Bakekang

Infobox Television
bgcolor=#c00
fgcolor=#fff
show_name = Bakekang


caption = What is the true face of love?
format = Drama
picture_format = 480i SDTV
runtime = 30-45 minutes
creator = Carlo J. Caparas
director = Gil Tejada, Jr.
Khryss Adalia
executive_producer = Mona Coles-Mayuga
Wilma Galvante
starring = Sunshine Dizon as Bakekang
For the complete list, see the Cast
theme_music_composer = Jose Mari Chan
opentheme = Aicelle Santos
endtheme = Jonalyn Viray
country = flagicon|Philippines Philippines
language = Filipino, Tagalog, English
network = GMA Network
first_aired = September 11, 2006
last_aired = March 30, 2007
num_episodes = 145 +2 specials
preceded_by = I Luv NY
followed_by = Lupin
related = Kamandag
Joaquin Bordado
Tasya Fantasya
website = http://www.igma.tv/shows/bakekang
imdb_id = 0856128

Bakekang was a Philippine drama that was aired on GMA Network from September 11, 2006, and ended on March 30, 2007. The series was shown every 21:05 Monday through Friday.

The network acquired the rights to Bakekang, a popular comic novel by Carlo J. Caparas about an ugly girl who succeeds despite the difficulties and discrimination she encounters in life. The TV series was said to have created a so-called “Bakekang syndrome”, in which champions women’s rights and causes. [ [http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2007-02-07&sec=3&aid=8832 "Sunshine, bida sa 'Bakekang' movie"] , " journal.com.ph", n.d. Accessed last March 26, 2007.] It stars Sunshine Dizon in the title role and gain her PMPC Star Awards Best Actress for this potrayal.

Overview

The Komiks & Film

Bakekang was serialized in Bondying Komiks at the same time that Panday was serialized in Pilipino Komiks in the early mid-70's. [ [http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/09/09/ENTR2006090973910.html "Marky Cielo gets acting break via ‘Bakekang’"] , " mb.com.ph", n.d. Accessed last March 6, 2007.]

The comic novel was written by Carlo J. Caparas. It was his first novel with a woman as lead character, as his novels then all starred men like Panday and Totoy Bato, both filmed by the late Fernando Poe, Jr.

Bakekang was made into movie in 1978. It was starred by Philippine Superstar Nora Aunor and directed by F.H. Constantino. [ [http://imdb.com/title/tt0445205/ "Bakekang (1978)"] , " imdb.com ", n.d. Accessed last March 6, 2007.]

In the film version, Bakekang is an ugly woman who begets a very beautiful girl from a foreigner. A movie fan as she is, she compels her daughter, named Crystal (spelled Kristal in the TV version), to join show business. Her daughter becomes a big star and Bakekang, a stage mother.

Pre-production

Casting Bakekang

There were plenty of speculations as to whom GMA Network would choose to lead its upcoming remake of a Carlo J. Caparas classic. Before it was announced that GMA Network was going to remake the old film; the rival network ABS-CBN’s Ai Ai de las Alas and Kris Aquino have expressed that they want to play the lead role.

After it was announced that GMA Network will remake it, people talked of Jean Garcia, Sheryl Cruz, Jaya, Ara Mina, Jolina Magdangal, Angel Locsin and Sharon Cuneta, but the station's choice went back to their home-grown talents: the new Bakekang is... Sunshine Dizon.

Casting the daughters

In the original film, Bakekang had only one child; in the series, Bakekang has two, one beautiful and one ugly. Nadine Samonte was supposed to play the role of Bakekang’s beautiful daughter Kristal, but she couldn’t sing. Jackie Rice was also considered to play Kristal, but she was suspended by the network for attitude problems. GMA Network was going back to their original choice, Yasmien Kurdi, but they decided to give her a more challenging role. Kurdi was given the role of Charming, the ugly daughter and the role of Kristal was given to newcomer singer Lovi Poe, the daughter of the late acting legend Fernando Poe Jr.. In addition, Nadine Samonte was given the role of Lorraine, the rival of Lovi Poe in fame.

Production crew

The role of the director was offered to the original creator of Bakekang Carlo J. Caparas, who is also a movie director. Caparas turned down the role, instead he took the role of the creative consultant for the series.

*Writers: Suzette Doctolero, Denoy Narro-Punto, Renato Custodio, Tina Velasco and Dode Cruz
*Head Writer: RJ Nuevas
*Creative Consultants: Anette Gozon-Abrogar and Don Michael Perez
*Executive Producer: Mona Coles-Mayuga
*Production Managers: Redgie A. Magno and Redgynn S. Alba
*Executive-in-charge of Creative: Carlo J. Caparas
*Executive-in-charge of Production: Wilma Galvante
*Art Director: Easenhower Ragma
*Directed by: Gil Tejada Jr. and Khryss Adalia

Reaction

The series received high reviews from both critics and televiewers alike. It won raves, especially for its storyline flow and acting. The rival network, ABS-CBN's talents, Sarah Geronimo and Kris Aquino have stated that they watch Bakekang.

Some of the cast is said to be the best acting they have done in television. To its credit, Sunshine Dizon is praised in her interpretation of Nora Aunor's classic role. Both Manilyn Reynes, Sheryl Cruz and Gladys Reyes received many rave reviews for her roles in the teledrama. Some critics believe its huge success was due to the show focused in the life of an ugly strong-willed woman.

Due to the popularity of the younger versions of Bakekang and Valeria's children, the series was extended to twenty weeks from its original eighteen weeks. And due to the series' popularity after the children grew up, the series was extended until March. It was slateted that its last episode was to be aired the last Friday of March when its replacement (Lupin) on its timeslot is ready; but due to casting problems, Lupin will be shown in early April, leaving Bakekang extended until the last week of March .

Local TV Ratings

;Viewership rankings among the Top TV shows of the week days (Mega Manila).

Finale Ratings

Records

Bakekang managed to beat ABS-CBN's shows on the same time slot on the ratings game in Mega Manila.

Notable competing programs against Bakekang on the same timeslot are Bituing Walang Ningning, Crazy for You, Pinoy Dream Academy, Maging Sino Ka Man, Sana Maulit Muli, Maria Flordeluna, and .

*Average: 31.53%
*Average Peak: 33.46%

*Pilot Episode: 34.4%
*Pilot Week: 32.4%

*Highest Week Average: 35.1% (week 26)
*Lowest Week Average: 26.3% (week 4)

*Highest Rating Earned: 39.7% (finale)
*Lowest Rating Earned: 23.5% (October 3)

*Final Week: 35.0%
*Final Episode: 39.7% [ [http://www.philstar.com/philstar/PINOY200704047302.htm "Bakekang Finale Week Replay"] , "philstar.com", n.d. Accessed last April 2, 2007.]

Awards & Nominations

At the 21st PMPC Star Awards for Television, which was held on November 18, Bakekang received 4 nominations: [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/15202/PMPC-bares-nominees-in-the-21st-Star-Awards-for-Television PMPC bares nominees in the 21st Star Awards for Television] , "pep.ph", n.d. Accessed last October 21, 2007.]

*Best Primetime Drama Series
*Best Drama Actress(s) for Sunshine Dizon and Manilyn Reynes
*Best New Female Personality for Lovi Poe

Winning two awards for "Best New Female Personality" and "Best Drama Actress" for Sunshine Dizon, it did not manage to win the "Best Primetime Drama Series", which went to Maging Sino Ka Man. [ [http://www.pep.ph/news/15502/FIRST-READ-ON-PEP:-ABS-CBN-named-Best-TV-Station-at-21st-Star-Awards-for-TV FIRST READ ON PEP: ABS-CBN named Best TV Station at 21st Star Awards for TV] , "pep.ph", n.d. Accessed last November 19, 2007.]

The series was also nominated for Best Drama Mini-Series for the "3rd USTv Students Choice Awards", but lost out to Maging Sino Ka Man, again. [ [http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showpost.php?p=18803637&postcount=3393 3rd USTv Choice Awards Nominations] , "pinoyexchange.com", n.d. Accessed last October 28, 2007.]

ynopsis

Plot

Bakekang, a woman who has been deprived of affection and has only experienced mockery and scorn since childhood because of her ugly face. But Bakekang is not one to wallow in pity and be forever trampled upon, for she is a strong-willed fighter who can rise above the odds. Determined to change the course of her life, Bakekang aims to be impregnated by an American in the hopes of bearing a beautiful child.

She gives birth to twin daughters who unfortunately do not look alike because one turns out to be the beautiful child Bakekang has dreamed of but the other one turns out to be ugly. Bakekang becomes a doting mother to her beautiful daughter Kristal, whom she later pushes to become an actress, while the other daughter Charming grows up ignored and unloved by her mother.

She is a loving heart trapped beneath an ugly facade, ignored and unappreciated by those who fail to see beyond what is skin-deep. Bakekang is a woman whose only desire is to feel a little affection from the world that has deprived her of everything she has always longed for. [ [http://www.igma.tv/shows/bakekang/about "Bakekang - About the Show"] , "igma.tv", n.d. Accessed last March 6, 2007.] Through Kristal, Bakekang will feel the kind of attention she longs for.

The unusual face of an unlikely heroine will emerge to present a riveting story of an ugly woman’s rise from a sorry state of ridicule to the pedestal of triumph and coveted fame.

Original TV Series Plot

;Originally...
*A love square between Johnny, Lorraine, Aldrin and Kristal. Kristal and Lorraine likes Johnny, Aldrin likes Lorraine and is willing to do anything for her, Aldrin then falls for Kristal, Johnny is torn between Kristal and Lorraine.
*Charming wasn't supposed to go abroad, thus the characters Rita and the others never existed.
*Michael and Charming were meant to be lovers, with Jenny as the evil third wheel.
*Georgia was supposed to be Kristal's manager, putting her directly in between the intense rivalry of Valeria and Bakekang.

The Storyline

Finale

Bakekang's finale was aired on March 30 in the Philippines. There was a showdown concert between the sisters-now-rivals Kristal and Charming/Karisma.

The showdown between Karisma and Kristal was filmed with a live audience in the AFP Theatre on March 30. [ [http://www.pep.ph/articles/news/12602.htm "Yasmien Kurdi almost finished with her second album"] , "pep.ph", n.d. Accessed last March 23, 2007.]

In the finale episode, Karisma announced that she and Kristal are indeed sisters. Herman saw Valeria's henchman, who was about to kill Charming, and stopped him. Bakekang went up to the stage to beg for forgiveness from her daughters for her sins but Valeria came out to shoot Bakekang. Kristal tried to stop her but ended up getting shot. Kristal dies.

While visiting Kristal's grave, along with Bakekang, Marta and Paking saw a child named "Michael", they took the child in to live under their wing. Kristof left to visit Valeria in the US, after finding out that she is dying. Joshua confessed his love for Charming. The ending ends with the wedding of Bakekang and Herman.

During the special finale live show, the special guest was the creator of Bakekang Carlo J. Caparas.

Cast

* Sunshine Dizon as Jacoba "Bakekang" Maisog
* Sheryl Cruz as Valeria
* Manilyn Reynes as Marta
* Jay Manalo as Kristof Arevalo
* Gladys Reyes as Deborah Yokohama
* Cogie Domingo as Johnny
* Julia Clarete as Georgia
* Vangie Labalan as Mameng
* Marky Cielo as Michael
* Yasmien Kurdi as Charming/Lukring/Karisma
* Nadine Samonte as Lorraine Arevalo
* Dion Ignacio as Aldrin Sandoval
* Tyron Perez as Paolo
* Iwa Moto as Jenny
* Arci Munoz as Nicole
* Victor Neri as Herman
* Lovi Poe as Kristal [ [http://www.igma.tv/shows/bakekang/cast "Bakekang - Cast"] , igma.tv, n.d. Accessed last March 6, 2007.]

;Extended Cast
* Marky Lopez as Paking
* Rainier Castillo as Joshua
* Lotlot de Leon as Rita
* Soxy Topacio as Sir Vincent
* Sheila Marie Rodriguez as Izzy
* Jennifer Sevilla as Stella
* Maricel Morales as Otik
* Ailyn Luna

* Eunice Lagusad as Young Charming
* Crystal Reyes as Young Kristal
* Joy Folloso as Young Lorraine
* Renzo Almario as Young Michael

;Guest Casts
* Romnick Sarmenta as Francis
* Luz Valdez as Lola Maria
* Evangeline Pascual as Valerias Mum
* Marcus Madrigal as Direk Manfred
* Chinggoy Alonzo as Rod
* Maritoni Fernandez as Elsa
* Isko Moreno
*Kenneth Ocampo

oundtrack

There is no definitive soundtrack for Bakekang, but the following songs have been credited and played in the series:
*"Ang Mundo Ko'y Ikaw" (You Are My World)
**Performed by Jonalyn Viray
**Composed by "Tata Betita" and "Sherwin Castillo"
*"Tayong Dalawa" (The Two of Us)
**Performed by Aicelle Santos/Lovi Poe
**Composed by "Tata Betita" and "Sherwin Castillo"
*"Dakilang Movie Fan" (Avid Movie Fan)
**Performed by Sunshine Dizon
**Composed by "Jose Mari Chan"
*"Ngayong Wala Ka Na" (Now That You're Gone)
**Performed by Yasmien Kurdi
**Composed by "Tata Betita" and "Sherwin Castillo"

Trivia

*According to some reports, Sunshine Dizon's prostetics takes around an hour to be completed.
*Sunshine Dizon's character was killed off in Captain Barbell after she got the title role in Bakekang.
*Originally Wendell Ramos and Zoren Legaspi were going to portray the roles of Christoph and Herman. Legaspi couldn't take the role as he was still doing Majika and the taping for both series would overlap, Raymart Santiago replaced Legaspi. Ramos was eventually cast in Captain Barbell by GMA Network and had to leave the production of Bakekang. Jay Manalo was casted for Ramos' role. Santiago was eventually replaced by Victor Neri because of some complications.
*Originally Yasmien Kurdi have a very white skin and high bridged nose while Lovi Poe have a darkish skin color but the management decides to make Yasmien's skin darkish and nose flat for the sake of the show.
*Sunshine Dizon and Yasmien Kurdi appeared in Encantadia as the mother and daughter. In Bakekang, they appeared as mother and daughter again. Also Sheryl Cruz and Nadine Samonte appeared in as mother and daughter.
*The majority of the cast a made up from the former members of the defunct That's Entertainment, and of StarStruck.
*Due to he high record of ratings of Bakekang, GMA Network will produce a DVD for it showing the uncut scenes like the Finale Showdown that was cut because of Lupin. It will be produce by GMA Home Video

Bakekang's Popularity

Bubble Gang Presents "Bakokang"

Bubble Gang, GMA Network's highly-rated gag show, spoofed Bakekang and renamed it as "Bakokang" and changing the names of the cast into Bakokang (Bakekang) played by Michael V., Marte (Marta) played by Ogie Alcasid, Pistof (Kristof) played by Wendell Ramos and Mebra (Deborah) played by Antonio Aquitania.

Ironically, Wendell Ramos was the original first choice to play Kristof for the teledrama, his character in Bakokang is the spoof of Kristof.

Replay

Due to the high rating of Bakekang on its finale, the highest in the series with 39.7% against Maging Sino Ka Man's 19.4%, a 2 hour Bakekang finale week was set on Maundy Thursday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. [ [http://www.philstar.com/philstar/PINOY200704047302.htm "Bakekang Finale Week Replay"] , "philstar.com", n.d. Accessed last April 2, 2007.] The replay also received high ratings against its rival show.

In Super Twins

Many episodes in the GMA Network Philippine drama Super Twins shows many scenes where characters were watching Bakekang in their television screens. This was last highlighted in the second to last episode of Super Twins [ [http://www.igma.tv/video/905/Super-Twins-Eliazar’s-message-to-the-people-of-Laro Super Twins: Eliazar’s message to the people of Laro] , "igma.tv", n.d. Accessed last May 31, 2007.] .

There are also many references to Bakekang throughout the 78 episodes of Super Twins.

The Movie Remake

Bakekang creator Carlo J. Caparas and his wife-producer Donna Villa has already started production for the new movie version of Bakekang. The story will be about Bakekang and her childhood days. It will be produced by GMA Network's film outfit GMA Films, and Villa's Golden Lion Films.

Caparas was so impressed of Sunshine Dizon's performance, he wants her to play the role of Bakekang once more on the silver screen. If the script is approved by the MMFF committee, the movie will be screened for the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival. [http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2007/02/11/ENTR2007021186832.html"Donna Villa to produce ‘Bakekang’ the movie", "mb.com.ph", n.d. Accessed last March 12, 2007.]

Worldwide Exportation

After the success of Bakekang in The Philippines, the series was also shown in Malaysia via TV2 and in Singapore. It earned good reviews from the watchers.

ee also

*List of shows previously aired by GMA Network
*Bituing Walang Ningning - a similar series about women fighting for fame
*Kampanerang Kuba - a similar series about an ugly protagonist

References

External links

* [http://www.pinoyexchange.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258843 Bakekang on PEx Forums]
* [http://www.igma.tv/forum/index.php/topic,41.0.html Bakekang on GMA Forums]
* [http://www.bakekang.com/ Bakekang Fan Base Blog]