Mara Clara (2010 TV series)

This article is about the 2010 series. For the 1992 series, see Mara Clara.

Not to be confused with Maria Clara at Ibarra.

Mara Clara
Title card
Genre	Family drama
Created by	ABS-CBN Studios
Based on	Mara Clara by Emil Cruz Jr.
Written by	Danica Mae Domingo Ma. Regina Amigo David Diuco Allan Cuadra
Directed by	Jerome C. Pobocan Claudio "Tots" Sanchez-Mariscal IV
Starring	Kathryn Bernardo Julia Montes
Theme music composer	Nonong Buencamino Jr.
Opening theme	"Mara Clara" by Carol Banawa
Composers	Idonnah C. Villarico Rommel Villarico
Country of origin	Philippines
Original language	Tagalog
No. of seasons	2
No. of episodes	158 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer	Jennifer Borja-Soliman
Editors	Marion Bautista Marianne Fernando
Running time	30–35 minutes
Production company	Dreamscape Entertainment Television
Original release
Network	ABS-CBN
Release	October 25, 2010 (2010-10-25) – June 3, 2011 (2011-06-03)
Related
Mara Clara (1992–1997) (Philippines) Kaew Lom Phet (Thailand)

Mara Clara is a Philippine television drama series broadcast by ABS-CBN. The series is a remake of the 1992 Philippine television series of the same title. Directed by Jerome C. Pobocan and Claudio "Tots" Sanchez-Mariscal IV, it stars Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes. It aired on the network's Primetime Bida line up and worldwide on TFC from October 25, 2010, to June 3, 2011, replacing 1DOL and was replaced by Guns and Roses.

The title is derived from María Clara, the mestiza heroine in Noli Me Tángere, a novel written by José Rizal.

Mara Clara was the highest-rated program on Philippine television from June 3, 2011 to October 26, 2012, when the 2012 series Walang Hanggan became the highest-rated show for 2012 according to Kantar Media Philippines. The series is streaming online on YouTube.

Series overview

Adaptation

Main article: Mara Clara

Mara Clara was a remake of the 1992 television series, Mara Clara an adapted novel and serial of Emil Cruz Jr. produced by ABS-CBN Studios. In 1996, the original TV series was adapted into a film which nearly the whole cast reprised their roles. In August 2010, ABS-CBN announced that they had decided to remake the television series with Kathryn Bernardo slated for the role of Mara opposite Julia Montes as Clara which centers on two children who were both born on the same day and were switched by Clara's biological uncle, Karlo (Ping Medina). Mara grew up poor while Clara grew up in a rich family as a spoiled girl. However, it was noted that Karlo was only following his brother Gary's (Jhong Hilario) order until both girls were returned to the people they belonged to. The series premiered on October 25, 2010, and continued to air until June 3, 2011.

Episodes

Main article: List of Mara Clara (2010 TV series) episodes

Year		Episode numbers	Episodes	First aired	Last aired
	2010	1–50	50	October 25, 2010 (2010-10-25)	December 31, 2010 (2010-12-31)
	2011	51–158	108	January 3, 2011 (2011-01-03)	June 3, 2011 (2011-06-03)

Cast

Kathryn Bernardo portrays Mara David / Mara Del Valle originally by Judy Ann Santos

Julia Montes portrays Clara Del Valle / Clara David originally by Gladys Reyes

Mylene Dizon portrays Susan David originally by Susan Africa

Jhong Hilaro portrays Gary David originally by the Late Eruel Tongco.

Dimples Romana portrays Alvira Del Valle originally by Beverly Vergel.

Protagonist

• Kathryn Bernardo as Mara David (de facto) / Mara C. Del Valle (de jure) – Mara is the main protagonist. She is the loving and hardworking daughter of Gary and Susan David who will do anything to support her family's needs. Her biological parents are Amanthe and Alvira Del Valle. Her life became miserable when Clara enters the picture to oppose. Despite, all of these misfortunes, she still holds on her faith in God and believes that the sun will shine again for her. She was kidnapped, but survived from being killed by Gary.

Antagonist

• Julia Montes as Clara C. Del Valle (de facto) / Clara E. David (de jure) – She is the beautiful and intelligent, but bratty daughter of Amanthe and Alvira Del Valle, a wealthy couple. Her biological parents are Gary and Susan and her friends resent Mara for her social status. She is head-over-heels in love with her childhood best friend Christian.

Main cast

• Mylene Dizon as Susan Estacio-David – Mara's foster mother and Clara's biological mother. She experiences resentment from Gary and his mother Lupe for not being well-off like Alvira.
• Jhong Hilario as Gary David† (not to be confused with the basketball player of the same name) – Alvira's ex-boyfriend and Lupe's older son. Later it is revealed that he is not the latter's father, and is the biological father of Clara. This is because of his own plans where his brother Karlo had switched the girls at birth. He kidnapped Mara and tried to kill the latter. In the end, he died after Susan impaled him.
• Dimples Romana as Alvira Castillo-Del Valle – Clara's foster mother and Mara's biological mother. She has always felt the need to spoil Clara throughout her life despite her husband's objections. This went as far as hurting Mara in Clara's defense, before and even after knowing the identities of the girls.
• Bobby Andrews as Amanthe Del Valle – Clara's foster father and Mara's biological father. He does not approve of Clara's mean-spirited personality caused by her spoiled attitude from childhood; thus, he feels distant to her as a foster father. Later revealed to have a mistress in his own company.
• Albie Casiño as Christian "Otoy" Torralba – Clara's childhood friend, and eventually Mara's boyfriend. Despite their rough first meeting and impressions, he becomes determined to earn Mara's friendship and trust.
• John Manalo as Erris Reyes – Christian's best friend. At first, he prioritizes working over his studies, but eventually enrolls in the same private school as Christian, Clara, and Mara.

Supporting cast

• Gina Pareño as Lupe David – Gary and Karlo's mother, Susan's mother-in-law Mara's grandmother and Clara's biological grandmother who knows nothing but money. She mistreats Susan, and subsequently Mara, for her lower-class background, and favors Alvira. She becomes nicer and changes her ways after realizing Mara's kind nature, and learning of her older son's toxic actions and behavior.
• Ping Medina as Karlo David† – Gary's younger brother, Lupe's youngest son, Susan's brother-in-law, and Mara's uncle. He is responsible for switching Mara and Clara at birth. He remains caring for Mara despite his crime against both her and Clara. He dies before the truth is revealed to everyone aside from his brother and Clara, but his diary documenting the incident is recovered by Susan.
• Desiree del Valle as Christina Borres† – Employee in Amanthe's company. She is revealed to be his mistress and was killed by Gary before she tried to look for Amanthe.
• Diego Loyzaga as Derrick Gonzales - Mara's second love interest, who was adopted by Mayor Nathaniel Gonzales after his biological father is imprisoned and Carlotta's adoptive brother.

Recurring cast

• Chokoleit† as CG – Susan's friend and Mara (and Clara)'s godparent.
• Tiya Pusit† as Yaya Vonnel – Clara (and Mara)'s nanny. She has taken care of Clara throughout the latter's childhood while the parents have been busy with their businesses. Her name is a pun on April Boy Regino's song "Ye Ye Vonnel".
• Jamilla Obispo as Lenita Santos† – Gary's evil mistress who supports his crimes. She died after saving Mara from a bomb explosion.
• Paolo Serrano as Fidel - Gary's friend
• Dido dela Paz as Abdul Dominador† / Lover Boy† - Owner of the casino who mistreats Lenita. He died after getting shot by Lenita.
• Cherry Lou as Vanessa Torralba – Christian's mother who does not like Mara and favors Clara.
• Jan Marini Alano as Virginia/Barang
• Kiray Celis as Desiree Francisco – She is Clara's evil partner in crime, who also hates Mara and her friends due to Mara being raised poor. Together with Clara they make Mara's life miserable as hell.
• EJ Jallorina as Butch Mauricio – Mara's friend.
• Aria Clemente as Christina "Jin Jin" Angeles – Mara's friend.
• Vangie Martelle as Abby – Clara's friend.
• Arie Reyes as Kaye – Clara's friend.
• Phytos Ramirez as Miguel "Migs" Soriano – Christian's basketball teammate.
• Solo Kiggins as Anthony Mercado – Christian's basketball teammate.
• Marion Gopez as Mickey Torres – Christian's basketball teammate.
• Renzo Cruz as Mayor Nathaniel Gonzales† – Carlotta's biological father and Derrick's adoptive father who died after getting killed by one of Gary's henchmen.
• Helga Krapf as Carlotta Gonzales
• Francis Magundayao as young Gary
• Izzy Canillo as young Karlo
• Andre Tiangco as Atty. Barrameda

Special appearances

• Kimberly Fulgar as young Mara David
• Christine Joy de Guzman as young Clara De Valle

Cameo

• Arron Villaflor
• Robi Domingo
• Enrique Gil
• Jake Cuenca
• Jason Abalos
• Ejay Falcon
• Enchong Dee
• Joseph Marco
• Joem Bascon
• Martin del Rosario
• Matteo Guidicelli
• Sam Concepcion
• Sam Milby
• Xian Lim
• Zaijian Jaranilla
• Zanjoe Marudo

Difference between original and remake

Original	Remake
Susan gives birth to twins. One of them is Clara and the other one died in Kardo's hands. Clara's twin sister was also mistaken for Mara.	Susan only gives birth to Clara. She only gives birth to a twin at the end of the series.
Gary's last name is Davis, the Del Valle couple's names are Amante and Almira, while Kardo is Gary's cousin. The surname of Enrico, Almira's adopted brother, is David	Gary's last name is David, the Del Valle couple's names are Amanthe and Alvira, while Karlo is Gary's brother.
Almira was forced to be in love with Gary.	Alvira was in love with Gary, but they separated when she went to America.
Mara learns that Gary was imprisoned upon his release.	Mara knew about Gary's imprisonment while he was in prison.
Susan is Amante's ex-girlfriend.	Susan and Alvira used to be best friends.
Gary and Kardo are cousins. Louie is Gary's half-sister.	Gary and Karlo are brothers.
Gary's mother was mentioned as Ramona but did not appear in the series.	Lupe is Gary and Karlo's mother.
Kardo is alive throughout the series.	Karlo was killed in the middle of the series.
CG and Lagring are Susan's loyal friends and Mara's godmothers. CG suddenly disappeared at the middle of the series.	CG's character appears as Susan's loyal friend and Mara's godmother while Lagring's character was not included in the series.
Mara and Clara studied in different school when they are in high school.	Mara and Clara are classmates in high school.
Erris and Jepoy are the Del Valles' adopted sons.	Erris is Mara and Clara's classmate in school. Jepoy's character was not included in the series.
Carol is Clara's best friend and roommate during the former's stay in the Del Valles' home. Carol and Lester are also Clara's accomplices.	Desiree was Clara's accomplice.
Karen, Jepoy, Erris and Denise are part of Mara's circle of friends.	Butch and Jin Jin are part of Mara's circle of friends.
Enrico was Almira's scheming adopted brother. He appeared as one of the final villains in the series.	Enrico's character was not included in the series, making Gary the only villain.
Gary's character was killed in the middle of the series (Eruel Tongco, who played Gary, died from an accident in real life while the show was still airing).	Gary was killed at the end of the series.
Mara and Clara both met at the Davises' house.	Mara and Clara both met in school.
Lola Binay, Querubin and Dado are the Del Valles' helpers.	Yaya Vonnel is Clara's nanny.
Amante and Almira are philanthropists.	Amanthe and Alvira run a realty company.
Susan becomes insane because of her miscarriage, and Gary's wrongdoings like having an affair with Lenita.	This storyline was not included in this series.
Amante already knows that Clara is not his daughter. He thought that his real daughter died while Almira was giving birth to her.	Amanthe, along with Alvira, learns that Clara is not their real daughter when they take the DNA test.
Clara learns about her true identity when she eavesdropped on the phone conversation between Amante and Gary. But Mara's identity was not yet revealed in this scene. Clara learns Mara's real identity because of his father, Gary, one year later.	Clara learns about her and Mara's true identity because of Karlo.
Clara's identity was kept a secret because of Almira's heart condition.	This storyline was not included in the series.
Clara fully accepts that her parents are Susan and Gary. She despises Amante because she was forced to be away from her real parents.	Clara doesn't fully accept her fate when she knew that Susan and Gary are her real parents.
Susan stabs Gary while defending Mara but he survives and only gets wounded.	Susan stabs Gary to death at the end of the series while she defends Alvira from being killed.
Kardo gets amnesia when Gary and his henchmen beat him up as part of their plan to kill him. Susan has a same fate as Kardo later on.	This storyline was not included as Karlo was killed in the middle of the series, same with Susan
Clara only knows her true identity after her birthday party.	Mara and Clara already know their true identities on their birthday. Thus, Mara's birthday party was held at the Del Valles' home while Clara's birthday party was held at the Davids' home.
Lenita is revealed to be Sylvia, Amante's ex-girlfriend, who also thought that Amante's real name was Raphael.	This storyline was not included in the series. Thus, Lenita only had an affair with Gary. .
Lenita had a son from Amante, but he later died. She later gives birth to Lester.	Lenita has no son in the series.
Susan learns Mara and Clara's true identity through Kardo.	Susan learns Mara and Clara's true identity upon reading the diary.
Erris was thought to be Amante and Lenita's son.	Erris has no relationship with Amanthe and Lenita.
Susan became a temporary villain in the series while Gary went missing. She makes Mara's life miserable as she doubts that the latter's real father, Amante, was the one who killed Gary.	Gary becoming missing was not include in the storyline. Thus, Susan does not become a villain, but instead becomes a loving mother to Mara, even though she knows that the latter is not her real daughter.
Susan was paralyzed at the middle of the series.	Lupe was paralyzed from the middle towards the end of the series.
Risa was able to save the diary from being burned in the trash can by Kardo.	Susan accidentally picked up part of the burned diary when she put some trash in the trash can.
Clara's kidnapping incident was staged while Mara was intentionally kidnapped by Gary.	Mara is still kidnapped intentionally while Clara was accidentally kidnapped by Gary's henchmen, who were caught while they were about to kidnap Mara.
Susan gets pregnant at the middle of the series but later has a miscarriage.	Susan gets pregnant at the near end of the series.
Clara returned to her real family's home because she felt she was blamed for the previous rift between Amante and Almira, who only cared about Mara.	Clara hated being sent back to the Davids' home after her and Mara's identities were revealed.
Mara knew Clara's true identity first before her own. She learns that she is not a daughter of Susan and Gary before she learns that she is a Del Valle.	Mara knew her and Clara's true identities at the same time.
Amante and Almira had an argument after he found Gary's letters in her cabinet.	Amanthe and Alvira had an argument after he found a bag with a picture of her and Gary in it, and thought they were on a date.
Erris has a crush on Mara.	Erris doesn't have a crush on Mara.
Christian and Mara first met in school. He met Clara at the Del Valles' home. He met Mara first before Clara.	Christian and Mara first met at a mall. He met Clara at school. He met Clara first before Mara.
Jepoy is Erris' best friend.	Christian is Erris' best friend.
Almira knew Clara's true identity through Kardo, who had the copy of their alleged daughter's death certificate. She then learns about Clara's parents when she sees Susan and Clara hugging, before she learns that Mara is her daughter.	Alvira, along with Amanthe, knew Mara and Clara's true identities through Susan, who had the diary.
Mara was thought as Gary's daughter from the other woman. Mara's fake mother is named Edna.	This storyline was not included in the series.
Clara almost killed Mara after hitting her in the wall multiple times and breaking the vase into the latter's head.	Clara saved Mara after the former found the latter being trapped in a water tank.
Mara knows her true identity by eavesdropping the monologue of Susan. She knows the truth first before Amante and Almira.	Mara knows her true identity by Susan, Alvira, Amanthe and Gary. Amante and Almira knows the truth first before Mara.

Reception

KANTAR MEDIA NATIONAL HOUSEHOLD TV RATINGS
(08:30PM PST)

PILOT EPISODE	FINALE EPISODE	PEAK	AVERAGE	SOURCE
27.3%	'43.2%	'??%	??%

International broadcast

Mara Clara had a successful run in Kenya, airing on NTV - one of the nation's top three television stations - during the 6pm to 7pm primetime slot. It aired in 2012 from April to June. Due to its success, reruns were broadcast on the later 10pm primetime slot later in the year.

See also

• List of programs broadcast by ABS-CBN
• List of ABS-CBN Studios original drama series

External links

• Official website
• Mara Clara at IMDb