After a string of "pure" drama television flops of GMA, GMA has finally hit the jackpot with Bakekang - a television remake of a Nora Aunor movie with the same title.
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.
A loving heart trapped beneath an ugly facade, ignored and unappreciated by those who fail to see beyond what is skin-deep. She 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. Through Kristal, Bakekang will feel the kind of attention she longs for.
Sunshine Dizon was given the biggest break of her career to play the lead role. The series won raves from both critics and television viewers being the highest rated show in the Philippines during its run. The critics stated that all of the "veteran" cast gave their best performance of their career in television.
On the first half of the show, when Bakekang's children were still young, was a tearjerker, the young Charming gave an excellent performance, competing with the acting powers of Sheryl Cruz and Manilyn Reynes - who are considered acting legends.
On the second half of the show, when Bakekang's children were in their teenage years, it was a competition between Yasmien Kurdi, Nadine Samonte and Lovi Poe - who were all considered for the role Kristal. The role eventually went to new comer Poe; the ugly daughter role went to Kurdi and the role of the villain went to Samonte. All the younger cast members gave worthy performances.
The series is exceptional, making viewers cry every episode. The series was liked by many people because of its fast paced story line (compared to ABS-CBN's Maging Sino Ka Man). I think RJ Nuevas (the series' head writer) gave his best drafting the series.
For me, Bakekang, is the best "teleserye" or "teledrama" to be produced in Philippine television.
10/10
