Watching the 2010 adaptation of Rubi was one of the best decisions I've made, particularly since I had already seen the original Mexican telenovela's tagalized version when it aired on ABS-CBN. This Filipino version delivers sharper, more realistic dialogue compared to the original, and Rubi was fully aware of the chaos she creates to get what she wants. In contrast, the original Rubi seemed oblivious to her own manipulative nature, despite her family repeatedly calling her out, she remained defensive about it. Both versions are undeniably remarkable and enjoyable to watch, but if we're talking about the best adaptation, Rubi (2010) stands out as the most well-executed and best modernized Filipinized adaptation based on a foreign series.
Angelica Panganiban's portrayal added a clever layer of humor to her character, incorporating a "babaeng bakla" style of comedy that made her Rubi even more dynamic. She seamlessly blended her expertise in both villainous roles and maldita wittiness, further proving her versatility as an actress. I think her experience on Banana Split (a Filipino counterpart to Saturday Night Live and Mad TV) helped shape her nuanced performance. The writers also infused the series with authentic Filipino cultural nuances and a more intricate narrative, making the story feel both engaging and believable. While the show retained classic teleserye tropes, it never felt overly contrived or unrealistic, much like the groundbreaking 2007 version of "Marimar" starring Marian Rivera.
Overall, Rubi (2010) is a compelling and entertaining to watch. I sincerely hope ABS-CBN uploads the full episodes on YouTube, as this series carries valuable lessons for future younger audiences, emphasizing the importance of kindness and the inevitable downfall of deceit. In an era where fake friends and crab mentality online are rampant, its message remains as relevant as ever.
