In the original Mara Clara (1992), audiences endured an excruciatingly long wait for revelations and justice for Judy Ann Santos' character, who suffered unimaginable hardships. This prolonged storytelling was, in part, a strategic move by the showrunners to compete with RPN-9's hit Mexican telenovela Marimar, which dominated the ratings at the time.
The 2010 remake of Mara Clara, which became the highest-rated series of its era, took a far more dynamic approach. With a faster pace, a more streamlined narrative, and a sharper focus on its six lead actors, this version delivered a more engaging and tightly woven story. Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes, both relatively unknown at the time, breathed new life into their respective roles, ultimately catapulting them to stardom.
Jhong Hilario stepped into the role of the infamous antagonist, previously played by the late Eruel Tongco in the original series and William Martinez in the '90s film adaptation. Hilario's portrayal introduced a compelling mix of wit and raw intensity. While his character was undeniably cruel, his moments of genuine affection for those he held dear added depth to his performance, making him more than just a one-dimensional villain.
This adaptation also presented a more refined and less convoluted storyline. Clara's character was given more nuance, occasionally leaning toward an anti-heroic portrayal, unlike Gladys Reyes' purely antagonistic Clara in the original. This rewritten characterization ultimately positioned Jhong Hilario's character as the show's true villain. Another delightful addition was Kiray Celis' character, whose comedic timing and sharp exchanges with Kathryn's on-screen friends injected much-needed humor into the narrative, providing balance to the show's heavy drama.
In many ways, the Mara Clara (2010) remake preserved the essence of the original while refining its execution, proving that a well-crafted retelling can honor its predecessor while making its own legacy.
