Mara Clara Relives

In the history of Philippine soap opera, who could have ever forgotten the longest running series in Philippine television that made Judy Ann Santos a household name? Mara Clara was one drama series that made the 90s, THE 90s. It is adapted from the novel of Emil Cruz Jr. It was well watched and scrutinized because it was realistic. With the actress Gladys Reyes as Clara its story becomes shrewder. It was rational because of the time frame and casing of the story, or as we liked to call it, "pacing ng istorya". Although the story was just like any other teleserye we see these days, has a one in a million prospect ever likely to happen, it was able to capture the Filipinos because of our love for the rags to riches story. No one could have ever thought that after 18 years, one of the teleseryes which really had a mark on viewers' lives will have a television comeback. And now, Mara Clara returns and lives again.

A 2010 remake, starring two fresh and new young ladies Kathryn Bernardo as the new Mara and Julia Montes as the new Clara, currently airs in ABS-CBN. Both of them are charming and refreshing, contributing a great energy to a show that would otherwise be just like any other series on TV today. In the latter part, those who easily suspect that the new Mara Clara will just be a complete copycat of the original will have to think again. New elements and twists in the story are added by the directors more applicable to our time. It will be improved and better. The series focuses on the two girls, Mara and Clara, now in high school. And that set up provides for some typical high school angst, sorrow and romance. There are mean girls, there are best friends, and of course there is the thrill and cuteness of first love. But what is the premise of these?

Mara Clara tells the story of two young girls raised in two diverse worlds--Mara, growing up from a poor family and Clara growing up pampered with possessions and chattels. Mara lives in a life of poverty, belittled of love from her parents. She, however, feels the compassion brought about by her friends. Even though her parents think less of her, she loves them dearly and is willingly to endure torment and anguish from other people. On the other hand, Clara, the spoiled daughter of Alvira and Amante often feels insecure when her parents caters the need of Mara thus often abuse Mara's good nature. This new TV show - a primetime drama series is expected to steal the ratings on Philippines TV and continues to soar high as it gains supremacy.