Maghihintay Pa Rin (transl. still waiting / international title: Bitter Sweet Life) is a 2013 Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Don Michael Perez, it stars Bianca King, Rafael Rosell and Dion Ignacio. It premiered on June 10, 2013 on the network's Afternoon Prime line up replacing Bukod Kang Pinagpala. The series concluded on September 27, 2013 with a total of 79 episodes. It was replaced by Magkano Ba ang Pag-ibig? in its timeslot.

Maghihintay Pa Rin
An image of Rafael Rosell, Bianca King, Dion Ignacio and a silhouette of an airplane. The series title is displayed on the lower right side of the image. The logo of GMA Network is displayed on the upper right side of the image.
Title card
Also known asBitter Sweet Life
GenreRomantic drama
Developed byDode Cruz
Written by
  • Luningning Interio-Ribay
  • Geng Delgado
Directed byDon Michael Perez
Creative directorJun Lana
Starring
Theme music composerDingdong Avanzado
Opening theme"Maghihintay Sa'Yo" by Christian Bautista
Country of originPhilippines
Original languageTagalog
No. of episodes79
Production
Executive producerDarling Pulido-Torres
Production locations
CinematographyCarlo Montaño, Jr.
Camera setupMultiple-camera setup
Running time30–45 minutes
Production companyGMA Entertainment TV
Original release
NetworkGMA Network
ReleaseJune 10 (2013-06-10) –
September 27, 2013 (2013-09-27)

Cast and characters

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Rafael Rosell portrays Kiko Sebastian.
Lead cast
Supporting cast
  • JC Tiuseco as Ricky Alvarado[5]
  • Tanya Gomez as Trinidad Sebastian
  • Julie Lee as Grace Lim[6]
  • JM Reyes as Cholo Sebastian
  • Daniella Amable as Lita Sebastian
  • Sachi Manahan as Sebastian
  • Diva Montelaba as Milan
  • Lou Sison as Leni
  • Bryan Pagala as Francisco "Franz" de Villa Sebastian Jr.
  • Ynez Veneracion as Stella Ramirez
  • Nathalie Hart as Yvette Chua-Villafuerte
  • AJ Dee as Lance Villafuerte
  • Ayen Munji-Laurel as Catriona "Rio" de Villa

Development

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Conceptualized by Richard Cruz and developed by Kit Villanueva-Langit, the project—which initially titled as Hindi Kita Iiwan was put on the fast track by the network for a second week of June 2013 premiere. On the mid-part of April 2013, a detailed breakdown of the script was released, containing information on the plot and characters which would be in the series. It also revealed the names of two of the three actors chosen for the lead roles. However, during the casting process of the show, several revisions were made.[7]

Executive producer, Darling Pulido-Torres described the show a reminiscent of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, but not a "stereotypical romance". She also added that the series is especially dedicated for the Overseas Filipino Workers around the world.

Casting

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Bianca King and Dion Ignacio were personally chosen by the network management to portray the lead characters and were the first two actors to be cast. King was signed on to play Geneva de Villa, a Richie-rich young lass "who will do everything in the name of love." King summarized her character as being intelligent, brave and compassionate – far from the usual "damsel in distress" roles she portrayed in her past projects.[8]

Production

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Principal photography commenced in the middle of May 2013. Most of the scenes were shot on location in Quezon City. They also filmed scenes in Singapore. Filming locations were chosen by the series' director Don Michael Perez and by production designer Melvin Lacerna.[9]

Ratings

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According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Mega Manila household television ratings, the pilot episode of Maghihintay Pa Rin earned an 11.7% rating.[10] While the final episode scored a 14.4% rating.[11]

References

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  1. ^ "Bianca King: The good in goodbye". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on June 9, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
  2. ^ "Bianca gets to grow up after a breakup". Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 10, 2013.
  3. ^ "Rafael Rosell: The right move". Tempo. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
  4. ^ "Dion Ignacio keeps busy with a TV show, a rock band and martial arts". GMA Network. June 13, 2013.
  5. ^ "Kantar Media-TNS National Household Ratings (Aug. 17-19): Noah takes solo leadership". PEP.
  6. ^ "Former teen star Julianne Lee gears up for her first TV series in seven years". GMA Network.
  7. ^ "Bianca King, Rafael Rosell fight for love in Maghihintay Pa Rin". PEP. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
  8. ^ "Six weeks of absence from showbiz made Bianca King stronger". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  9. ^ "Cast ng Maghihintay Pa Rin, inaalay ang palabas sa mga OFW". GMA Network. June 11, 2013.
  10. ^ Tuazon, Nikko (June 21, 2013). "AGB Nielsen Mega Manila Household Ratings (June 10 to 16, 2013): Ina Kapatid Anak final episode tops primetime; Sunday All Stars beats rival program on pilot episode". PEP. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  11. ^ Tuazon, Nikko (October 11, 2013). "AGB Nielsen Mega Manila Household Ratings (September 23 to 29, 2013): Prinsesa Ng Buhay Ko and Kahit Nasaan Ka Man register high ratings on pilot episodes; enter top 10 on primetime block". PEP. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
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