Indio (TV series)

Indio
An image of Bong Revilla, over ships on the background. The series title is displayed on the lower side of the image. The logo of GMA Network is displayed on the upper right side of the image.
Title card
Genre
Created bySuzette Doctolero
Written by
  • Suzette Doctolero
  • Geng Delgado
  • Jason Lim
  • Marlon Miguel
Directed byDondon Santos
Creative directorJun Lana
StarringBong Revilla
Theme music composer
  • Von de Guzman
  • Vim Nadera
Opening theme"Lupang Payapa" by Gian Magdangal
Ending theme"Indio theme"
Country of originPhilippines
Original languageTagalog
No. of episodes97 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producerMeann P. Regala
Production locations
CinematographyDavid Siat
Editors
  • Eddie Esmedia
  • Robert Ryan Reyes
  • Noel Mauricio II
Camera setupMultiple-camera setup
Running time19–52 minutes
Production companyGMA Entertainment TV
Original release
NetworkGMA Network
ReleaseJanuary 14 (2013-01-14) –
May 31, 2013 (2013-05-31)

Indio is the 2013 Philippine television drama epic fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Dondon Santos, it stars Bong Revilla in the title role. It premiered on January 14, 2013 on the network's Telebabad line up replacing Aso ni San Roque. The series concluded on May 31, 2013 with a total of 97 episodes. It was replaced by Anna Karenina in its timeslot.

The series is streaming online on YouTube.[1]

Cast and characters

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Main article: List of Indio characters
Cast
An image of Bong Revilla.
Bong Revilla, Jr.
An image of Jennylyn Mercado.
Jennylyn Mercado
Lead cast
Supporting cast
Recurring cast
Guest cast

Development

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"It is the first word that comes into our minds when we talk about Spanish colonization here [in the Philippines]. It mirrors every Filipino. With this series, I want to turn this label into something dignified and a source of pride.""
— Series' creator, Suzette Doctolero on the title Indio

The series was developed in early 2012 by screenwriter, Suzette Doctolero (the writer behind such epic series as Encantadia, Etheria: Ang Ikalimang Kaharian ng Encantadia and Amaya) and under the supervisions of historians: Dr. Vic Villan of the University of the Philippines Diliman (who was also the consultant for Amaya) and Dr. Rolando Borrinaga; and GMA Entertainment TV creative heads, Jake Tordesillas and Jun Lana. The idea for series was conceived during the time Doctolero did her research on Amaya. According to her, the series is a combination of Philippine history and Filipino mythology. The show's staged in pre-colonial to Spanish colonial period setting (1565–1663). Regarding the title "Indio" –which was a label intended to be a badge of imposed by the Spanish on the natives— Doctolero stated that "It is the first word that comes into our minds when we talk about Spanish colonization here [in the Philippines]. It mirrors every Filipino. With this series, I want to turn this label into something dignified and a source of pride."[12] GMA Network assigned Dondon Santos to helm the series. The series is his first project for the network.[13] Historians Vic Villan and Rolando Borrinaga were hired to ensure the accuracy of the series.[14]

Casting

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Headed the series' cast is Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr. who plays the titular character. GMA Network's Vice President for Entertainment TV, Lilybeth G. Rasonable said that "Indio was really made for him."[15] Revilla finds his very first television series "exciting but very challenging" and described it as "a movie but done for TV".[12] The actor-politician went through rigorous acting trainings under director Laurice Guillen for his preparation for the role. He also gets Phillip Salvador to be his acting coach.[16] He also did some readings and research regarding Philippine history because "even though it is a fictional show, it has some historical undertones that should at least have some sense of accuracy."[17][18] Actor Alden Richards signed on to play the teenage version of the title character while Vincent Magbanua auditioned and successfully cast as the younger Malaya. In March 2012, actresses Jennylyn Mercado and Rhian Ramos were announced to be Revilla's two of three love interests.[19] In August 2012, Maxene Magalona was added to the cast, wherein her role had previously been offered to Sunshine Cruz.[20][21] Sheena Halili was chosen to play a role in the series. Rocco Nacino was originally cast as Tuhay but later replaced by Dominic Roco. Michael de Mesa and Jackie Lou Blanco were signed on to portray the antagonist roles of Juancho and Victoria Sanreal. Other casts were all announced during the series' story conference, held in GMA Network Center, the same month of 2012.[22]

The cast of characters grew over the course of the series. Some of the notable actors, that appeared and portrayed important characters, were Mark Gil, Ramon Christopher, Aljur Abrenica, Katrina Halili and Ryan Eigenmann. Gil played Miguel López de Legazpi, the very first governor-general of the Philippines, while Ramon Christopher played António Sanreal, father of the main antagonist, Juancho Sanreal. Both characters appeared only on the pilot week. Abrenica acted as Bagandi, the brave native warrior who became an ally to Simeon/Malaya. First appeared on the penultimate episode of the first chapter, Abrenica became one of the prominent casts in the second chapter of the show.[23] Katrina Halili played the antagonist Burigadang Pada Sinaklang Bulawan, the goddess of greed and vengeance,[24] while Eigenmann played Sidapa, the god of death. In an interview, Eigenmann described his character as "a little bit tricky since he is not totally evil. In fact, even if he is the god of death, he wants to be fair to everyone. However, a twist in the story, which will be revealed in the coming episodes, will change all that." The character first appeared on the 64th episode of the series.[25]

Production

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Principal photography commenced in September 2012,[26] The production used different filming locations. The series was shot primarily in the towns of Pagsanjan and Cavinti in the province of Laguna. The entire Spanish-era village was built along the banks of the Pagsanjan River in Pagsanjan especially for the series. It is where most of the "Pueblo" scenes are shot. The setup includes a church facade, the Spanish quarters (including the mansion of Juancho and Victoria Sanreal), and the village of the locals. Other locations include: Intramuros Manila, Inao-Awan, Lumot Lake in Cavinti, Laguna, Morong Park and Subic Bay Port in Subic, Zambales, Bolinao, Pangasinan and Tanay, Rizal. Filming locations were chosen by production designers, Rodell Cruz and Jerran Ordinario.[26] Theater and independent film director Dennis Marasigan was hired as movement and crowd director. The production budget was 50 million Philippine pesos, making the series as one of the most expensive drama series in Philippine television.[27][28][29] The series was slated to air for twenty weeks consisting of 98 episodes.[30]

Music

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Von de Guzman created the underscore for the series. De Guzman— composed the opening credits theme or the "heroic" music playing during the opening credits. De Guzman also worked in tandem with writer Vim Nadera in creating other themes like: "May Laya" (transl. There is Freedom), a war song or the song usually playing during the battle scenes; the closing credits theme "Lupang Payapa" (transl. Peaceful Land) which was also used various times as a "love theme" for Malaya/Simeon and Rosa's scenes; and "Aking Anak" (transl. My Child), a "melodic" or somewhat a lullaby used during scenes involving Malaya and his adoptive mother Linang.[31]

Reception

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Ratings

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According to AGB Nielsen Philippines' Mega Manila household television ratings, the pilot episode of Indio earned a 29.3% rating.[32] While the final episode scored a 26.6% rating.[33]

Critical response

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Alwin M. Ignacio of The Daily Tribune said: "Grand is the best adjective to describe Indio. The camera shots are panoramic. The grandeur is seen and felt during the fight scenes and exodus sequences. You grasp the opulence and magic when you first catch sight of the diwatas in meeting."[34] The Philippine Star's entertainment columnist, Ricky Lo felt that the series "It's almost as big as a movie. No. Indio is even bigger than and presumably better than a movie."[17] Bibsy M. Carballo of The Philippine Star said that "If there were to be a historical drama-fantasy series that would reach epic proportions, it would have to be Indio!"[35] Entertainment columnist and Startalk host, Lolit Solis praised the ensembles' acting performances, including Vince Magbanua's, the 10-year-old Palaweño who played young Malaya/Simeon.[36] Isah V. Red of Manila Standard Today and Nestor Cuartero of Tempo praised Revilla's acting performance. Red said that "He isn't too far behind in scenes that have actors like Michael de Mesa, Chinggoy Alonso, Ronnie Lazaro, and Jackielou Blanco. Viewers can easily discern each of the characters they are watching due to the clear portrayal by the actors who fittingly tint their roles with the proper tones, and Revilla, though not formally schooled in acting, displays keen understanding of characterization."[37] While Cuartero said "He proves beyond doubt that aside from being an "action star", he is also very competent in drama, investing the part with his heroic presence."[38] Writer-director Ronald Carballo impressed with the performances of Revilla, De Mesa, Jennylyn Mercado, Sheena Halili and Vaness del Moral, said that "With the great flow of the story, wonderful performances and excellent cinematography, I am hooked now on the show, as in every night."[39] Noel Asiñas of The Journal praised the show's action stunts, said that "Indio's stunts are well-choreographed. It's my first time to watch that kind of stunts in local television."[40]

The series was also positively received by other writers. Blogger, Ely Valendez of Ely's Planet reviews: "What's more interesting in Indio 'though is the story itself that's strongly related to the Philippine history." Valendez also dubbed "Indio as the new Encantadia."[41] Jason Lim of the blog Taking A Break praises the series' special effects, said that "Indio really benefited from an early pre-production date as most of the effects are seamless. The scene with the Baconaua and the opening scene that tied down the timeline/era were exceptionally done."[42] Blogger Neil Celeste Rara described the show as "thrilling and visually captivating", stating "While the ratings war remains to be tough and the battle is fought day by day, the people behind this wonderful series have a reason to sleep soundly at night, for they not only have done their jobs well, they have also created a piece of art that viewers will always remember."[43] While Dinno Erece of the blog Show and Tell, said "We were so impressed by the special effects of the Indio to think it's only a television series. We're daring to say this but Indio has a better special effects than that of Si Agimat, si Enteng Kabisote at si Ako and Shake, Rattle & Roll 14. [And] it's not just the special effects, even the production design and the costume and the history, they're fully researched."[44]

Accolades

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Accolades received by Indio
Year Awards Category Recipient Result Ref.
2013 27th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Drama Actor Bong Revilla, Jr. Nominated [45]
Best Primetime Drama Series Indio Nominated
2014 ENPRESS Golden Screen Awards for TV Outstanding Original Drama Program Nominated [46]
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Program Sheena Halili Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "Indio | Full Episodes - YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  2. ^ Almo, Nerisa (December 19, 2012). "Bong Revilla undergoes acting workshop for GMA-7 series Indio". PEP. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  3. ^ a b "Bong proud to be called Indio". Manila Standard. January 27, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  4. ^ "24 Oras: Jennylyn Mercado, ipinagmamalaki ang kanyang pagganap sa inaabangang Epicseryeng Indio" [24 Oras: Jennylyn Mercado, proud on her acting on the awaited Epic series 'Indio']. YouTube (in Filipino). January 11, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Not seen on TV: Ang mga Mortal sa Mundo ni Indio" [Not seen on TV: The Mortals on the world of Indio]. YouTube (in Filipino). January 25, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  6. ^ Diones, Allan. "Indio ni Bong, hahatak sa mga bata". Abante (in Filipino). Archived from the original on May 26, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  7. ^ Marasigan, Ruben (January 9, 2013). "Rhian Ramos talks about her diwata role on GMA-7's drama-fantasy series Indio". PEP. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  8. ^ "Not seen on TV: Sa Mundo ng mga Diwata" [Not seen on TV: In the world of goddesses]. YouTube (in Filipino). January 25, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  9. ^ "Not Seen on TV: Ang mga tauhan sa buhay ni Indio" [Not Seen on TV: The characters on the life of Indio]. YouTube (in Filipino). January 25, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  10. ^ "Si Jackie Lou Blanco bilang Victoria" [Jackie Lou Blanco as Victoria]. YouTube (in Filipino). January 15, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  11. ^ Macapendeg, Mac (January 11, 2013). "Vaness del Moral, lilihis sa karaniwan niyang role sa Indio" [Vaness Del Moral will divert from her usual roles on Indio]. GMA Network (in Filipino). Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  12. ^ a b "GMA spares no expense for Indio". Malaya. January 10, 2013. Archived from the original on March 25, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  13. ^ "Director ng ABS, magdidirek ng epicserye ni Bong sa GMA" [Director of ABS will direct the epic series of Bong on GMA]. Abante (in Filipino). Archived from the original on August 6, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
  14. ^ Garcia, Rose (January 21, 2013). "Two historians were tapped to ensure the accuracy of Indio". PEP. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  15. ^ Luna, Erica (January 11, 2013). "GMA 7 raises the standards of making TV series through Indio". Inside Pinoy Showbiz. Archived from the original on October 30, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  16. ^ "Bong Revilla Stars In First Teleserye For 2013, Indio". Yahoo!. December 25, 2012. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  17. ^ a b Lo, Ricky (January 8, 2013). "Indio is Bong's gift to his fans". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 7, 2020.
  18. ^ Calderon, Ricky (January 11, 2013). "Indio: Movie fantaserye made for TV". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  19. ^ Gorgonio, Sol (August 12, 2012). "Rhian at Jennylyn nag-uunahan kay Sen. Bong". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  20. ^ Lorenzo, Alfie. "Sunshine, ayaw makipaghalikan kay Bong". Abante-Tonite. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  21. ^ Garcia, Rose (August 19, 2012). "Maxene Magalona says no hurt from a breakup will come close to the hurt of losing a dad". PEP. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  22. ^ Miralles, Nitz (August 13, 2012). "Zsa Zsa: I'm so frustrated! + Indio series". Journal Online. Archived from the original on August 15, 2012. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  23. ^ "Ready for the big leagues". Malaya. March 12, 2013. Archived from the original on July 5, 2013. Retrieved April 5, 2013.
  24. ^ "Katrina Halili joins the cast of Indio". PEP. April 11, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  25. ^ "Katrina Halili Ryan Eigenmann join Indio are they friends or foes?". Elysplanet. April 15, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  26. ^ a b "Senator Bong Revilla headlines GMA-7's historical epic Indio". GMA Network. November 22, 2012. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  27. ^ "Epic-telemovie ng GMA 7 na Indio, pangunguhan ni Sen. Bong Revilla Jr" [Sen. Bong Revilla Jr. will lead GMA 7's 'Indio' Epic-telemovie]. GMA Network (in Filipino). August 23, 2012. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  28. ^ Brosas, Alex Valentin (August 23, 2012). "Bong Revilla Dubs First TV Series 'Epic-telemovie'". Yahoo!. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  29. ^ "GMA Network produces the most expensive drama in local television history via Indio". GMA Network. January 10, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  30. ^ "GMA bets big on Indio". BusinessWorld Online. December 11, 2012. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  31. ^ "Indio epicserye preems on GMA". The Philippine Star. January 14, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  32. ^ "AGB Nielsen Mega Manila Household Ratings (Jan. 7-17): Indio shows remarkable strength on its pilot week; anchors GMA-7 to the top". PEP. January 21, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  33. ^ Tuazon, Nikko (June 7, 2013). "AGB Nielsen Mega Manila Household Ratings (May 31 to June 2): Magpakailanman and PGT Season 4 Finale tied for top spot last June 1". PEP. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  34. ^ Ignacio, Alwin M. (January 12, 2013). "Indio, a tale filled with mayhem and magic". The Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on April 16, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  35. ^ Carballo, Bibsy M. (February 27, 2013). "How Kuya Ipe drew real tears from Bong". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  36. ^ Solis, Lolit (January 16, 2013). "Nasa Switzerland na Sarah Lahbati, tinulungan ni Annabelle Rama na makaalis!". Pinoy Parazzi (in Filipino). Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  37. ^ "Bong Revilla makes Indio a must-watch weeknights". Manila Standard. February 4, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  38. ^ "Bong's heroic presence in Indio". Tempo. February 4, 2013. Archived from the original on September 10, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  39. ^ Bautista, Mario (February 18, 2013). "Disappointed over Charice and Jessica". Journal Online. Archived from the original on March 30, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  40. ^ Asiñas, Noel (February 2, 2013). "Bela defends self: In good taste ang ginawa ko". Journal Online. Archived from the original on February 4, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  41. ^ "Indio is the new Engcantadia". Ely's Planet. January 13, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  42. ^ "Television: Indio". Blurred Lights. January 13, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  43. ^ "Why Indio is worth the millions". GMA Network. Archived from the original on July 20, 2013. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
  44. ^ "DotPH domains available portal". Show and Tell.
  45. ^ "ABS-CBN dominates nominations for 27th Star Awards for Television". PEP. November 8, 2013. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  46. ^ Calderon, Ricky (February 12, 2014). "Golden Screen TV Awards nominees revealed; German Moreno will receive Gawad Dolphy Lifetime Achievement Award". PEP. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
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