JE C.C.
ABS-CBN is quickly establishing its overseas domination in 2022, with more Kapamilya dramas making waves in African and Asian countries.
After making waves in key African television markets through Wild Flower, The General’s Daughter, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, and other hit teleseryes, in the last two years, ABS-CBN is poised to both strengthen its stronghold in Africa and establish a strong presence in the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar. The media giant is proving its commitment to showcasing its strengths outside free television by focusing more on its content collaboration and international distribution ventures.
Star Times, one of the largest pay TV networks in Africa, is among ABS-CBN’s biggest import partners in the region, with service encompassing 41 countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, The Gambia, and Nigeria. Last year, Maja Salvador-led dramas, Wild Flower and The Killer Bride are among the most talked-about offerings of the Network. Love Thy Woman, starring Kim Chiu, Yam Concepcion, and Xian Lim, also enthralled the African viewers, until its finale episode aired during the first week of January, this year.
A Soldier’s Heart, which starred Gerald Anderson, Carlo Aquino, Jerome Ponce, Elmo Magalona, Yves Flores, and Nash Aguas, is also a big hit, alongside the Jodi Sta. Maria-starrer, Sino Ang May Sala: Mea Culpa. The longest-running Filipino teleserye, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, is taking a short break, to allow new Kapamilya programs to headline the StarTimes line-up. The action drama starred by Coco Martin, is set to return in March.
This year, the youth-oriented drama, Bagong Umaga, served as among StarTimes’ opening salvos. Internationally titled New Beginnings, the drama starred some of ABS-CBN’s finest young stars, including Kiko Estrada, Yves Flores, Toni Labrusca, Heaven Peralejo, Barbie Imperial, and Michelle Vito.
Similarly, the 2014 hit infidelity-themed drama, The Legal Wives, began placing the region under its spell on January 31. The drama marks Angel Locsin’s second drama to enthrall the continent, after The General’s Daughter.
Aside from Africa, ABS-CBN dramas are also making an impression in Asia. This week, the Erich Gonzales-starred La Vida Lena debuted on Burmese television via Fortune TV. The Burmese pilot week eclipses the finale week of the series in the Philippines.
