatest Love: Meet Dimples Romana as Amanda". ABS-CBN Entertainment. YouTube. August 22, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
  10. ^ "The Greatest Love: Meet Arron Villaflor as Paeng". ABS-CBN Entertainment. YouTube. August 25, 2016. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
  11. ^ "The Greatest Love: Meet Matt Evans as Andrei". ABS-CBN Entertainment. YouTube. August 25, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
  12. ^ "The Greatest Love: Meet Joshua Garcia as Z". ABS-CBN Entertainment. YouTube. August 27, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g Anarcon, James Patrick (September 6, 2016). "COMMENTARY: Sylvia Sanchez and Ellen Adarna provide highlights of The Greatest Love". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
  14. ^ "National TV Ratings (September 6, 2016 – Monday)". ABS-CBN PR. September 7, 2016. Archived from the original on September 12, 2016. Retrieved May 11, 2020.CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  15. ^ "National TV Ratings (April 21-23, 2017)". ABS-CBN PR. April 24, 2017. Archived from the original on April 26, 2017. Retrieved May 11, 2020.CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  16. ^ "National TV Ratings (January 11, 2017 – Wednesday)". ABS-CBN PR. January 12, 2017. Archived from the original on January 13, 2017. Retrieved May 11, 2020.CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  17. ^ "Sylvia Sanchez thrilled over first lead role". ABS-CBN News. July 15, 2016. Retrieved September 6, 2016.
  18. ^ "The Greatest Love Full Trailer: This September 5 on ABS-CBN!". ABS-CBN Entertainment. August 27, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2016.
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