The ’80s tearjerker is back

MANILA, Philippines - The Kapuso Network raises the bar of afternoon drama as Mga Basang Sisiw focuses on juvenile struggles instead of the usual adult angst and plight. Kid and teen actors take the spotlight in presenting domestic issues children get embroiled in. This tearjerker for kids strengthens GMA 7’s stronghold in the afternoon-melodrama department. Mga Basang Sisiw is a remake of the 1981 movie starring the late Helen Vela of the Lovingly Yours, Helen fame. The GMA 7 latest drama offering is also in response to the trend of bringing movie classics to the small screen.

“We thought of doing our contemporary interpretation of (the movie),” shares program manager Hazel Abonita. “And it is high time that kids will topbill an afternoon soap.”

Televiewers will witness how the Sebastian siblings (played by Renz Valerio, Bianca Umali, Kimberly Faye, Hershey Garcia and Miko Zarsadias) “who grew up sheltered fend for themselves,” says Hazel. Fans of afternoon drama will join the kids in traversing the harsh world outside their comfort zone.

Mga Basang Sisiw expands GMA 7’s afternoon viewership. Mothers aged 40 and above comprise the market. But kids, particularly pre-schoolers and elementary pupils, are also at home this time. They have control over what programs they wish to watch.

“We decided to tap both (mothers and kids) and to come up with a story that appeals to moms and highlights children,” says Hazel.

The afternoon block is a rich and big market to explore. It’s the time of the day when siesta moments happen like engaging in small talk and lounging in the sofa. Mga Basang Sisiw wishes to accompany viewers in their light-afternoon bonding.

Highlighting the talents and concerns of children is GMA 7’s way of offering out-of-the-box drama concepts. Hazel says they want that “a novel idea comes up from time to time.”

This also speaks of viewers’ changing and evolving preference in their entertainment requirement. Traditional soaps like Daisy Siete ruled the afternoon timeslot for the longest time. “And who would have thought that viewers would be open to storylines like rape victim in Broken Vow and wife switching in Faithfully?” says Hazel. The public has become welcoming in watching edgy stories. It’s also a welcome change to see very young actors doing drama — and not the afternoon drama princesses like Jennylyn Mercado, Maxene Magalona, Bianca King, Lovi Poe and Kylie Padilla.

Speaking of young talents, Renz, Bianca and Kimberly are products of GMA 7’s Talent Development Management Department. “So, we thought, ‘Who else are we going to hone? Who else are we going to topbill?” (But of course), those who grew up with us,” says Hazel. “Bianca did Tropang Potchi. Renz is part of Jollitown. Kim has been doing showbiz for seven years. Dito talaga sila lumaki.”

GMA 7 should tap more homegrown talents than crossover ones. This sends a message to bonafide Kapuso talents that their big break, which will lead to a breakthrough performance, is on the way. Example is Kim Rodriguez of Kakambal ni Eliana. Hopefully, Mga Basang Sisiw will serve as Renz’s vehicle to be launched as the future Kapuso matinee idol or young drama actor. Given his innate talent in acting, he can shuttle from afternoon drama to primetime soap.

How’s the TV version different from the original movie?

“We make it ‘now’ in terms of dialogue, the look and the realities kid characters will face when they leave home,” replies Hazel. “The basic premise of kids who are living a sheltered life, decide to leave home and fend for themselves is still intact.”

Along the way, issues about street peddling, child labor, exploitation of minors and child trafficking will be tackled. Drama, however, remains the highlight of Mga Basang Sisiw. It will be a challenge for actors to see viewers empathize than sympathize with their characters.

(Mga Basang Sisiw premieres today after Eat, Bulaga! and airs weekdays thereafter.)