Category: Filipino TV

DryedMangoez Recaps, Reviews and Commentary about Filipino television

Hindsight Review: Herlene Budol Proves Herself in Refreshing, Fun “Magandang Dilag”

Hindsight Review: Herlene Budol Proves Herself in Refreshing, Fun “Magandang Dilag”

GMA Network’s Magandang Dilag has come to an end. And its 99 episodes have been a fun, enjoyable ride. Though the series featured some familiar themes and scenarios as many Filipino teleseryes, it was able to set itself apart in many ways. It was able to blend in comedy and humor with the heavy drama. And as a revenge story, Magandang Dilag was unrelenting in dishing out sweet karma to the series’ antagonists. But perhaps the biggest outcome from the series is how it was able to showcase Herlene Budol as a lead actress.

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Check-in Review: Episode 72 of “Magandang Dilag” a Showcase of Herlene Budol’s Growth, Good Direction and Clever Writing

Check-in Review: Episode 72 of “Magandang Dilag” a Showcase of Herlene Budol’s Growth, Good Direction and Clever Writing

GMA Network’s Magandang Dilag is the only Filipino teleserye my family is watching right now. And it’s for a few simple reasons that are perfectly encapsulated in Wednesday, October 4th’s Episode 72.

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Commentary/Review: “E.A.T” and “Eat Bulaga” – Philippine Noontime Settles… For Now

Commentary/Review: “E.A.T” and “Eat Bulaga” – Philippine Noontime Settles… For Now

Since July 1, my family has actually watched both E.A.T and Eat Bulaga. We have no skin in the game and enjoy watching both shows whenever we need something on the TV. Whatever legal issues they have, they can deal with themselves.

But how are the shows doing content-wise? What seems to be working and what not?

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Hindsight Review: Technical Achievements Elevate and Carry Flawed “Voltes V: Legacy”

Hindsight Review: Technical Achievements Elevate and Carry Flawed “Voltes V: Legacy”

I was very excited after watching the first episode of GMA Network’s Voltes V: Legacy. It was a huge breath of fresh air. For one, finally being able to see what had been worked on for years and delivering a truly exciting first half hour was so exciting. And two, having something of this magnitude be an all-Filipino production was such a major accomplishment.

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First Impression Review: Herlene Budol’s Endearing Charm and Its Fast Paced Story Power GMA Network’s “Magandang Dilag”

First Impression Review: Herlene Budol’s Endearing Charm and Its Fast Paced Story Power GMA Network’s “Magandang Dilag”

I’ve been meaning to write a review for GMA Network’s afternoon drama Magandang Dilag for a while now. But now’s as good a time as any. The ratings are surging and the story is kicking into high gear. And it’s not hard to see why. The perfect soapy plot, an endearing lead and a fast-paced story all make for a fun, not-so-guilty pleasure. That is a combination that is often attempted, but not often accomplished by other series. Yet Magandang Dilag shows that even the simplest stories can still captivate and capture the imagination of audiences.

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Hindsight Review: Thoughtful Storytelling, Excellent Cast Make GMA’s “Hearts on Ice” a Thoroughly Satisfying and Inspiring Series

Hindsight Review: Thoughtful Storytelling, Excellent Cast Make GMA’s “Hearts on Ice” a Thoroughly Satisfying and Inspiring Series

In my First Impression Review, I mentioned how GMA Network’s Hearts on Ice is able to tick off familiar Filipino teleserye boxes, but still offer a unique and refreshing approach to those familiar themes. The series’ 68 episodes definitely maintained that perfect balance. And it has wrapped up its run as a fully satisfying, enjoyable and inspiring series.

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Commentary/Review: Is The New “Eat Bulaga” Really as Bad as Everyone Says It Is?

Commentary/Review: Is The New “Eat Bulaga” Really as Bad as Everyone Says It Is?

Short answer: No, not at all.

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First Impression Review: ABS-CBN/GMA Network’s Paint-by-the-Numbers “Unbreak My Heart” is Still Somehow a Compelling Watch

First Impression Review: ABS-CBN/GMA Network’s Paint-by-the-Numbers “Unbreak My Heart” is Still Somehow a Compelling Watch

The ABS-CBN-GMA Network “collaboration” Unbreak My Heart may be historic in some ways, not so much in others. But debating that is for another time. What we’ll talk about today is how Unbreak My Heart so far is a very familiar, though still engaging soap opera ride. After watching the first eight episodes, Unbreak My Heart offers little in terms of out of the box ideas. But it really doesn’t have to. A charismatic lead quartet helps to elevate the typical sudsy storylines and character tropes of Filipino teleserye. But with the stunning Swiss landscapes and glossy urban Italy to add some extra seasoning, the series has managed to be a fun, juicy ride so far.

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First Impression Review: “Voltes V: Legacy” Off to an Exciting and Unexpectedly Emotional Start

First Impression Review: “Voltes V: Legacy” Off to an Exciting and Unexpectedly Emotional Start

I didn’t expect to get emotional. But as the end (opening?) credits rolled on the first episode of Voltes V: Legacy, I did. And this is me not having watched a single episode of the original series. If I felt this excited and hyped for the series, I can’t even imagine how it must feel for fans who grew up with the original series. Especially for Filipino fans who are seeing their childhood now in a live-action, locally produced series.

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Hindsight Review: Fun, Exciting, Vivid “Mga Lihim ni Urduja” Shows There’s So Much Potential Still Waiting to Be Tapped for Philippine TV

Hindsight Review: Fun, Exciting “Mga Lihim ni Urduja” Shows There’s So Much Potential Still Waiting to Be Tapped for Philippine TV

And ultimately, that is such a welcome sight to see. Mga Lihim ni Urduja was a fun, exciting ride. Even if the series might have been a little too different for some viewers, it is one example of how there are still so many unique stories to tell on Philippine TV. Even familiar stories, but in truly refreshing ways and with new approaches. Urduja showed there is so much potential just waiting to be tapped. And one hopes it won’t be the last of its kind on local television.

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