Maria Flordeluna


Maria Flordeluna is a Philippine primetime soap opera that aired on ABS-CBN and DZMM TeleRadyo in the Philippines and on The Filipino Channel worldwide. A radio version of the series aired weekdays on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 in the Philippines. The show aired from February 12, 2007 to June 22, 2007 replacing Super Inggo.
The series is based on the Flordeluna radio drama of the 1970s written by Marcos Navarro Sacol. Flordeluna was first adapted for television by RPN in the 1970s starring Janice de Belen in the title role. It tells the story of the title character, an 11-year-old girl, and her efforts in bringing her family together against all odds.

Cast and characters

;Main cast
Actor / CharacterCharacter Description
Eliza Pineda
as Maria Flordeluna Alicante †		Maria Flordeluna is the daughter of Leo and Elvira. She was named after a white flower that only blooms at night. She is an eleven-year-old who struggles to keep her family together and happy. In the end of the story, to keep her father alive, she pushes him out of the way and dies from falling into a pile of rocks.
Eula Valdez
as Josephine "Jo" Espero-Alicante		Jo Espero is a teacher who first falls in love with Leo Alicante in 1994 and marries him 13 years later. She has one daughter, Wilma.
Albert Martinez
as Gen. Leo Alvarado Alicante		Leo Alicante is the father of Maria Flordeluna and Reneboy with his deceased wife Elvira Aragoncillo. He is now married to Jo Espero.
John Estrada
as Gary Alvarado		Gary Alvarado is a soldier in the Philippine military and Leo's half-brother/rival.
Vina Morales
as Maria Elvira Aragoncillo-Alicante †

Elvira Aragoncillo is a governors daughter who falls in love with Leo Alicante and marries him. She dies after being shot by rebels and enemies of Leo and the Philippine military.
Liza Lorena
as Brigida Espero		Brigida is Jo's mother and Wilma's grandmother. Her nickname is "Mamita."
Alwyn Uytingco
as Jacob Charles "JC" Custodio		JC is a student at the university Annie attends and is the leader of an on-campus action group.
Jill Yulo
as Annie Natividad		Annie is the daughter of Tibor, who is attending college and lives with her father at the Alicante home.
Johnny Delgado†
as Ret. Gen. Carlos Alvarado Alicante

Carlos Alvarado is a retired Philippine military general and father to Leo and Gary. He is the grandfather of Maria Flordeluna and Reneboy.
Roldan Aquino†
as Tibor Natividad		Tibor is Leo's uncle who now serves as the family driver.
Nash Aguas
as Renato Manuel "Reneboy" Alicante		Reneboy is the youngest son of Leo and Elvira and brother to Maria Flordeluna. He is eight years old.
Kristel Fulgar
as Wilma Espero		Wilma is the daughter of Jo Espero who becomes Flor and Reneboy's stepsister.
Minnie Aguilar
as Soling		Soling is the trusted servant of the Alicante family.

;Supporting cast
;Guest cast
;Radio cast
There was the voice cast of the radio version of Maria Flordeluna which was broadcast weekdays at 2:30PM on DZMM. It ended to make way for MMK sa DZMM.
The series theme song is "Maria Flordeluna" and was written by Arden Condez and Jonathan Manalo. It was composed and arranged by Jonathan Manalo and is performed by Sheryn Regis. The song was nominated for a 2007 Awit Award.
There are also two love themes: "Hanggang May Kailanman" performed by Vina Morales, but originally performed by Carol Banawa and "Lihim" performed by Acel Bisa.
Also used during the show is a version of "Lihim" sung by Alwyn Uytingco and Jill Yulo.

Reception

Maria Flordeluna was the only primetime drama series in 2007 on either ABS-CBN or GMA to have gained viewers through the duration of its run until its eventual record breaking finale episode. It currently holds the record as the highest rated program on nationwide Philippine television since AGB Nielsen's nationwide urban television audience measurement service was first launched in October 2006. The finale episode itself holds the record as the highest NUTAM rated series finale with a 49.3%.

Awards and nominations

The 21st Star Awards for Television

The series was nominated for Best Primetime Drama Series at the 21st Star Awards for Television, given by The Philippine Movie Press Club.

The 20th Awit Awards 2007

The theme song, "Maria Flordeluna," was nominated in the category of Best Song Written for Movie/TV/Stage Play.

Catholic Mass Media Awards 2008

The series is nominated for Best Drama Series/Program against fellow ABS-CBN series Lobo and Maalaala Mo Kaya.

Credits

More than 1,000 young actresses auditioned for the role of Maria Flordeluna which eventually went to Eliza Pineda. The pilot episode aired for approximately one hour and 20 minutes on Monday, February 12, 2007. The finale episode had a runtime of approximately 45 minutes.